The all-inclusive field in the Caribbean is a crowded one, with many brands jockeying for attention. Some emphasize all-inclusive luxury, while others trumpet their price points. Some cater to families; others are adults-only. Now, a new player has taken the stage: Toronto-based Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts. The company is on an aggressive run opening all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Blue Diamond has three brands: Memories Resorts & Spa, Royalton Luxury Resorts and Grand Lido. Guests booking a Blue Diamond property can expect to see up-to-the-minute amenities such as luxury rain showers, USB recharge stations and free Wi-Fi access.
Last April, Blue Diamond acquired the former Breezes Negril Resort & Spa in Negril, Jamaica, a resort that has long been a favorite of travel agents. Blue Diamond was able to make the transition without an interruption in the resort’s operation and welcoming of guests. A revitalization and renovation of the resort is underway, to be executed in stages over the course of the summer. Under Blue Diamond, the 210-room Breezes Negril Resort & Spa will be renamed The Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa. It’s the first resort in Blue Diamond’s re-launch of the Grand Lido brand.
“After much consultation with our tour operator and travel agent partners and based on feedback from loyal repeat guests, we are pleased to announce that the resort will continue offering many of the unique and friendly features that many of its guests have been accustomed to, including its extensive food and beverage program,” said Jordi Pelfort, managing director of Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts. “Furthermore, the resort will remain adult focused and will continue to only accommodate guests over the age of 16.”
In the Dominican Republic, the 470-room Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino and the 525-room Memories Splash Punta Cana will open on Nov. 9. The two family-friendly resorts are situated adjacent to each other. Memories will have a water park comprising a wave pool, slides and a variety of pools. There is a stay at one, play at two option for guests staying at either of the resorts.
”Memories Splash Punta Cana is a big draw with families,” said Todd Kirlick, director of sales and marketing for the U.S. and Canada, Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts. “The water park is an interactive experience with enough variety that families could spend a whole day there.”
Kirlik noted that down the line, Blue Diamond is eyeing Freeport, The Bahamas and Mexico for future Blue Diamond all-inclusive properties.
The Details
Blue Diamond Hotels & Resortswww.bluediamondresorts.com
