Information at your fingertips—that’s what everyone is looking for these days, right?During the last six months, being able to access information on an electronic device has become crucial, as face-to-face communication was almost completely shut down.As resorts start to re-welcome guests and travel begins to pick back up, RIU Hotels & Resorts conveniently introduced the RIU Guest Info App and RIU Check-In Online. These tools allow guests to get to the beach faster—and safer—with a contactless check-in, in addition to having all the hotel information at their fingertips. PHOTO: RIU Guest Info App. (photo via RIU Hotels & Resorts) Guests can download the RIU Guest Info App for their future stays in order to have their own personal guide during vacation. Visitors have information regarding the resort and its surroundings conveniently in the palm of their hand. By downloading the app, guests can:—Check-in online prior to the arrival date—Contact hotel staff to request a product or service—View the gastronomic offers at the property—Book spa treatments—Use resort credits—Explore the hotel map to learn about the various facilities—Check out the calendar of events—Benefit from promotions—Learn about local, cultural offers in the areaIn addition to the informative and helpful RIU Guest Info App, RIU Hotels & Resorts also rolled out a new option to check-in online. Part of the new normal and the resort’s comprehensive post-COVID-19 manual of health and safety procedures, the RIU Check-In Online is the easiest method for a seamless check-in experience. PHOTO: Online Check-In. (photo via RIU Hotels & Resorts) Taking the online route allows guests to pre-register seven days to 48 hours before the day of arrival. Checking in ahead of time means more time on the beach and less time waiting in line. Due to the enhanced protocols throughout these resorts, checking in upon arrival may take longer than usual.Travel advisors and future RIU guests can find step by step directions for the online check-in process here or the link for check-in here.RIU hotels in Cancun have already reopened to guests, and RIU’s properties across the Caribbean continue to reopen to international visitors as well. Contact a travel advisor to learn more or to book your future vacation at one of RIU Hotels & Resorts’ many properties. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Boutique Jamaican resort GoldenEye is offering an “Ultimate James Bond Experience” package in recognition of the latest film in the famous spy series, which features Jamaica (among other international destinations) as a setting.Founded by Bond author Ian Fleming, the luxury resort is offering the package in conjunction with the November 20 release of No Time to Die.The four-night packages include accommodations in a stand-alone hut, villa or cottage with a private entrance; a cocktail party at Firefly, the former hilltop home of author Noel Coward; a bottle of Bollinger champagne (featured in several Bond films and novels); a tour of the Fleming Villa (pending availability) and daily breakfast for two, plus a complimentary welcome flask of Blackwell Rum. MORE Hotel & Resort The resort will also screen James Bond films outdoors for guests each Thursday this fall, leading up to the release of No Time to Die. The shows will have complimentary popcorn and cocktails including the “GoldenEye,” which features Chris Blackwell's 007 limited edition fine Jamaican rum, and the “Scotch Bonnet Margarita,” with chilis grown at the property's farm.Package rates start at $2,630 per person for four nights; reservations are available through December 19, 2020.Former British intelligence officer Fleming purchased 15 acres in Jamaica’s lush interior, naming it GoldenEye in honor of the naval operation that first brought him Jamaica. Fleming wrote each of his 14 Bond novels at the property over two decades.The property is now owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. Fleming’s villa remains available for overnight stays. Jamaica is also featured in previous Bond films Dr. No and Live and Let Die. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Villas of Distinction is dramatically increasing its domestic portfolio to meet the rising demand for U.S. villa rentals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.On Tuesday, the company announced that it has added more than 140 villa properties in coveted destinations throughout the U.S. Citing new research from global communications consultancy Ketchum Travel, the luxury villa rental company reports that eight in 10 Americans are willing to pay more for privacy and distancing in the time of coronavirus. Trending Now Notable additions include properties in Beverly Hills, Malibu and Hollywood, California; Big Sky, Montana; Gloucester and Beverly, Massachusetts; Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains; Hot Springs, Virginia; Marco Island, Florida; Stonington, Connecticut; Sea Islands, South Carolina and Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico with a new villa rental in Portland, Maine coming soon.Last month, the company revealed that U.S. villa bookings were up 40 percent this year, with California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado and Florida being