All-Inclusive Updates From Sandals, Cancun and More

Clients considering a tropical vacation this fall and winter will have new all-inclusive hotel options to choose from in Cancun and Costa Rica, while a pair of Sandals in Jamaica have upgraded amenities on tap. Looking ahead, St. Martin’s hotel picture should get brighter with a luxury all-inclusive resort debuting next year.

The new-build, 294-suite Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica is scheduled to open October 1 at the base of the Peninsula Papagayo in the Guanacaste province. The hotel will aim to reflect the Planet Hollywood lifestyle brand, including its signature Hollywood memorabilia, while also incorporating a number of high-tech touches, such as interactive touchscreen displays that narrates the memorabilia, as well as PHTV in-suite and throughout the resort, to keep guests up to date with live streams of events and activities. There will be eight different food and beverage venues, including a Guy Fieri Burger Joint, as well as a Pumped fitness center, PH Spa, PH Shop, two swimming pools and a splash zone. The hotel is being developed as part of an agreement with Sunwing Travel Group, which also includes Planet Hollywood Cancun, set to open in spring 2019. 

Beginning October 15 at Sandals Montego Bay and November 15 at Sandals Royal Caribbean, anyone staying in Club and Butler room categories will receive complimentary airport transfers to and from the resort. Upon touchdown at Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport, guests can step into a luxury BMW transfer to either resort. 

In addition to this new service, Club and Butler level guests benefit from additional perks, such as private check-in at — and 24-hour access to — the Club Sandals Lounge, as well as a private orientation with a Club Sandals Concierge. Butler Elite guests can also get personal butler service, which includes everything from a cell phone with which to reach their butler to personal poolside or beachside service. 

Sandals Montego Bay was recently reimagined and renovated, with new room offerings, a new “living room” lobby area, and new restaurants, including Butch’s Steak and Seafood, a new Jerk Shack, the Soy sushi restaurant and the over-water bar called Latitudes, equipped with cantilevered hammocks and underwater lighting.

The Palladium Hotel Group is set to open the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, just north of Cancun, in November. Set on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Costa Mujeres, it will have 469 guestrooms, each with a balcony or terrace, whirlpool bath, direct access to exclusive swim-up pools and views over the Costa Mujeres landscape. Guests will also be able to take advantage of butler service and 24-hour room service, and five themed restaurants, as well as the Chic Cabaret & Restaurant. Guests will also have access to all the services of Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, including its nine à la carte restaurants, through the brand’s Dine Around program.

AMResorts is bringing its adults-only Secrets Resorts & Spas brand, with its Unlimited Luxury vacation concept, to St. Martin via a conversion of the former Riu Palace St. Martin. The 350-room / suite hotel will undergo a $20 million renovation before re-opening in 2019 under the Secrets brand. Among other enhancements, the makeover will add a new rooftop pool with ocean views and swim-out suites. The hotel will offer 24-hour concierge and room service, multiple gourmet à la carte restaurants and lounges, spa facilities, and day and evening activities.

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