The resort report: what's new in the hotel world
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
A look at the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new properties and noteworthy packages.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye
Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize is now open. The secluded, sustainable, family-friendly property north of San Pedro is steps away from a beach that’s home to the second-largest coral reef in the world. After reaching the resort by private boat shuttle, guests will arrive in the large Victorian-inspired open-air lobby. There are four suite styles to choose from across 55 suites including 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom layouts and a 2-bedroom Penthouse Suite with a wraparound terrace.
There are two lagoon-like pools onsite — one oceanfront and one exclusively for families. Ambergris Caye is surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and a 190-mile-long barrier reef teeming with marine life, making it an ideal spot for divers. For those seeking rest and relaxation, the St. Somewhere Spa features 5 individual treatment “bungalows,” including one specifically designed for couples and a full-service beauty salon. Grand Opening rates begin at $285/night and can be booked now through April 15, 2023 for travel through January 2, 2024.
Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts has just launched its first property in the Netherlands. The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel is a 16th-century property in the classicist style overlooking the Amstel Canal. The property was the original home to Rembrandt Van Rijn’s famous painting The Night Watch (completed in 1642), which hung on a wall in what is now one of the hotel’s bedroom suites until it was relocated to the city’s Rijksmuseum.
Centrally located in Amsterdam’s historic city centre and walking distance from the city’s main tourist attractions, the heritage property has 81 guest rooms including seven suites.
The guest rooms and suites offer views over the canals or the city, with the interiors featuring pastel tones with splashes of red for a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, combined with touches of natural wood.
For an ultimate Dutch experience, guests can book the 506-square-foot Rembrandt Suite, where they can view a perfect replica of The Night Watch, in the same room and on the exact wall where the masterpiece originally hung for 70 years.
Suites at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel start from $643 including breakfast for two people.
Jewel Palm Beach
Playa Hotels & Resorts has announced the official opening of Jewel Palm Beach, set on a beach on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. The all-ages, all-inclusive resort is close to the Nautical Club in Cabeza de Toro, which is ideal for deep sea fishing, and just 20 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport. For golfers, there area 18-hole and 27-hole golf courses are only 15 minutes away.
Meanwhile, on property there are 500 rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces; two Club areas (adults-only and family) with premium amenities and exclusive services; seven restaurants and 10 bars and lounges; four pools and kid’s pool and a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre. To keep the kids entertained, there’s a Kids Club for children ages 3-12 and Teens Club for ages 13-17.
Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort
Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort, an intimate upscale property in Puerto Rico, is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. The transformation at the oceanfront, boutique resort is estimated to be completed on May 18 with an enhanced lobby, guestrooms, restaurants, and common spaces.
The resort is unique for both its location in southeast Puerto Rico near El Yunque National Park and its location within the Palmas del Mar community, which is well known as one of the most exclusive private communities in Puerto Rico.
The rooms and common areas of the hotel will be transformed with a “boho chic” style, incorporating an eclectic mix of colours, patterns, and textures. The resort’s 107 contemporary guest rooms and suites, with a new design inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding area, will feature upscale amenities and views of the tranquil, tropical landscape around the Playa, Costa, and Lagos buildings of the hotel.