among the most popular domestic destinations."As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are seeing an increase in requests from our travel advisor partners whose customers want to travel and are asking their advisor for a private villa within the U.S.," Villas of Distinction's vice president of villa product & agency relations Steve Lassman said in a statement."People who are not quite comfortable coming into contact with large groups of people will opt to take a staycation or a road trip, and stay in a private villa with family and friends who they know have been cautious. With our exclusive concierge service, a travel advisor can create a socially-distanced experience at the villa that will enhance the guest’s vacation," added Lassman.In addition to providing plenty of privacy, many of Villas of Distinction's rental properties have adopted the Villa Rental Management Association's cleaning standard for COVID-19 as well as a "Peace of Mind" policy for added flexibility.Contact your travel advisor or visit VillasofDistinction.com for more information. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Palace Resorts announced the reopening of Sun Palace in Cancun. The remodeled resort has been completely updated after a $40 million renovation.The luxury adults-only property underwent a transformation both inside and out with a redesigned lobby, upgraded meetings facilities, updated guest suites, new luxury dining options and modern decor in common spaces, bars and lounges.Exteriors were reimagined by Palace Resorts' in-house architects, and interiors were designed by a team led by Claudia Ferreiro.The resort now features a unique look that is both tropical and chic with textures inspired by nature with a combination of natural elements, sand tones and earthy materials creating an open, airy space.“During the renovation of Sun Palace, lighting played a fundamental role in ensuring we created a warm, relaxed ambiance,” said Ferreiro. “The new look includes natural stone, marble, and wood sourced locally from the region, eluding to the richness and beauty of the environment. Our goal was to make guests feel relaxed and Zen.”Furniture was designed exclusively for the property and features a variety of Mexican textiles incorporating the earth’s natural elements.“We are extremely proud of the work that was done to complete the unveiling of Sun Palace, one of our most popular adult-only resorts and one that has been recognized in the industry among the top hotels for romance as well as one of the top resorts in Cancun as designated by the TripAdvisor community,” said Gibran Chapur, executive vice president for Palace Resorts. “After 13 years of continued success, we felt it was time to modernize and revamp this property to ensure it meets the demands and likes of our guests and continues to be in a caliber all its own.” PHOTO: Deluxe Oceanview Suite at Sun Palace. (photo courtesy Palace Resorts) The 247 guest suites have been completely redesigned and now feature neutral color palettes for textures, fabrics, marble and wood that work together to create a fresh, relaxing environment.Guests have access to a nightly aromatherapy menu, and each suite features CHI blow dryers, CHI flatirons and CHI personal products. Suites feature stocked minibars with top-shelf spirits and snacks, gourmet Lavazza coffee makers, high-definition, flat-screen smart televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi access.All of Sun Palace’s culinary venues have also been redone and now feature updated decor as well as revamped menus and new innovative dining concepts.Fuego is its newest culinary offering. The Brazilian-style steakhouse features a selection of meats prepared in unique ways and a vibrant atmosphere. PHOTO: Sun Palace's Aurora restaurant. (photo courtesy Palace Resorts) The resort is also home to Tratto, with a traditional Italian menu from Michelin star chef, Giuseppe Lannotti; Thai, which offers an eclectic fusion of traditional and modern Thai cuisine; and Aurora, which serves contemporary Mexican cuisine.Guests can unwind in the award-winning Awe Spa. The all-inclusive wellness retreat features a hydrotherapy area, hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, herbal steam room, chromotherapy, sauna therapy, relaxation lounge and eight treatment suites. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun will be rolling out the red carpet for its guests when it makes its premiere as Planet Hollywood Resorts’ second all-inclusive resort on Dec. 15, 2020, following the debut of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica in October 2018.But don’t let the name fool you. The new property is actually located in nearby Costa Mujeres. “As far as beach destinations in Mexico go, Cancun is always in the spotlight with its lively restaurants, high-energy nightlife and inviting white-sand beaches,” said Todd Kirlik, director of global relationships for Blue Diamond Resorts, which operates Planet Hollywood Resorts. “Just 30 minutes north of Cancun, though, Costa Mujeres sets the stage for vacation excellence with a location close enough to enjoy all Cancun has to offer, but also far enough that it delivers tranquility with an intimate atmosphere and laid-back vibe.”Part