There’s just something about the energy at a Hard Rock hotel. Could it be the rock n’ roll memorabilia, or the grooves and beats coming out of every (hidden) speaker? It might simply be the overall vibe from a brand known for celebrating everything cool and fun about the music industry. Whatever blend makes this hotel brand unique, this writer is a fan, and your clients will be, too—especially if you have a girls’ and guys’ group looking for a few fun-filled days in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Frank Maduro, v.p. of marketing for Hard Rock’s All-Inclusive Collection, agrees. “Whether it’s a girls’ getaway or guys’ getaway, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers authentic experiences, from the entertainment we offer to the authentic music memorabilia, the rooms with sky terraces, the unique programs like Music Lab, and the nightlife experience at one of our lounges or Club Heaven.”
Oh, to be a Vibe Manager
Did you know the Hard Rock brand has its own Vibe Managers on property who are responsible for creating the right ambiance at each Hard Rock hotel? During a property tour, our very own Vibe Manager Jose Vargas explained how both sections of the Hard Rock property (the adults-only Heaven, and the adjacent family section, Hacienda) each have a distinct separate identity, from the decor to the music and even the rock n’ roll memorabilia. Every aspect of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya oozes with rock n’ roll charm and stop-and-stare rock memorabilia—a personal favorite is the electric guitar on display in Heaven’s ultra-hip lobby that was once played by rock legend Carlos Santana.
The property offers a total of 1,264 guestrooms, but let’s focus on the Heaven side, which is the ideal option for the specific girls’ and guys’ getaway market. Heaven features 577 rooms and suites exclusively for adults, the Rock Spa with 75 treatment rooms, the POSH Beauty Salon and Boutique, the Body Rock Fitness Center, four adults-only pools, and Club Heaven; dining venues range from Toro, a steakhouse, to Italian dishes at Ciao, and Cava Roja serving Spanish cuisine and tapas—and let’s not forget the seven bars and lounges.
I was booked in the stylish Deluxe Platinum Sky Terrace suite for two guests, but for a larger group, recommend the 2,583-sq.-ft., 2-bedroom Rock Suite Platinum, accommodating up to six guests with special amenities that include nightly petit fours, aromatherapy and pillow menu, and a complimentary beach bag. Rates for the Rock Suite start at $1,299.60 per night for up to four guests; each additional guest is $210.60 a night.
Rhythm, Motion, Music
The highlight and most memorable moment during my stay was the jam session experience at Hard Rock’s newest music program, Music Lab.
Created for families, groups, and anyone with a genuine love of music, Music Lab is a hands-on musical journey fit into three different programs: The Jam Band program places up to seven people in a rock band (musical instruments included), and with the guidance of a Rock Counselor the band rehearses together before performing in front of a live audience; the Spin Session program pairs up to six people with a DJ Counselor who leads the session with advice on how to create the ideal dance track; and the RockTube program allows guests to create their own virtual music video complete with rock n’ roll costumes and a virtual red carpet entrance.
Guests can sign up for Music Lab once they arrive at the hotel, free of charge; there is a cancellation fee of $50 if guests do not cancel the session by 10 a.m. on the day of the appointment (Music Lab is available for guests 12 and older).
Another neat find is at the Rock Spa where music and relaxation blend perfectly with the spa’s new Rhythm & Motion spa treatments. The 80-minute Synchronicity massage treatment, for example, is a unique experience where the spa therapist performs massage techniques set to the rhythms of a music playlist—it’s the best of both worlds for music and spa enthusiasts.
Your clients will also find dozens of activities on site and all are listed in the hotel’s daily Billboard program guide, from wine and tequila tastings to Spanish lessons, Hard Rock trivia, and live music by the pool. Of course, dancing the night away with a live DJ is a must at Club Heaven—the club features a large pool in its center for both dipping and dancing.
Rock Royalty
For guests looking for the ultimate VIP experience at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, the brand recently introduced its Rock Royalty Program. Your clients can book their suite in the Rock Royalty Level, and upon arrival receive the phone number of an on-call personal assistant who is there to coordinate their stay and arrange all reservations—both on and off property. The program also offers such services as express luggage delivery and a complimentary 25-minute couples’ massage.
Contact Information
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya: (855) 537-4603; hrhrivieramaya.com
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