Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa Becomes Latest Mexican Resort to Expand Clientele

It’s no secret that Mexican resorts have been looking to fill rooms anyway they could since business to the drug-war plagued country began suffering in 2009.

The latest trend in Mexico involves established resorts looking to change or simply tweak their business models with hopes of bringing in a new type of client.

In little more than a year, Travel Agent has covered at least four popular Mexican resorts that have either changed their pricing plans or even their overall concept with hopes of adding a new type of guest.

Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts decided late last year to adopt the all-inclusive tag at its ME Cancun, which officially made the transition on January 1. Shortly after, news broke that Solmar All-Inclusive Resort & Beach Club, formerly Solmar Resort, in Los Cabos, was seeking to combine upscale accommodations with all-inclusive convenience.

Its premium concept features à la carte dining only as opposed to the buffet-style dining commonly associated with all-inclusive properties, maintaining Solmar’s commitment to a high level of service for all guests. The transition became effective in December.

Earlier this year, during our coverage of the 36th annual Tianguis Turistico tradeshow, Travel Agent sat down with representatives of Hotelera Posadas and learned that one of the hotel company's most popular resorts, Live Aqua Cancun, would be converting to an adults-only hotel. That plan was put in effect back in May. This was, in fact, the second major change the popular Cancun resort has made. Live Aqua Cancun announced a new all-inclusive concept back in November.

And the latest resort looking to broaden its horizons?

This fall, Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa in the Riviera Maya, will unveil an adults-only section (from 21 years of age and up) of the resort, complete with its own pool, restaurant, individual villas and area of the beach, which will be ideal for couples getaways, romantic escapes and the budget traveler looking for a relaxing adult vacation.

The Adults Only Select Club opens on November 1 and the adults only amenities will include: a private reception area for Select Club guests; a newly-designed eco-rooms with oceanfront views; a private oceanfront clubhouse and beach lounge area with a premium bar, wireless internet, TVs; a private beach concierge and more.

Visit www.sandos.com/RivieraMaya and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com as we continue to follow this growing trend.