In Mexico, extensive renovations are breathing new life into long-standing properties, and new hotel concepts are being introduced.
Luxe Los Cabos
After millions of dollars’ worth of renovations, the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort has reopened, revealing new culinary concepts, new decor, refurbished accommodations, and a 7,000-sq.-ft. spa and salon, among other upgrades. Located at the tip of the Baja California peninsula between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort faces the Sea of Cortez, on one of Los Cabos’ few swimmer-friendly beaches.
The redesign combines Mexican heritage with custom curated artworks, carved wood furnishings and colorful textile accents for a culturally distinct contemporary design. Guests also have three new dining options to savor—Azul, a subzero tequila and mezcal bar in the lobby; La Onda, a beach bar serving up cold beers and ceviches; and Mio, a swim-up bar. In addition to new dining concepts, the resort is also introducing El Sombrero, a new hat shop specializing in handcrafted headpieces.
Additionally, La Vista Club, a 65-room “hotel within a hotel,” is set to debut this month. It features spacious interiors, extended balconies, custom-made furnishings, and marble baths, as well as other luxury adornments.
The second phase of renovations are scheduled to be completed next month. That includes a brand-new holistic spa with 15 treatment rooms, three pedicure stations, four manicure tables, a Zen garden, and a movement studio, as well as a new fine-dining restaurant, Vela, and new programming to the Cabo Kids Camp for children ages 4 to 12. Room rates start at $179; valid through Oct. 30, 2015. For more information, call (800) 445-8667 or visit hiltonloscabos.com.
A Family Escape in Puerto Vallarta
AMResorts is unveiling Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, the newest addition to its family-friendly Sunscape brand. The resort, formerly the Holiday Inn Resort Puerto Vallarta, is closed for remodeling and will reopen December 2015.
Parents will enjoy the enhanced guest accommodations at the 313-room resort, which features connecting rooms, in-room children’s amenities, improved spa facilities, and a 24-hour access to dining and drinks at six restauraunts and six bars. Kids are entertained at the new Explorer’s Club to give mom and dad some alone time.
The resort, located in Marina Vallarta, is a 4-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and an 18-minute drive to the downtown area where families can view sculptures, stop in at shops and restaurants, and look out over Bahia de Banderas as they stroll along Puerto Vallarta’s malecon (boardwalk). Nearby, families can take in a bit of shopping at Plaza Caracol and Plaza Peninsula Malls or take a trip farther south to walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town (Viejo Vallarta), overflowing with shops, cafes, and markets, as well as bars, bookstores, and art galleries. For more information, visit appleleisuregroup.com.
A ‘One-of-a-Kind Hotel’ in Riviera Maya
Thompson Hotels debuts its second property in Mexico, Thompson Playa del Carmen, this fall. The new property is located on La Quinta Avenida—a 2-mile, pedestrian-only stretch filled with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping.
Thompson Playa del Carmen is the only hotel in Playa del Carmen with a retail component and the first property in the town to have two separate locations—the centrally located main building and the oceanfront Beach House, located a 5-minute walk away from each other. In the main building, local designers worked together to meld mid-century Mexican accents with bright geometric patterns and textures in the main areas and 92 guestrooms. Many of the guestrooms have terraces, and the Thompson Suites feature outdoor fire pits and hot tubs. A 30,000-sq.-ft. rooftop boasts panoramic views of the surrounding downtown area and Caribbean Sea, and features an infinity pool and the sea-to-table dining and nightlife concept, CATCH. Meanwhile, the landscaping, a chef’s garden, a ‘living wall’ (vertical garden), and cabanas give off a beach vibe on the rooftop.
A couple of blocks away, the bohemian-inspired Beach House is set to open in early 2016. The beachfront getaway features 27 luxury rooms and suites, each with its own terrace. There’s also a casual restaurant and bar, a pool with cabanas, and guests can try stand-up paddleboarding, yoga and diving. Room rates start at $240 per night for the main building. Beach House rates have not been released. For more information, call (844) 823-8100 or visit thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-playa-del-carmen.
