Recommend April 2014 - (Page 30)

mexico What's New in MEXICO (WITH A SPASH OF ISLAND ADVENTURE) Here's a rundown of what's new (or improved) along Mexico's coastline with a mix of offshore island adventures. deserae del campo new or improved This photo: Poolside at the Iberostar Playa Mita along the Pacific coast. Below: Hip accommodations at Hotel Escondido in Puerto Escondido. 30 april 2014 30-33 MX WhatsNew.indd 30 Azul Ixtapa Grand: The most recently opened property in IxtapaZihuatanejo, along Mexico's southwest coastline, this all-suite, allinclusive property is located only 20 minutes from Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) and does not skimp on the qualities of what an all-inclusive property is made up of. From its a la carte specialty restaurants serving Mexican, Italian and Asian dishes to its three pools (poolside bars included), as well as ﬁve jacuzzis, a 6,458-sq.-ft. spa with 16 treatment rooms, access to outdoor activities like snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and sailing, Azul Ixtapa Grand is an option for clients seeking an all-inclusive vibe along this picturesque Paciﬁc coast destination known for its boutique hotel options. Accommodations at Azul range from Luxury Suites (678 sq. ft.) to 1-bedroom Master Suites (1,356 sq. ft.) and two Presidential Suites (2,368 sq. ft.). All suites are equipped with a jacuzzi, private terrace, WiFi, minibar and modern-style bathroom with rainshower. Rates start at $180 pp. Barcelo Maya Beach Resort: Barcelo Hotels & Resorts recently completed the ﬁrst phase of a multimillion dollar renovation project to its Barcelo Maya Beach Resort complex-a massive property in Riviera Maya that includes ﬁve separate all-inclusive properties. The ﬁrst phase was aimed at upgrading Barcelo Maya Beach with an expanded lobby and bar; a new Mexican specialty restaurant; a children's pool; and refurbishments to its Club Premium Suites, which include 93 jr. suites and 18 oceanfront premium suites now offering guests new jacuzzis on the terrace and in the bathrooms. The second phase of the project will feature the Barcelo Maya Entertainment Center at Barcelo Maya Caribe. The center will include a new sports bar, bowling alley, teen disco, a kids' club, a waterpark and a redesign to its 18-hole miniature golf course. Rates for both Barcelo Maya Beach and Barcelo Maya Caribe resorts start at $253.33 pp dbl. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun: This ﬁve-star resort is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and within walking distance from the quaint ﬁshing village of Puerto Morelos. Grand Residences, the newest resort in the Royal Resorts collection and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, offers 103 oceanview suites with private outdoor terraces. Rooms vary from the 646-sq.-ft. jr. suites (ideal for couples) to the 2-bedroom, 2,486-sq.-ft. master suite that accommodates up to eight guests. Guests can dine at El Faro Grill for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or grab a bite at the outdoor Heaven Beach Bar, located just steps from the beach with comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas. Grand Residences also offers four pools, tennis courts, gym, spa, and a variety of onsite activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, yoga and salsa classes. Rates for a jr. suite start at $339 per night. continued on page 32 recommend.com 3/25/14 8:05 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend April 2014

The Islands of Tahiti Travel Planner
Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Commune Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Collette
What's New In Mexico
Fiji: Fantasy Islands
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
RCI’s Vision of the Seas
Florida Keys
Oahu, Aston-Style
3 Isles: The Azores, Canary Islands & Gotland, Sweden
Sun-Kissed Islands: Belize & Peru
Afloat on the Indian Ocean: Zanzibar & Madagascar

Recommend April 2014