Mexico All-Inclusives Expand

Nov 24, 2014

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya debuts next month. // © 2014 AMResorts 2

Next year, Mexico will shine bright as some of the top brands invest heavily in their all-inclusive products. Specifically, travel agents can expect significant developments from Karisma Hotels and Resorts, AMResorts and Barcelo Hotels and Resorts in the coming year.

Azul Hotels by Karisma, a Gourmet Inclusive property, will debut a $40 million expansion of Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma in Playa del Carmen. Scheduled for completion in January 2015, the expansion will add an Essence Section with 64 suites, including Essence Swim-Up Suites and Essence Sky Suites, which boast private rooftops decked out with daybeds, Jacuzzis, barbecues and great views. The Fives Plaza will also debut in January, spanning 13,000 square feet and offering three restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop and a gym. The new a la carte dining options will include Koh Thai, Oka Sushi and La Brasserie. At The Gin Bar, clients can choose from 20 different types of gin.

Further out in 2015, El Dorado Seaside Suites in Playa del Carmen, another Karisma property, will reemerge following a $20 million investment. Plans call for the addition of 200 suites, all of which will have access to a full-sized infinity swimming pool on the top floor. Additionally, the brand’s El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, is set to debut 58 new overwater suites in the first half of next year. A total of $7 million has been budgeted for the project.

AMResorts is making moves in Riviera Maya. In December 2015, the company will open Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, offering 434 suites with a private balcony or terrace. The property will deliver its Unlimited-Luxury experience that includes 24-hour room service, a mini-bar that’s refreshed daily and limitless dining at seven restaurants and bars, including unlimited alcohol. The resort will also feature an infinity pool with ocean views, as well as 11 smaller pools with swim-out access from select suites.

Closing out 2014, AMResorts will open Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres on Dec. 15, taking over the Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres property. It will have 35 oceanfront suites with Jacuzzi terraces; the full-service Thalasso Spa, with 10 treatment rooms and a natural saltwater pool; a private marina with a 42-foot yacht to transport guests between Cancun and the resort; and the brand’s Endless Privileges program.

Meanwhile, Barcelo Hotels and Resorts’ biggest project headed into next year is the $80 million renovation of its Barcelo Maya Beach Resort complex in Riviera Maya, which is made up of five separate luxury all-inclusive resorts.

The project focuses on the complex’s Barcelo Maya Beach and Barcelo Maya Caribe resorts. The $28 million project at Barcelo Maya Beach Resort has wrapped, resulting in the new Premium Lounge Club and a new hospitality area. There is also a new Mexican specialty restaurant, buffet restaurant and lobby bar. The full redesign of all Club Premium Suites, complete with Jacuzzis on terraces and in bathrooms, has also wrapped, as have remodels of the swim-up bar, main pool and children’s play pool. Still to come is the Barcelo Maya Entertainment Center, which will feature a sports bar, a bowling alley, a teen disco, a kid’s club, a full water park, paddle-tennis courts and a redesigned 18-hole mini-golf course. The lobby will also receive a fresh look, as will the lobby bar at Barcelo Maya Caribe.