It’s a busy week in Mexico – the ASCEND conference is happening and Cancun Travel Mart is underway – what better time to officially open two new properties and celebrate with the industry?
That’s exactly what’s happening in Costa Mujeres and Cancun as World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection officially opened Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres on Wednesday night and is opening the Hyatt Grand Vivid tonight (Thursday).
Gabriel Felip, Group President, Inclusive Collection Global Operations speaks to the crowd Wednesday night. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
“We have more than 2,000 rooms and another 1,000 in the pipeline coming in 2025, as we continue to solidify our commitment both in Cancun and the Caribbean,” Gabriel Felip, Group President, Inclusive Collection Global Operations told the crowd Wednesday night at the Secrets opening event held in conjunction with Cancun Travel Mart.
“Hyatt Inclusive Collection has the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive in the world.”
Both Secrets and Vivid are targeting similar yet different clientele while giving agents and travellers the same confidence that comes with booking a Hyatt Inclusive Collection property.
Our room at Playa Blanca – a Junior Suite Tropical View room. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres is a new build that opened in February with 507 rooms and is located in an area that’s best described as more secluded, calm and lush than the busier tourist area of Cancun. Hyatt Vivid is located in the hotel zone and while is adults only as well, it caters to a younger demographic who is looking for a vacation that’s more cosmopolitan.
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujueres is the first property that’s part of what Phillipe Frey, Senior Vice President Operations Inclusive Collection Latin America & Caribbean, calls the “evolution of the Secrets brand” which is aimed at redefining the all-inclusive experience by elevating the product, service and overall guest experience to a new level of luxury.
“Secrets is focused on providing an exceptional experience for guests, not just selling a product. We emphasize service, attention to detail, and creating memorable experiences,” Frey tells us in advance of Wednesday night’s opening event.
“But now we’re elevating that level of quality of our product even further, while we continue to create unique experiences.”
The Preferred Club area which is described as a hotel with in a hotel, with its own lounge, pool and beach area. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
For example, the Preferred Club at Playa Blanca offers suites and amenities like a private pool, bar, lounge, and beach area – creating a “hotel within a hotel” experience.
While primarily focused on couples and romance, Secrets also accommodates groups, weddings, and incentive travel, expanding its appeal across different traveller types.
“We have a great experiential offering for our customers, our ballroom spaces are incredible, and this is because more and more there is a demand in all inclusive for incentive groups and weddings. This hotel was designed with that in mind.”
The Jungle Pool at Secrets Playa Costa Mujeres has the feel of your own private lagoon. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Probably what stands out most at Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres is its lush and local landscape. The resort is built into the surrounding land, meaning dunes were left as is and incorporated into the design; plants lining the walkways are local to the region and therefore require less maintenance and watering; and many of the materials are from local vendors like the wooden benches in the rooms and intricate art murals that line walls of the restaurants.
That’s all done with a purpose of sustainability, which Frey says is ever important in our industry.
“We are focused on sustainability and supporting local businesses. All around the resort, everywhere design touches, it’s all sourced locally and created by very skilled craftspeople. We put this at the forefront because when you visit Mexico you want to experience Mexico and we also want to support the local communities. We’re very focused on making a positive impact in both the environment and local communities while working in a sustainable manner.”
The Secrets Spa at Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
The Secrets Spa is now open – it was delayed until two months ago – and it’s well worth experiencing if for nothing other than the view. The hydrotherapy sessions are included in the Preferred Club rate and feature an outside circuit which isn’t always the case at resorts who offer it. The spa also features a beauty salon which can accommodate up to 12 at a time which is perfect for bridal parties.
Bordeaux is the French-themed restaurant at Sandals Playa Blanca, one of 18 restaurant and bars on the property. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
When we comment that there must be a very high repeat guest rate across all World of Hyatt Inclusive properties, Frey chuckles and says absolutely.
“I’m still amazed every day, at the loyalty towards our brands, it’s just incredible. From my perspective, I think that’s because at the end of the day, people are coming here on a holiday and are looking for value. They’re looking for an amazing holiday and to create memorable experiences. And through the World of Hyatt’s loyalty program you can accumulate points towards your next holiday or trip. We value our customers’ loyalty and our guests appreciate the fact their loyalty is rewarded.”
Travellers aren’t the only ones rewarded with loyalty, agents are as well via Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s travel agent program, Confidant Collective. Agents can earn room nights via various incentives which Frey says is due to the company’s appreciation of agents.
“We’ve been working with travel agents for a very long time and we treasure the relationship we have with them.”