Prevue May-June 2017 - 44

Above: Luxury Bahia Principe Samana Don Pablo Collection

The Experts Weigh in on
All-Inclusive Trends
On F&B: "One of the biggest trends we are seeing is that
all-inclusive hotels are making their menus more local, utilizing
regional ingredients and cooking methods. Hotels are also
catering to the family market and including complimentary
on-site activities for guests to enjoy. La Coleccion properties
have gotten on board with these trends, adding a traditional taco
stand at Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive."
-David Manzella, Grupo Posadas
On a Curated Itinerary: "It truly is not just about a
known destination or a big name property anymore. It's
about being thrown into the culture and living that true
meaningful experience. Whatever travel plans are selected,
a curated itinerary is being planned just for you and your
group. Individuals are searching for that Instagram or
Facebook moment."
-Kevin Edmunds, Unico 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya
On Upscale Experiences: "Looking ahead, our brand will see
an increased focus on luxury and upscale experiences while
expanding our urban and beach presence. Travelers expect
a higher level of service more than ever before; but excellent
service no longer means just white-glove restaurants."
-Juan Perez Sosa, Barcelo Hotel Group

Fantasia Don Pablo Collection in Punta Cana,
offering an abundance of entertaining activities for
groups. Two of three on-site castles house the Garden
Circus restaurant and Kokoro sushi bar in addition
to nightly entertainment that includes a stimulating
audiovisual show. The all-inclusive experience also
features one free hour of non-motorized water sports
such as paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking.
Even more: attendees staying here will have access to
facilities and services at other Bahia Principe properties
within the Bavaro Beach complex.
Luxury Bahia Principe Samana Don Pablo
Collection helped put the Dominican Republic's Samana
Peninsula back on the map for meetings a few years ago.
The 149-room property offers an adults-only oasis for
groups truly looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
The recent launch of the property's WE Wellness
Experience encourages attendees to achieve work-life
balance through Zen Yoga, meditative sessions and
anti-stress coaching.
For more athletic attendees, activities range from
martial arts to total fitness classes, with the option to
seek sports nutrition advice also available. Menus at the
resort's five restaurants even cater to health-conscious
attendees, with a WE seal that designates the most
nutritious F&B choices. Many groups also find wellness
in simply exploring the Samana Peninsula via hiking,
horseback riding or whale watching.
barcelo.com; melia.com; bahia-principe.com;
clubmed.us; palaceresorts.com; posadas.com

44 | prevuemeetings.com
http://www.barcelo.com http://www.melia.com http://www.bahia-principe.com http://www.clubmed.us http://www.palaceresorts.com http://www.posadas.com http://www.prevuemeetings.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May-June 2017