and parcel to a vacation at Planet Hollywood Resorts is its Vacation Like a Star experience, which “revolves around our ability to anticipate the needs of guests and in turn, provide them with ‘surprise and delight’ experiences that create a unique vacation, Kirlik said. “The Vacation like a Star experience creates a memorable vacation that acts as a stimulus to create loyal guests who will tell our stories and recommend the Planet Hollywood brand whenever given the chance,” he added. “With vegan-friendly menu items, a ‘PHit philosophy’ aimed at making each stay a holistic experience of body, mind and spirit, authentic Hollywood memorabilia and captivating entertainment, Planet Hollywood offers an upscale getaway for every lifestyle.” PHOTO: An Entourage Suite. (photo via Planet Hollywood Cancun) In all, the resort will be equipped with 898 guestrooms and suites, 566 of which will be set in the main resort and 332 at Adult Scene, a new adults-only resort-within-a-resort concept with a private beachfront and pool area, swim-up bar and waiter service and two specialty restaurants.“At Planet Hollywood, we pride ourselves on delivering the hottest culinary trends from around the world,” Kirlik said. “With 11 restaurants, including celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s burger joint, and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, we are committed to giving guests memorable dining experiences that are tailored to their tastes.”The resort will unveil several new food-and-beverage options as part of the brand’s Crave – World of Flavors program. “The new 6th Sense – Chef’s Table experience is sure to be a highlight with a personal chef and custom-crafted menu of dishes catered to guests’ own unique tastes,” said Kirlik. “Another new one, Studio Disco Bar & Lounge, will be the perfect place to live the VIP experience and dance the night away in paradise.”The property will also feature plenty of action-packed activities and attractions, including Shipwreck Cove, Jurassic Splash Park, a FlowRider surf simulator, a nine-hole golf course, a lazy river with water myriad activities, a Stars Kids Club, a Teens Club and a movie theater. PHOTO: Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun's lazy river. (photo via Planet Hollywood Resorts) “Planet Hollywood Cancun will also feature a first-of-its-kind, on-site adventure park, Planet Play, where adults and kids alike can have fun indoors as well,” Kirlik said. “There will be a trampoline zone, golf simulator, basketball court and arcade.”MORE Hotel & Resort On the health and safety front, the resort has implemented its Safety-Assured Vacations program, comprising advanced health and safety measures to protect both guests and employees from the spread of illness, Kirlik said.Protocols include continuous cleaning and sanitizing of all public and shared spaces (pools, beaches, restaurants, lobbies, elevators, etc.), the use of advanced-grade disinfectant products, the use of hand sanitizers throughout the property, sanitization of guest touchpoints in rooms, an updated room service process, reduced capacities for restaurants and indoor facilities, physical distancing guidelines with floor markers and furniture spaced six feet apart in common spaces.“All guests arriving to the resort will require a temperature check and sanitation of shoes, hands and baggage upon entry,” Kirlik said, adding that the property is also implementing an online pre-check-in service for safe and seamless arrival experiences.The company is also offering All-In Medical Insurance provided by MAS Servicios, Kirlik said, which covers expenses for accidents or illnesses incurred while on vacation, including COVID-19 related illnesses.The resort is offering a Grand Debut Offer, which provides guests who book an Entourage Suite starting at $165 per person with $500 in resort credits and with up to two kids staying free. Let's block ads! (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Choice Hotels is rewarding its loyalty program members who complete two separate stays at qualifying hotels with points that can be redeemed for $50 in gift cards. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer Choice Privileges, the award-winning loyalty program from Choice Hotels International, Inc., is offering a ‘Book Two Stays, Get a $50 Gift Card’ promotion for members. Now through November 15, Choice Privileges members who check in for two separate qualifying stays at participating hotels will earn 8,000 reward points that can be redeemed for a $50 gift card with select dining, gas and shopping retailers."Whether teaming with us to help make an impact in the community during this unprecedented time or choosing to stay at our hotels as they return to travel, we are incredibly grateful for our more than 46 million loyal Choice Privileges members," said Jamie Russo, vice president, loyalty programs and customer engagement, Choice Hotels. "In addition to the number of new changes to our program that make achieving status easier and Choice Privileges points more valuable, this promotion also rewards new and existing members with the opportunity to receive a $50 gift card when they stay with us this fall—even better, these gift cards can be redeemed not just with