Mexico’s New All-Inclusives


 

ME Cancun
The premium accommodations at ME Cancun come with exclusive perks under the “Complete ME” plan.

 

 

 

 

Agent Advice

“I think Mexico is trying anything and everything to get more business into the country,” says Marianne Braly of Now Voyager Travel in Huntington Beach, CA. “I sell all-inclusives all the time and they’re an easy sell both for the bargain and the one-time payment in full before you even leave home. But this type of resort is traditionally designed for the low- to mid-budget traveler. For example, I don’t see the Rosewood Mayakoba going all-inclusive, but, hey, who knows what the future will bring!”

 

 

It may be a daring attempt to get more hotel business to Mexico in a competitive marketplace, or perhaps it’s just the way of the future for all hotels in the country. Whatever the reason, more and more established hotels in Mexico are turning all-inclusive.

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.

The ME Cancun’s new business model is dubbed “Complete ME.” There will still be an EP aspect to the hotel, however. Tony Cortizas, Sol Melia’s vice president of marketing/Premium Portfolio, says the restaurants will remain open to locals and tourists who aren’t guests at the hotel at a cost. According to him, there was a “constant demand” for an all-inclusive plan at the hotel.

The 419-room ME Cancun will now allow its guests to choose from an array of packages as part of the “Complete ME” concept. The hotel’s basic offering will focus on traditional amenities such as unlimited food and beverage, complimentary pool access, YHI Spa’s fitness center, Wi-Fi and all in-room amenities, including iPod docking stations. Guest rooms on The Level, the hotel’s premium collection of accommodations, will have elevated privileges and amenities that will be part of The Level package. Here, for instance, guests will have access to private VIP check-in, exclusive use of the 10th floor’s Living Room lounge, exclusive concierge services and 24-hour in-room dining at no extra cost. Agents should contact Mourad Essafi, director of sales for ME Cancun, at 011-52-998-881-2679.

 

 

Solmar All-Inclusive Resort & Beach Club
Solmar All-Inclusive Resort & Beach Club’s packages include domestic drinks and snacks at its pool bar.

 

Don’t expect this to be a company trend, though. Raul Petraglia, managing director for ME Cancun, noted that this transition was “very particular to Cancun” and that we “shouldn’t expect” other ME properties to convert to an all-inclusive plan. However, Cortizas said that “anything is possible.”

Shortly after ME Cancun’s announcement came the news that Live Aqua Cancun had introduced its Live Aqua Unlimited concept.The resort, with 335 rooms and 36 luxury suites, has three restaurants, eight pools and numerous onsite activities. Live Aqua all-inclusive rates will start at $520. Spa Aqua, hair salon, transfers and transportation, laundry and dry cleaning, tours and excursions, gift delivery and discretionary tips are not included in the Unlimited rate.

Live Aqua Cancun
Live Aqua Cancun, which recently introduced all-inclusive packages, has 335 rooms and 36 luxury suites.

Agents should contact Alejandra Sanchez (011-52-998-881-7600, ext. 7634, [email protected]), leisure sales manager at the property.

Meanwhile, in Los Cabos, the newly renamed Solmar All-Inclusive Resort & Beach Club, formerly Solmar Resort, seeks 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 last month.

Amenities and services include breakfast, lunch and dinner daily on property, and domestic drinks and snacks at Pool Bar Tejaban as well as Trebol.

Guests are treated to two special dinners as part of the resort’s weekly theme nights—one, a traditional Mexican fiesta and the other, a beach party—as well as the theme nights at sister property Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa. In addition, a 15 percent discount is offered for off-property dining at popular Los Cabos restaurants such as Galeon, Romeo y Julieta and Hacienda El Coyote.

The all-inclusive program will be optional for all Solmar Resort Club and RCI Exchange members, along with a number of new special offers. Rates at Solmar Resort begin at $277 per person, per night based on single occupancy; $185 per person, per night based on double occupancy; and $150 per person, per night based on triple occupancy.

Contact Israel Gatica (011-624-145-7575, ext. 4112, [email protected]), director of sales, marketing and e-commerce, for more information.