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.
Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, is set to debut in Montego Bay, Jamaica in late November. With 352 rooms and suites, the adults only resort will feature international specialties at 11 fine-dining alternatives, an infinity pool with private pool cabanas and The Royal Spa offering tailored experiences such as exclusive treatments for couples to enjoy side-by-side massages. Clients will also be able to access neighbouring Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay through the resort’s Stay at 1, Play at 2 feature.
This December, Club Med will debut its newest Japan ski resort, Club Med Kiroro Grand. Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s internationally renowned ski destination, this mountain features white powder snow and unique ski trails that guests travel from all over the world to experience. The 266 guest room property is situated by a ski area with 23 courses for all levels and off-piste ski slopes across the Asari and Nagamine mountains. Included in the stay, travellers will enjoy unlimited ski-in and ski-out access, lift passes, group ski and snowboard lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels.
In addition to skiing and other winter sports, guests can learn more about the culture and traditions of the area through day trips to Otaru, a coastal town of Sapporo known for its glasswork, Sake and beer distilleries. Clients can also learn about the native Ainu heritage of Hokkaido by visiting their local shops that house handcrafted wood carvings and embroidered clothing. Club Med Kiroro Grand is a destination for travellers to ski impeccable trails and immerse themselves in the rich cultures and activities of the Kiroro region.
RIU Hotels & Resorts’s Riu Caribe has ushered in a new look following a complete transformation. In addition to some impressive changes in the lobby, rooms, restaurants and common areas. The 506 rooms are all fresh, along with the addition of a new room type, swim-out rooms with a private pool. The hotel has gone from having one large swimming pool to four, one of which has an swim-up bar, another one for children and two others for the entire family.
The new Riu Caribe will now be the first in the area to host exclusive adults-only RIU Pool Parties, which will be open to all RIU guests in Cancun. With a dedicated space to hold these parties, which has an exclusive pool area, the Riu Caribe now offers four weekly parties both in the day and at nighttime with several different themes: the White Party, the Jungle Party, the Neon Party and the Pink Party.
There are also RIU Party rooms — 74 rooms blend in perfectly with their surroundings and are themed and prepared for guests who want to experience these exclusive RIU Party events to the fullest.
The entertainment team will also be in charge of the new RIU Fit sports area, which will be complemented by a fully equipped gym, as well as a wide range of water activities on the hotel’s beach.
All of the restaurants have been renovated, creating new atmospheres and spaces to take the guest experience to the next level. The international buffet restaurant is joined by the Mexican restaurant “Margarita”, the Asian restaurant “Shangri-la”, the gourmet restaurant “Kulinarium”, the grill-style food station “Pepe’s Food” near the pool area and the popular Steakhouse for evening dinners. The hotel also has four bars: the lobby bar, the lounge bar located in the theatre, a sports bar offering food and drink 24 hours a day and an adults-only swim-up bar in one of the pools.
Autograph Collection Hotels has debuted in Thailand with the opening of Madi Paidi Bangkok. The stylish new boutique hotel in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, features 56 guest rooms and suites. With room sizes ranging from 32 to 56 square meters, every guest will have plenty of space to unwind, including a living area with a sofa, and amenities such as a premium coffee maker, large LED TV, and rain shower. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day. Notably, the hotel features a rooftop gym and pool with scenic views.
The adults only Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos will open in late 2023. The boutique hotel will be Velas Resorts’ third property in Los Cabos. The beachfront Grand Velas Boutique features 79 spacious suites, all over 900 sq. ft. with a private terrace, living area with sofa, walk-in shower and jacuzzi, two queen or one king size bed, daily-stocked premium minibar, and 24-hour personal concierge. Onsite culinary offerings include a creative dining experience with casual and fine dining restaurants, poolside delights, tequila and mezcal tastings, and elevated mixology. A wellness centre with both gym and spa, indoor or outdoor ocean view event spaces, infinity pool, and private beach area complete the offerings. This luxurious new SE spa will feature four treatment rooms including the Océano room with a jacuzzi and oceanfront views. All treatments include a Grand Velas signature water ceremony, which takes guests through a series of restorative environments including a sauna, steam room, ice room, and jacuzzi.
