The resort report: what's new in the hotel world
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new and upcoming properties ready to welcome your clients.
The 260-room Sandals Dunn’s River, the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio, is now open in Jamaica. Although it bares the same name as the original Sandals Dunn’s River that debuted on the island over 30 years ago, the all-new resort has been completely transformed with unique accommodation options like Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies overlooking he Caribbean Sea and the Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools, standalone circular villas with open-air rooftops. There are 12 culinary concepts onsite, including BLŪM, a coffee shop serving up Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain coffee and more.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is again expanding its footprint in Mexico with the 509-room Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres set to open by the end of 2023. The new adults-only property will be part of the Inclusive Collection and will be located along a secluded strip of the Costa Mujeres shoreline, just north of Cancun, Mexico. Elevated Preferred Club accommodations will offer an extra level of luxury, including swim-out suites, exclusive access to the Preferred Club Lounge, an oceanfront beach club and a unique jungle-inspired pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Situated on a pristine white-sand beach with access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, guests can enjoy a variety of water sports and activities including snorkeling, kitesurfing, whale shark swimming, scuba diving and sport fishing.
The 168-room Thompson Palm Springs is expected to open in late 2023 with panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the city of Palm Springs, California. As part of the luxury lifestyle Thompson Hotels portfolio, the property offers unique guestroom bungalows surrounded by two outdoor pools, gardens, lounge areas and winding walking paths. Guests can expect additional amenities including a signature restaurant helmed by a world-class chef, sought-after indoor and outdoor bar and lounges, a well-appointed spa and fitness concept, and approximately 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Thompson Palm Springs will also offer over 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space along Downtown’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive which will include HALL Napa Valley, a 3,400 square foot tasting room from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall showcasing selections from their family of wines: HALL, WALT and BACA.
A new luxury resort is coming to the Maldives in 2025. The 73-key Corinthia Maldives resort is based on the Kaafu Atoll and will include a second, smaller private island for exclusive use. The main pavilion and all villas are taking on forms and shapes that take inspiration from the gentle curves of the ocean’s Manta Ray. The resort will also include state of the art wellness facilities, multiple fitness spaces and a choice of five restaurants operated with internationally renowned brands.
