MEXICO TOURISM BOARD /CONSEIL DE PROMOTION TOURISTIQUE DU MEXIQUE

 

Press Release/Communiqué de presse:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

WHAT’S NEW IN RIVIERA MAYA

*Update on New Developments and Openings in Riviera Maya, Mexico*

 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (March 8, 2008) – Mexico’s Riviera Maya is booming with hotel openings and new projects and events, all of which go hand-in-hand with a desire to preserve the resort’s natural and unspoiled beauty.

 

According to Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, Mayor of the Mayan Riviera’s Municipalities, the region ended the year 2007 with the addition of approximately 2,600 new rooms to its hotel inventory and with well over a million square feet of new hotel properties built or in progress. According to Mayor Gonzalez, the Mayan Riviera is giving equal importance to environmental and socio-economic factors while planning and developing these new properties.

 

Here are some of the highlights:

 

Hotel Scene:

-Riviera Maya has a number of hotels in various stages of development.

 

Just Opened:

The Mandarin Oriental is set on 36 secluded acres on the coastline of the Yucatan peninsula. It offers guests 128 villas, 7 restaurants and bars, an indoor/outdoor meeting space, 3 swimming pools, Kid’s Club for children ages 4-8 and a 25,000-square-foot spa, which draws inspiration from Mayan philosophy. The Mandarin Oriental opened in February 2008. For more information visit www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya/

 

Valentin Imperial Maya is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Maya, Playa del Secreto - “The Secret Beach.” Owned by Valentin Hotels & Resorts of Mallorca, Spain, this adult-only hotel offers 396 junior suites and 12 one bedroom suites, nine full service restaurants, a full service spa, 3 swimming pools, as well as13 bars, free Internet, concierge service in every building and 24-hour room service. Valentin Imperial Maya opened in November 2007. For more information visit www.valentinmaya.com.

 

Rosewood Mayakoba, located in Playa del Carmen, is a 1,600 acre luxury resort that accommodates 128 ultra-luxury suites. It offers guests a signature restaurant, beach grill bar, specialty bars and spa café, swimming at beachfront pools and an Island Spa. Rosewood Mayakoba opened in late 2007. For more information visit www.rosewoodhotels.com.

 

H10 Ocean Coral and H10 Ocean Turquesa -  Two new hotels by the H10 Hotel chain situated by the beach in Puerto Morelos, which is home to the second largest coral reef in the world. Ocean Coral has 296 rooms and 23 suites, and Ocean Turquesa has 248 rooms and 19 suites. The H10 chain also operates the Ocean Maya hotel. Ocean Coral and Ocean Turquesa opened

December 20, 2007. For more information visit www.puntacoralresort.com and www.puntaturquesaresort.com.

 

Maya Colonial – This new all-inclusive hotel from Barcelo Hotels & Resorts is situated 25 km south of Playa del Carmen. It has 756 rooms, 742 junior suites, 12 suites and two master suites, designed by the Spanish architect Jaime Torrens. The resort also includes a convention center, gym, pool, Jacuzzi and a spa influenced by the Mayan philosophy. The hotel opened its doors December 24, 2007. Visit http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Mexico/MayanRiviera/MayaColonial/Home

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Grand Riviera Princess and Grand Sunset Princess – Princess Hotels & Resorts has just opened two new hotels in Punta Bete, about 2 miles from Playa del Carmen, along El Paseo de los Dioses Avenue, which leads directly to the beach. Each hotel has 674 rooms including a glamorous Platinum Suite and Junior Suite DeLuxe. Both hotels are surrounded by swimming pools, lush vegetation and exquisite theme restaurants and bars. The hotels opened in December 2007. Visit http://www.princess-hotels.com/.

