In Mexico, it’s out with the old, inns with the new as 2017 gets underway.
New, upgraded and expanded properties are grabbing headlines on both coasts.
Here’s a sampling.
Grand Velas Los Cabos officially opened on December 20th. Located in the hotel corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the luxury property features 304 ocean-view suites ranging in size from 1,180 to 3,412 square feet. Amenities include Nespresso Coffee Makers and L’Occitane bath products. Top category suites also include private plunge pools. Wellness Suites feature lofted ceilings, recumbent bicycles, in-suite massages, an aromatherapy menu and juice bar. The hotel’s three infinity pools overlook the Sea of Cortez, offering prime views during whale-watching season.
“When you talk about major developments for our company this year, the new Grand Velas Los Cabos is at the top of the list. It’s the ultimate in what Velas has come to stand for. Our innovative wine program, spa and wellness suites and culinary offerings with a Michelin chef are especially noteworthy,” Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts tells Travel Agent.
In other resort news in the destination, Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas has reopened after a $23 million makeover. It emerges with 44 new junior suites featuring private pools. An additional eight new Jacuzzi suites bring the total room count to 692. Three new bars, an Indian restaurant, expanded swim-up bars and a second gym round out the renovations.
In Cancun, Desire Riviera Maya Resort has debuted its new duplex villa suites The four loft-style suites include a dining room, fully stocked bar, living room, terrace and Jacuzzi. All four suites share a private pool and include butler service.
Desire is an Original Group (formerly Original Resorts) brand, offering a clothing-optional environment for couples. Also in the portfolio is Temptation Cancun Resort, a topless-optional property.
Travel Agent spoke recently with Original Group’s concept manager, Mario Cruz about brand expansion.
“We started 40 years ago with the first hotel in Cancun. We’re the true pioneers of adult-only hotels in Mexico. All of our hotel concepts are directed to that market,” Cruz tells Travel Agent.
Extensive research, says Cruz, shows that interest in their particular niche is growing.
“We do a lot of studies and market surveys. Obviously, this is not a normal type of hotel. You either love it or it’s not for you. Thankfully more people love it. Lots of young people are interested in finding something out of the ordinary, and we are perfect for that,” said Cruz.
Noted industrial designer Karim Rashid is overseeing the from-the-ground-up renovation of Temptation Cancun Resort. He’s already earned some prestigious design awards for his use of “sensual minimalism” in the project. The hotel reopens in the fall of 2017 with a seven-story tower, eight restaurants, five bars, spa, fitness center and two pools.
Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau director and chief executive Lizzie Cole tells Travel Agent that adults-only is a particularly hot concept in the destination.
“Adults-only properties are definitely on the rise. We are seeing entirely new hotel brands come into the market. And established resorts are adding adults-only sections with lots of creative ideas. It’s really a booming trend,” Cole tells Travel Agent.
The competition doesn’t faze Cruz.
“We know other hotels are opening adults-only sections. But we feel there is something for everyone. What makes us unique is that our staff is very friendly and professional. No one judges you at our resorts. Some of our staff have been with us for 20 years and that makes a difference,” said Cruz.