us but at many of traveler's favorite stores, whether they are on the road or not."MORE Hotel & Resort To participate in Book Two Stays, Get a $50 Gift Card, Choice Privileges members must register for the promotion before check-out and book their travel on ChoiceHotels.com, the Choice Hotels mobile app or by calling 800.4CHOICE. Additional details on the promotion and redemption can be found at www.choicehotels.com/giftcard.Choice Privileges, named a top hotel loyalty program by both USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards and U.S. News & World Report, announced a series of enhancements in May to help provide its members with additional flexibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Updates include reducing the number of nights required to earn elite status; pausing the expiration of loyalty points until Dec. 31, 2020; and initiating upgrades, extensions and bonuses for current elite members.Choice Privileges membership is free, offering fast rewards, including bonus points, airline miles or credits for premium coffee and shared rides through the exclusive, one-of-a-kind, Your Extras program. For more information or to enroll in Choice Privileges, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.Choice Hotels' Commitment to Clean initiative and flexible cancellation policies are designed to help give guests added peace of mind when booking a Choice-branded hotel. All Choice-branded hotels are participating in Commitment to Clean, an initiative that builds upon the strong foundation of franchisees' long-standing dedication to cleanliness with enhanced training and best practices for deep cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing. For more information, visit choicehotels.com.SOURCE: Choice Hotels press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Posadas, one of Mexico’s leading hoteliers, announced on September 21 the opening of its first Live Aqua property outside of Mexico: the all-inclusive, adults-only Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana for February 2021, part of the La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana brand.MORE Hotel & Resort “We made the decision to adjust our opening timeline to ensure all elements are in place to offer guests the best experiences. As the first international location for the brand, we look forward to a seamless opening as we prepare to welcome guests in the new year,” explained Enrique Calderón, Chief Operating Officer of Posadas.Located in Uvero Alto, it will feature 750 linear feet of private beaches surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Outdoor spaces, including zen gardens and relaxation zones with fountains and waterfalls, connect this resort to nature and the waters which surround it.The beach resort will have 347 suites in a sophisticated seaside design, in seven different categories with views of either the ocean, the gardens or part of the 96,875 square feet of the resort’s vast swimming pools. Some of the suites will include private swimming pools and terraces.Each suite offers essentials such as soaking tubs, 50” flat-screen televisions, espresso machines and aromatherapy and pillow menus to help make guests feel as luxurious as possible. PHOTO: Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana - Suite. (photo via La Coleccion Resorts by Fiesta Americana) Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana will also include a signature spa and fitness center, as well as seven on-site restaurants ranging from beachfront dining to fine dining, all supervised by renowned Mexican chef Gerardo Rivera.A stay at the resort will include Posadas’ Travel with Confidence safety, hygiene and flexibility protocols, which is currently in place across Posadas’ more than 180 hotels. For more information about the resort, please visit LaColeccionResorts.com. Let's block ads! (Why?)

The ease on health and travel restrictions in the northern region of Quintana Roo has resulted in a recent increase in capacity and occupancy at hotels in the area.According to The Riviera Maya Times, hotel occupancy in Isla Mujeres has gone from 30 percent to 40 percent, making the destination the first in the Mexican Caribbean to reach these percentages since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Trending Now A report from the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres (AHCOPM & IM) showed Isla Mujeres had an occupancy of 32.2 percent before skyrocketing to 40.8 percent one day later. In Cancun, the AHCOPM & IM revealed the city had an occupancy rate of 30.3 percent on September 13 and 34.1 percent the following day. Part of the credit for the rise in hotel occupancy goes to the reopening of beaches in the region.As for Puerto Morelos, the occupancy rates climbed from 25.9 percent to 28.9 percent.Last month, the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo (CPTQ) said it expects occupancy to double and reach 60 percent by the end of the year, helping restore tourism jobs in the region.Flights to the region are also on the rise, as the Comite de Aerolineas de Cancun revealed that Cancun International Airport would once again welcome several flights from Europe and the United States in October and November. Let's block ads! (Why?)

