Mexico’s tourism numbers are reaching for the stars, with a record 39.3 million foreign travelers visiting the country in 2017. Los Cabos, in fact, saw a 16 percent year over year growth, welcoming three million visitors in 2017 via air and cruise. Acapulco, too, saw quite an increase from 2015, with a 10 percent increase in hotel occupancy. To accommodate the increase in visitors, new accommodations are popping up everywhere, and many of the established resorts are sprucing up their luxe offerings to treat your clients to lavish stays. From Cancun to Los Cabos, check out all of the new treats resorts are rolling out.
The Caribbean Coast
In Playa del Carmen, one resort has spruced up its accommodations and another one just made its grand debut. The adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar recently refurbished its garden-embraced 200 villa accommodations, each offering a Royal Hideaway butler. The intimate property is home to six restaurants, and Michelin-starred Andalusian chef Alejandro Sanchez recently joined the F&B team as gastronomic director. Recommend the Chef’s Table, as well as a detour to the Royal Theater, where once a week the chefs create a menu to complement the thematic show. For a more urban adults-only hideaway, The Reef 28 has just opened its doors, with a rooftop bar lounge, ARRIBA, and just steps away from all the fun of the city’s lively Quinta Avenida. Just a stroll away from the beach, the all-suite property’s accommodations come with bedside jacuzzis, and patios or terraces. Guests will also find a spa, and Mexican and Asian restaurants, and they have the option of shuttling to the two other Reef properties in Coco Beach or Playacar.
In the Riviera Maya, Hotel Xcaret Mexico features a unique spa where massage cabins are nestled in stone caves of natural rock facing the river (take a look at this issue’s cover image). The spa gets its name, Muluk, from the ancient Mayan calendar sign associated with water and the treatments pay homage to the area’s ancient traditions; the Copal Purification full-body treatment, for instance, uses tree resin used by Mesoamerican cultures for spiritual cleansing. Come next summer, Hotel Xcaret will get a new neighbor, La Casa de la Playa. Part of the Experiencias Xcaret Group, the new, ecologically minded property will feature 63 suites with private plunge pools, categorized in three concepts: Nature, Fun and Wellness. Guests will have access to four restaurants, two pools, a spa, a mezcaleria, a chocolate confectionery shop, a wine cellar and a library.
Remind high-end clients seeking an all-inclusive experience that Paradisus Cancun’s Royal Service Ocean View Suites, Royal Service Lagoon View Suites, Royal Service Solarium and Royal Service Lounge were renovated and enhanced within the past year, and that the onsite YHI Spa has a new treatment, the Dead Sea, that incorporates black pearl powder and plant extracts.
The Pacific Coast
On the country’s other coast, in Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is celebrating Golf Digest’s selection of the 18-hole Quivira Los Cabos as one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” with the Taste of the Top 100 package (priced at $3,750 pp dbl). In addition to unlimited golf on a spectacular course, the 5-day package includes accommodations in a suite with a private pool at The Towers at Pacifica, a lavish resort within a resort known for its top-end amenities, including a VIP lounge and 24-hour butler service. Package also includes a brief primer before the round by the director of golf and his staff; a culinary experience at Quivira Steakhouse; a mixology session at The Market at Quivira, a hip market hall; the option to participate in the resort’s Hook & Cook program; and two 1-hour Golfer’s Massages at Armonia Spa.
For those clients who want to embrace summer with ocean activities that take them along the Sea of Cortez, recommend the Sail into Summer package at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, which includes a sunset cruise on board a French-made sailboat, luxury accommodations, luxury transport from the hotel to the marina, VIP airport transport, and daily breakfast for two. The stunning ocean setting is also part of The Resort at Pedregal’s new luxury yacht experience. The resort’s 60-ft. Dos Mares cruiser can take your clients on a 2-hour sunset cruise, with cocktails and canapes, while the private tour for up to six guests can span anywhere from two to eight hours, featuring seasonal appetizers, main dishes, open bar, and an array of other treats.
Wellness aficionados are going to love Grand Velas Los Cabos’ six all-new, 1,829-sq.-ft. Wellness Suites that feature a king bed, lounge area, two bathrooms—one of which features a Vitamin C shower—spacious terrace with plunge pool, and a second floor Wellness Deck, stocked with recumbent exercise bike and equipment for daily private training. There’s also a personal wellness concierge; healthy menus; a nightly spa turndown; and a 50-minute massage at Se Spa, as well as other inclusive amenities.
New in the Los Cabos hotel landscape is a Viceroy property, debuting this month. Formerly known as Mar Adentro, the property has been reimagined and now features a brand-new lobby/arrival experience, a beach pool and bar, and an expanded spa.
With tax season completely wrapped up and most of your clients’ monies in their hand, recommend Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ Tax Return package, which is open through July 31, for stays through Dec. 20, 2018. Clients staying at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas and Grand Solmar Land’s End, as well as any of the other Solmar properties (except Quinta del Sol), get 60 percent off their entire stay. They’ll have access to luxury accommodations, jaw-dropping scenery and a culinary feast.
Ideal for clients seeking a last-minute summer getaway, the five-star Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit, located near Puerto Vallarta, on the dramatic hills of the Bay of Banderas, is offering substantial savings for bookings made through May 31 with stays through July 14: All-inclusive price starts at $97.50 pp per night ($195 room for two per night), with accommodations in an adults-only Tropical View Junior Suite.
City Living
The Journey to Mexico package, a partnership between Banyan Tree Cabo Marques in Acapulco and Four Seasons Mexico City, showcases both sides of Mexico, with beach and urban stays. The package includes three nights at Four Seasons Mexico City; an Art, Politics & Love Triangle: Frida Kahlo, Leon Trotsky & Diego Rivera Experience; a visit to San Angel’s Saturday bazaar; a Sunday biking tour of Mexico City; a guided visit to the Xochicalco archaeological site; a private lunch at Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas; three nights at Banyan Tree Cabo Marques; a romantic dinner for two; private mescal
and tequila tasting; and a private master cooking class.
San Miguel de Allende is a favorite with American expats, and why not? The vibrant city offers beautiful architecture, a hip vibe and luxury stays, including the lovely Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, which is offering a Garden and Galleries package. Spending three nights at the luxury resort, guests will get a private guided walking tour of the city; go on an excursion to Charco del Ingenio botanical garden and nature preserve; have dinner for two at Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar and the 1826 Restaurant; go on a private visit to a local organic farm with one of the hotel’s chefs, where they’ll pick ingredients for a cooking class at the property’s Los Pirules Artisanal Kitchen and Garden Bar; get a private tour of La Otra Cara de Mexico mask museum; visit the artists’ studios, galleries, and boutiques of Fabrica La Aurora with the hotel’s dedicated art concierge; have in-suite dinner prepared by the hotel’s culinary team; get a 90-minute couple’s treatment at Sense, A Rosewood Spa; enjoy complimentary breakfast at 1826 Restaurant; and have poolside lunch for two at Agua.
Contact Information
Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit: sirenishotels.com
Grand Velas Los Cabos: loscabos.grandvelas.com
Hotel Xcaret Mexico: hotelxcaret.com
Journey to Mexico: journeymexico.com
Paradisus Cancun: paradisus.com
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort: pueblobonito.com
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: rosewoodhotels.com
Royal Hideaway Playacar: barcelo.com
Solmar Hotels & Resorts: solmar.com
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel: thompsonhotels.com
The Reef 28: thereefresorts.com
The Resort at Pedregal: theresortatpedregal.com
Viceroy Los Cabos: viceroy.com
