 |
Antonio Cosio, owner and vice president of
Brisas Hotels & Resorts//
© Brisas Hotels and Resorts 2010 |
Even though Brisas Hotels & Resorts has a portfolio of iconic properties, they’re not resting on their laurels. The company is in the midst of an $80 million renovation effort that applies to all of its Las Brisas properties. Last month, Galeria Plaza Veracruz completed a $15 million dollar renovation. The 198-room and suites hotel is located in the Golden Zone of Veracruz, Boca del Rio, making it convenient to the Las Americas Mall, The Plaza Mocambo and Veracruz’ historic district and zocalo.
The 484 rooms and suites at Las Brisas Huatulco are next in line to commence Phase 2 of a huge renovation effort that will cost $20 million and that is expected to finish by summer 2011. Las Brisas Huatulco has a lot going for it. The 50-acre resort is located on the western side of Tangolunda bay, it has four beaches and is only a three-minute drive from the Tangolunda golf course, Campo de Golf Tangolunda, and 10 minutes away from the town of La Crucecita, where visitors will find authentic Mexican culture. The hotel is divided into four pueblos: Mountains, Stars, Clouds and the exclusive Sea Section, all connected by a network of interior roads for vehicles and pedestrians.
“The renovation won’t disturb guests, since we’ll do it pueblo by pueblo,” said Antonio Cosio, owner and vice president of Brisas Hotels & Resorts.
Cosio has some ambitious expansion plans in mind for Brisas Hotels & Resorts.
“We want to expand to other destinations,” said Cosio. “Places we’re looking at include Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya. We have a big piece of land already in Los Cabos, 346 acres with 1.2 miles of beachfront.”
Cosio explained that a date for groundbreaking hasn’t been set yet, since Las Brisas first has to resolve a legal issue with squatters on the land.
“In the Riviera Maya, we’re looking at various parcels of land, but we haven’t anything under contract yet,” said Cosio. “However, I predict we’ll be in the Riviera Maya within three years.”
Cosio also has some intriguing plans in the Baja Norte, a part of Mexico that frankly hasn’t seen much tourist development over the last decade.
“We own a winery in Santo Tomas, in Baja Norte,” said Cosio. “We’re exploring the idea of opening a high-end boutique hotel of 30 to 35 rooms there.”
The Santo Tomas winery was founded in 1888 and is Baja's oldest winery. It lies about 26 miles south of Ensenada. Cosio further noted that one of the attractions for guests would be the opportunity to craft their own wine during their stay to create a custom vintage.
Cosio also hinted at opening an extremely high-end hotel in Mexico City. While details are yet to be fully divulged, the boutique property would have only 18 to 20 rooms and would be in a historic building.
Brisas Hotels & Resorts also has properties in Acapulco, Ixtapa, Las Hadas, Mexico City, and Queretaro. One of these has received legendary status — Las Brisas Acapulco. The pink hotel with the pink jeeps has been a cornerstone of the upscale Acapulco market for decades. Las Brisas Acapulco has 251 bungalow-style rooms called casitas located away from the tourist strip and perched on a slope over-looking Acapulco Bay.
“They came to Las Brisas Acapulco with their kids, and now it’s the kids who are returning,” said Cosio.
Cosio had some thoughts on Acapulco’s tourism future.
“Acapulco has potential, especially from our Las Brisas Acapulco resort into the Diamante area,” he said. “We have good restaurants and shopping. As a greater number of luxury hotels enter the market, we’ll see the destination gain in appeal for the high-end traveler and Acapulco will once again become an international destination.”
Cosio noted that Acapulco needs more direct flights, and this lack is one of the biggest challenges for the destination.
“Since the very beginning, we have been oriented towards the American market,” said Cosio. “We provide the touches the market likes, such as privacy, personalized service and friendly staff.”
Brisas Hotels & Resorts
www.brisashotelonline.com
