Travel Agent recently had the opportunity to chat with Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer of Margaritaville Holdings, about the news we broke to you Thursday of a new partnership involving Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
The agreement introduces Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma, which will include new resorts built in beachfront destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico.
Although Margaritaville's first hotel in the Caribbean is set to have a soft opening on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands on February 4, Baldanza-Dekker tells Travel Agent that resort is completely separate from these new, all-inclusive resorts.
"The new resort on Grand Cayman is a full-service destination resort that will be ideal for couples, families and groups, as well as local residents given the variety of food and beverage options there," she tells Travel Agent. "Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman is not all-inclusive. The new properties we are building with Karisma mark our first entry into the true all-inclusive market, which is very exciting for us."
Baldanza-Dekker, who noted that each Margaritaville hotel or resort property is individually owned and operated, says it has yet to be determined if there will be more all-inclusive Margaritaville resorts than EP hotels.
"Moving forward, I can’t say what the division will be specifically, but we are looking to grow on both sides of the hotel and resort business, and see terrific opportunity ahead in both segments," says Baldanza-Dekker.
Although Mandy Chomat, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, would not tell us exactly where the first Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma resort will be, he did tell us the first hotel will be in either Mexico or the Caribbean.
In fact, Chomat tells Travel Agent that such Caribbean destinations that are being considered for future Margaritaville resorts include Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Jamaica, The Bahamas and Antigua, where Karisma recently announced expansions plans to back in December.
As far as Mexico goes, Chomat tells Travel Agent that there is heavy interest in developing on the country's West Coast, specifically Los Cabos.
But when asked where she would like to see more Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma resorts, Baldanza-Dekker's response was a bit more general.
"I would answer this question differently," she says. "I can’t think of one island where this concept would not be a fit. Margaritaville is much more than just a destination. It’s a state of mind. Our brand is about experiencing fun and escapism, regardless of your physical location. When you combine the Margaritaville lifestyle and our emerging casual-luxe design with the world-class food, beverage and service provided by Karisma, you have something truly special. I think this concept could redefine the vacation experience for travelers anywhere in the world."
Combining coastal-luxe design and decor with top quality food and beverage in tropical destinations, Karisma and Margaritaville will aim to deliver a vibrant, world-class all-inclusive experience inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and author Buffett.
The debut of Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma, will mark a handful of exciting milestones for Margaritaville, including its first all-inclusive resorts, which will be some of the largest properties in its growing hospitality portfolio.
"At Margaritaville, we consider ourselves to be the original lifestyle brand, and our lifestyle has translated into a thriving hospitality division," says Baldanza-Dekker. "That said, this partnership is one of the most exciting we’ve ever announced. Karisma has built an outstanding reputation for itself in the luxury all-inclusive market, so who better to come together with in this way?"
Visit www.karismahotels.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Caribbean news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent's Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.