The Fives Hotels & Residences is newly independent and reaching out to travel advisors with a number of new programs. This year also marks the brand’s 10th anniversary, as well as the opening of its third property. Travel Agent spoke with Sandor J. Winkler, director of hospitality at The Fives Hotels & Residences, to learn more.
The Fives officially went independent from its former partner, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, on October 1, Winkler says. “The properties have been under our supervision since their inception,” he explains. “We became increasingly involved with their operation over the past several years, and on October 1 we debranded from Karisma to position ourselves independently as a distinct hotel operator with its own programs, its own features and its own style of hospitality.”
A major part of this differentiation will be establishing The Fives’ “All Senses Inclusive” branding, which emphasizes the sensory aspect of its offerings. To that end, the brand is launching a new travel advisor program called the Fives Asset Program.
“We’re going to be launching the program under the tagline ‘All Senses Specialist in Experiential Travel,’” Winkler says, which references the “All Senses Included” branding.
Launching in December of this year, the program will offer enhanced commission, booking bonuses and on-property perks for travel agents’ clients. By participating in the program agents will be able to receive 21 percent commission through the company’s tour operator partners, as well as a $500 booking bonus for FIT bookings of five nights or more, or $250 for each group booking of 10 rooms or more (with a minimum of five nights per person). Clients will also receive a special welcome amenity with a personalized note from the agent (no annual limit), and agents can give each of their reservations a booking perk, such as a room category upgrade or a free massage (also with no annual limit). Finally, agents will be able to earn one complimentary night or two complimentary day passes for personal use for every FIT booking of five nights or more booked for their clients.
Also new with The Fives is its third property, The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos, which is set to open in Puerto Morelos next year.
“It’s a very relaxed Mexican destination,” Winkler says of Puerto Morelos. “Other hotels in the area are in Cancun and further north, but we’re integrated into the city, so you can experience Puerto Morelos like a local.” The new property will be close to public beaches and public beach clubs, Winkler notes.
The Fives Oceanfront – Puerto Morelos will be a 115-suite resort and, while it will be set in Puerto Morelos, the Cancun airport will be only 15 minutes away. Also nearby is the world’s second-longest coral reef.
“It’s fantastic for adventure travelers, and we’re also catering to clients looking for a beach club experience,” Winkler says, noting that the property will debut with the brand’s first beach club that is part of its all-inclusive concept. The beach club was developed in partnership with Marley Coffee, which is also served at The Fives resorts.
One last tidbit: like previous Fives resorts, the new property will have accommodations designed in a residential style and available in large, one- two- and three-bedroom configurations, which Winkler says are an especially good fit for families.
“These are usually a pain for travel agents because they have to go to either really high-end room categories or ask for adjoining or connecting rooms,” Winkler says. “Right off the bat we have a variety of room types that are not in upgraded categories that can handle five or more clients.”
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