 

 What’s New at the Resorts:

 

The Tides Riviera Maya, located on Playa del Carmen and owned by Kor Hotel Group, has recently introduced new luxurious villas called Jungle Royalty. These villas are nestled deep within the resort's jungle gardens and offer an array of enhanced, ultra-regal amenities and VIP services. In addition, the Maya Spa at The Tides Riviera Maya has recently launched a new signature treatment, Lava Shell Therapy, utilizing a revolutionary system of self-heating. For more information on The Tides Riviera Maya visit www.tidesplayadelcarmen.com.

 

Esencia, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a boutique estate, located on a two-mile stretch of beach in Playa Xpu-Ha. New choices for family getaways include spacious two-bedroom guest cottages  With the option of being staffed with a private chef and nanny. Families can reserve the cottages as well as adjoining garden rooms to accommodate up to 12 people. Esencia is also known for its Aroma Spa treatments which incorporate pure indigenous fruits, plants and herbs. Aroma Spa has just begun offering Chocolate Massages for kids. For more information visit  www.hotelesencia.com.

 

Paraiso de la Bonita – This 90-suite boutique hotel featuring the only certified Thalassotherapy Spa in North America, was recently awarded a “Commitment to Quality” Award by The leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. This AAA Five Diamond property features ninety ocean view suites with private terraces. Paraiso de la Bonita was recently in the news due to its sustainable tourism program benefiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For more information visit www.paraisodelabonita.com

 

Fairmont Mayakoba has been honored with a 2008 AAA Five Diamond Award.  It has 401 elegant rooms scattered among the main building, villas spread throughout the indigenous jungle, and 34 beach and lagoon casitas – each offering guests an extraordinary view of the ocean or mangroves and jungle. Besides being home to the world-famous Mayakoba El Camaleon golf course, Fairmont Mayakoba partners with the World Heritage Alliance (WHA) and the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. For more information visit www.fairmont.com.

 

Royal Hideway is another Riviera Maya hotel that has received a 2008 AAA Five Diamond Award, and it was the world's first adult-only all-inclusive resort to do so. Situated on one of the beautiful Riviera Maya’s beaches, the hotel boasts 6 à la carte specialty restaurants, 3 pools, 3 relaxation pools, land and water sports and a spa. Sports and activities such as basketball, bocce ball, tennis, SCUBA lessons, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, aqua aerobics and boogie boards are included in the resort’s all-inclusive plan. The hotel opened its doors in 1998. Please visit www.occidentalhotels.com/royalhideaway/Playacar.asp

 

Las Golondrinas – The hotel, located at the heart of Playa del Carmen, has recently been remodeled, creating a modernized image without losing its characteristic Mexican style. The hotel has 48 rooms with a garden and swimming pool view. It is surrounded by a lush tropical garden, and offers beach club services with a restaurant and lounge bar. For more information, visit www.hotellasgolondrinas.com.

 

A new gourmet restaurant Krystal, added to the Riu Palace hotels, offers fusion cuisine developed by Riu’s 2-star Michelin chef who blends ingredients, techniques and tastes from different countries to create tantalizing dishes. Krystal opened on February 1st, 2008. Visit www.riu.com.

 

 

Opening Soon:

 

The Tres Rios master plan will include five hotels with more than 1,700 suites over 326 acres of land in the heart of Riviera Maya. Tres Rios will offer a state-of-the art spa, marina, yacht club, convention center, equestrian center and nature park featuring a Mayan cultural center and nature preserve. Hacienda Tres Rios, with 273 luxury suites, will be the first property, set to open in the summer of 2008. For more information visit www.tres-rios.com.

 

 

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, an all-suite resort boasting 412 suites surrounded by swimming pools will have six à la carte theme restaurants, six bars ranging from elegant to swim-up, a spa, Jacuzzis and a fitness center. It is scheduled to open in July 2008. Please visit www.secretsresorts.com/maroma/index.html.

