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| The all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cancun opened in January. |
From 21st-century attractions to an island untouched by time, Mexico and Latin America have much for families to enjoy and explore.
Interest is definitely growing for all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cancun since it opened in January. Family-friendly amenities include a children’s club house and play area with supervised activities and learning experiences for kids ages 4-12. An interactive Dolphin Encounter, in a habitat that supports ocean preservation, is also in the offing. Then there’s a trendy microbrewery for the grownups and Pareles, a candy store and dessert parlor for kids of all ages.
In June, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun will add an outdoor area to its popular Coral KidZ Club. Hotel guests also can take advantage of a new E-concierge app.
As for new attractions in Cancun, visitors can check out the new Wax Museum in the Hotel Zone’s La Isla Shopping Village. And June 1 is the opening day for the new $20 million Xenses Park, an eco-park that promises a unique sensory experience combining natural scenery with visual effects.
For late-summer vacationers or clients looking ahead to 2017, Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ El Dorado Maroma will open overwater accommodations (a first for Latin America) in September. Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants who have already sold El Dorado Spa Resorts and Generations Resorts by Karisma will be the only ones able to sell the Overwater Bungalows from now until September 1. These agents will also get 21 percent commission.
For more updates, check out the Mexico Family Travel Focus supplement in the April 4 issue of Travel Agent.
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| Ecoventura, known for cruising through the Galapagos Islands, recently launched MV Origin. |
Latin America
Ecoventura, which specializes in sustainable cruising through the Galapagos Islands, has launched its newest premium class vessel, MV Origin. The luxury yacht departed on its inaugural seven-night voyage from San Cristobal Island on February 28. The 20-passenger mega-yacht has 10 deluxe staterooms, all on one deck, and offers a variety of amenities such as locally inspired gourmet cuisine, an open bar policy, a Jacuzzi and fitness center. MV Origin also has expansive indoor and outdoor social and observation areas. It’s also well suited for family travel, offering connecting cabins and triple cabins.
Ecoventura welcomes families with children ages 12 and above on all expedition vessels throughout the year. Families with children ages five and up can travel on any of MV Origin’s designated Family Departures, which are geared toward those who prefer to travel with other families with similar aged children. These are offered over school breaks and feature age-appropriate activities. MV Origin’s naturalists know how to bring these Islands they love to life and to balance learning with fun for the entire family.
Children ages 11 and younger at the time of sailing are entitled to a 25 percent discount off the cruise rate and also a 50 percent discount off the airfare and park tax with photocopy of the child’s passport showing date of birth. Children 12-17 are eligible for a 15 percent discount off the cruise rate only. There are no child discounts permitted on holiday departures.
Marriott’s boutique Autograph Collection brand recently opened its second hotel in Costa Rica: El Mangroove, a sustainable lifestyle resort on the Gulf of Papagayo. It has 85 guest suites, a pool stretching over 130 feet with sweeping gulf views and events in the evenings, on-site bicycles and a state-of–the-art spa and fitness center that include outdoor “wild-fit” areas and multi-functional exercise decks.
A Kids Zone coordinator prepares different activities every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus occasional evening activities such as movie nights and pajama parties.