With summer travel right around the corner, agents should probably brush up on all the latest all-inclusive happenings coming out of resurging Mexico.
Travel Agent zeroed in on some of the latest offerings, developments and programs at some notable all-inclusive in the destination.
Vacation Express Offers New Caribbean, Mexico Family Programs
Last week, Vacation Express launched a new collection of all-inclusive family resorts. Named SMILE hotels, these hotels are designated with a "smile" icon on the company's website.
All of the SMILE family resorts, located in the Caribbean and Mexico, feature special Kids Clubs, restaurants with child friendly options and nightly family-appropriate entertainment.
Every SMILE hotel allows up to two children between the ages of two and 12 to stay, eat and play for free when sharing a room with at least one parent. Vacation Express also offers special preferential pricing for teens aged 13 to 17.
All SMILE resorts waive the Single Supplement fee for single parents sharing a room with their children.
All these family prices are valid every night of the year, even over peak holiday periods without black-out dates. Visit www.vacationexpress.com.
RIU’s New Cancun Resort Opens
Earlier this month, after an investment of $140 million, RIU Hotels & Resorts inaugurated the Riu Palace Peninsula, an all-inclusive beachfront property located on an impressive beach in Cancun.
This will be the fourth property in this destination where the Spanish hotel chain already has three hotels: the Riu Cancun, Riu Caribe and Riu Palace Las Americas.
The Riu Palace Peninsula will belong to the luxury line of the hotel chain, which will be oriented to a more select and discerning clientele. The hotel will be characterized by its architecture and modern decoration, its high quality cuisine and its 24 hours all-inclusive program.
The hotel offers a modern and contemporary architecture and its 562 rooms, which are distributed in a main building and 48 villas, enjoy an impressive view of the Caribbean waters and an avant guard decoration.
This hotel also features a fascinating attraction with a direct connection to the cultural roots of the region. On the grounds of the hotel lies an archaeological discovery of Mayan ruins called Ta'acul, meaning “that which remains hidden”. This cultural treasure was recently excavated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) with funding provided by RIU, which is also responsible for the care and maintenance of the site. Visit www.riu.com.
Pueblo Bonito Breaks Ground on New Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in Los Cabos
Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas announced in early May that they have begun construction on an 18-hole championship golf course in Los Cabos.
The course, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, will be located at Quivira, the 1,850-acre luxury community in Puerto Escondido, on the Southern tip of the Baja Peninsula where Pueblo Bonito Pacifica and Sunset Beach are located.
"Los Cabos has a long history as a premiere golf destination and we are excited to bring a championship course to Quivira, our Los Cabos properties, and the destination," said Ernesto Coppel, president and owner of Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas, in a written relase. "We look forward to the completion of this course and providing our guests with a lifetime of memorable golf experiences at Pueblo Bonito."
The area's natural terrain, including massive sand dunes, rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, private coves and desert canyons, will provide the setting for the course, which will hug the coastline and wind through the hillside.
Construction has begun on the water infrastructure and two oceanfront golf holes as well as the temporary practice facility, located right on the beach. Simultaneously, work has commenced on the holes which wrap around Quivira Mountain. Nine holes are expected to be grassed by the end of 2012, and the course is scheduled to be fully completed by April 2013. Upon completion, the resort course will be open to Pueblo Bonito guests and Quivira residents.
Quivira is a 1,850-acre luxury residential community made up of residential housing, the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort and Spa. Future plans for Quivira include a golf clubhouse, two beach clubs, hiking/biking trails, spa and village center with restaurants, bars and the new Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Visit www.pueblobonito.com.
Oasis Hotels & Resorts To Re-Introduce Oasis Riviera Maya, Oasis Viva Properties
Effective as of now, Oasis Hotels & Resorts is re-introducing the Oasis Riviera Maya and Oasis Viva properties, says Enrique Klein, vice president of sales and marketing, for the hotel company.
The former Grand Oasis Riviera Maya will operate under the new name Oasis Tulum, while the Grand Oasis Viva and Oasis Viva will be maintaining their names. Both properties began accepting guests on May 1.
The 312-room Oasis Tulum offers guests a "Chill Out" environment in the heart of the Riviera Maya just 10 miles from the archaeological sites of Tulum and 15 miles from Playa del Carmen.
The property is also close to the theme parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha and 10 minutes from the charming towns of Akumal and Tulum. An 18-hole golf course is right next door. The property features seven restaurants, eight bars, several pools, tennis courts, a scuba diving center, fishing activities, a Kin Ha Spa and Kin Ha Jungle Spa, yoga, a gym, and a native steam bath.
Rates will start from $65 per person, per night all-inclusive for stays May 1 to June 30 and August 16 to December 20. Rates from July 1 to August 15 start from $70 per person, per night, all inclusive. Two children (12 and under) stay and eat free when sharing accommodations with two paying adults utilizing existing bedding. The Grand Oasis Viva and Oasis Viva are perfect for travelers who want an all-inclusive resort located on one of the best beaches in Cancun. The properties feature 441 rooms plus six restaurants, five bars, two pools, the Kin Ha Spa, and non-motorized water sports.
Rates will start from $60 for stays May 1 to June 30, $65 from August 16 to December 20, and from $70 July 1 to August 15. All rates quoted are per person, per night, all inclusive. Two children (12 and under) stay and eat free when sharing accommodations with two paying adults utilizing existing bedding. Visit www.oasishotels.com.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for more updates on all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.