 

Banyan Tree Mayakoba will be located on a pristine coastline between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. The hotel is designed to complement and preserve the natural landscape of the low jungles, dunes and reefs. It will feature 120 villas, a full service spa, private pools, outdoor jet-pools, mediation pavilions and spacious poolside terraces. Mayakoba already operates Fairmont, Viceroy and Rosewood hotels in Riviera Maya. This new hotel is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008. For more information on Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts visit www.banyantree.com.

 

Capella Bahia Maroma – From Capella Hotels & Resorts, this property will feature individual villas opening out directly to the Caribbean, as well as the only private, championship 18-hole golf course by renowned architect Rees Jones in the Yucatan which includes three holes seaside, an Auriga Spa, a beach club, gourmet restaurants and luxurious residences. The hotel is expected to open winter 2008/2009.

 

Kanay Riviera Maya, located on the road connecting Cancun with Chetumal, emerges with the investment from three of Mexico’s major developers (GICSA, GIMA ALHEL) and AMYTIS as its master developer. Kanay will accommodate 847 hotel rooms, extending over an area of more than 1,200 acres. Kanay is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2009; the golf courses will be ready for the first quarter of 2010 and in July of 2011, respectively.

·       

 

The Fives Hotel & Private Residences, by Karisma is set on 8,200 square feet on Xcala Coco beach, 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen. It offers guests a unique blend of relaxation, tropical lifestyle and natural beauty with 360 luxury suites, 4 restaurants, 5 bars, Kids Club and full service spa and fitness club. The Fives opened in 2007. For more information visit www.thefives.com.mx

 

 

Must-See Attractions:

 

Selvatica is a company that offers adventure activities and has been recognized by Travel and Leisure magazine as “one of 35 great adventures in the world.” Zip n Snorkel is the company’s newest offering, with a small group guided tour through the Riviera Maya, with zip-lining through the jungle and snorkeling in Puerto Morelos along the region’s beautiful reef. Visit www.selvatica.com.mx.

 

 

Ah Cacao Chocolate Café promotes natural well-being through the enjoyment of real Mexican chocolate and coffee. Aside from gourmet coffee drinks, the recently opened Ah Cacao Chocolate Café offers an all-natural menu of brownies, dark chocolate bars, chocolate mousse, dark chocolate cake and more, as well as a gift shop. Ah Cacao Chocolate Café is located on the corner of Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue and Constituyentes Avenue. For more information please visit www.ahcacao.com.

 

 

Xcaret is an eco-archeological park located in Playa del Carmen. In 2008, the following new attractions will be introduced: A Mexican wine place with a wine tasting hall and store, selling only Mexican wines and Henequen Hacienda, which will host a Mexican art museum, a room for big events, Yucatan food restaurant, and demonstrations of henequen production (raw fibers from the henequen agave cactus are shredded, pulled, wound together made into rope). Visit www.xcaret.com.

 

 

Alltournative is an adventure company that is offering a new half-day tour for a small group of people to Rio Secreto, or Secret River.  Equipped with helmets with flashlights, wetsuits and life jackets, the group descends to the underground river, where they have the opportunity to explore the hidden caverns, stalactites, stalagmites, corals and other natural treasures, hidden in the underground world. Visit www.alltournative.com.

 

Easily accessible from many cities throughout the U.S., the eighty-one mile stretch known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the Mexican Caribbean in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning eleven miles south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya extends to Tulum, one of the most important archeological sites in the Mayan World. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing, proximity to many of Mexico’s most significant Mayan archeological sites, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, golf courses, spas, shopping, gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for four consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007), one of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was also featured in the January 2006 issue of Travel + Leisure as “The Next Riviera.”

 

For more information on the Riviera Maya call 1-877-7GO MAYA, or e-mail info@rivieramaya.com or visit www.rivieramaya.com.

 

CONTACT: Ana Mari C. Irabien

                     Public Relations Coordinator

                    52 (984) 2063150 ext. 1104

                    amirabien@rivieramaya.com      

 

ABOUT THE MEXICO TOURISM BOARD

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations nationally and internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

 

 

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