The Excellence Collection consists of all-inclusive luxury for adults only at Excellence Resorts, all-inclusive boutique properties for adults only at Beloved Hotels and all-inclusive amenities for both adults and families at Finest Resorts.The company focuses on providing extraordinary moments for all guests during their stay, with everything taken care of from beginning to end. Located on some of the most pristine beaches throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, these properties have everything needed for a relaxing getaway.As the hotels and resorts in this collection begin to re-welcome guests, though, it’s not without enhanced health and safety protocols.General guidelines throughout the resorts include keeping a distance between staff and guests of at least six feet, the use of plastic screens and PPE when interaction does occur, no shared objects unless they have been thoroughly disinfected and no paper forms, receipts, etc.Improved procedures have also been implemented in specific areas throughout the resorts.For example, upon arrival at the front desk, luggage and shoes are sanitized, and guests receive a brief welcome and explanation of all new protocols. Visitors are introduced to The Excellence Collection app which allows for a fully paperless stay. The app equips guests with digital menus, dining hours, entertainment schedules and more. PHOTO: An employee safely transferring disinfected luggage. (photo via The Excellence Collection) As far as public areas go, there is a constant sanitizing of floors, furniture and high-touch surfaces in addition to floor markings to assure proper social distancing between guests. Touchless soap/gel dispensers are located throughout the grounds, and safety cones are available to indicate areas or objects that need disinfecting.In the suites, housekeeping staff uses PPE and conducts daily cleaning and deep sanitizing of surfaces. Turndown service is only provided at the guest’s request.The spas are still open, but staff wears additional PPE including a full face mask, gloves and a shield during certain treatments. Schedules have been reduced to allow for additional cleaning and disinfecting after each treatment. PHOTO: Health and safety protocols in place. (photo via The Excellence Collection) For restaurants, there are currently no buffets but instead assisted buffet service. Tables and capacities have been reconfigured to allow for social distancing between guests while they dine, and tablecloths are changed between every service.Activities and entertainment are still available for visitors’ enjoyment, but protocols such as increased distancing and a limited number of participants are in place. Activities are outdoors in well-ventilated areas, and there are currently modified schedules of events. Contact a travel advisor or visit www.theexcellencecollection.com to learn more or to book your future stay at one of these luxury properties. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Tucked away in paradise in the Dominican Republic, the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana offers exceptional room categories with high-end amenities.All 375 suites provide guests with minibars restocked daily, rain showers, furnished patios or balconies and several configurations to choose from for the perfect stay.Junior suites offer 600 square feet of space with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds and a queen sleeper, providing space for up to five guests. Clients can upgrade this choice with a resort view or ocean view room. PHOTO: Hyatt Ziva Capa Cana ocean view (photo via Playa Hotels & Resorts) Guests can also book the Club Ocean View Junior Suite which provides access to Plus Exclusive Club Amenities, or they can upgrade to an Oceanfront Junior Suite right on the water. Oceanfront Junior Suites also have a swim-up option.The junior suites also come with a swim-up option, which gives guests access to a semi-private pool right from the patio. Guests must be at least 13 years of age to stay in these rooms, which can also be booked with Plus Exclusive Club Amenities, too.Travelers who want even more space can reserve Ocean View One-Bedroom Master Suites. The 1,238-square-foot suites have king-size beds, a queen-size sleeper sofa, a separate living room and a tub with whirlpool jets. The room comes with Plus Exclusive Club Amenities and butler service. The maximum occupancy for these rooms is four. These rooms also have swim-up versions.Guests can also upgrade to the Ocean View One-Bedroom Grand Master which is even more spacious, offering 1,345 square feet.For the ultimate in luxury at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, there is the presidential suite. The spacious 1,873-square-foot guestroom features the resort’s best ocean views from a private balcony, a living room, a dining room, a tub with whirlpool jets, a king-size bed and a queen-size sleeper sofa. Of course, Plus Exclusive Club Amenities and butler service are included. Let's block ads! (Why?)