Recommend August 2014 - (Page 26)

onsitereview F E B R U A R Y 2 0 14 GRAND RESIDENCES RIVIERA CANCUN deserae del campo Master Suite bedroom at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. Oceanside luxury takes shape in the form of Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a ﬁve-star and Leading Hotels of the World property that reminds savvy travelers visiting the Yucatan Peninsula that this part of Mexico isn't overrun with all-inclusive, pack-themlike-sardines mega-properties with 1,000-plus guestrooms, but rather it's a cultural, historical, and people-friendly destination that seeps into your skin and keeps tourists coming back for more. This past fall, Recommend had the pleasure of staying at Grand Residences only weeks after the property's grand opening in December. How's business? According to general manager Carlo Bicaci, "Grand Residences has fared very well in the past six months. In addition to a number of repeat guests, we are also continuously attracting new guests. We attribute this to ways in which we've differentiated ourselves, such as the amenities we offer our guests, from a complimentary weekly sunset cruise Grand Expansions Says Grand Residences' general manager, Carlo Bicaci, "Grand Residences will continue to expand in 2015 with more rooms, for a total of 144 suites by the end of the year. However, no construction is necessary since the buildings were completed during the initial construction, so the remaining suites are being decorated and furnished. In addition, the resort will expand its culinary options, opening a second restaurant on site in December 2015, called Flor de Canela. The restaurant will be Mexican-themed and will complement El Faro Grill's steak and seafood offerings." 26 august 2014 24-28 MX Onsites.indd 26 aboard our private catamaran to the fact that our snorkeling headgear is single-use, meaning that each guest has brand-new equipment and does not share with anyone else." Before we get into that complimentary sunset cruise, let's take a tour of the hotel's "grand residences." grand digs The moment we stepped into our suite (one of 103 at this all-suite property), we were immediately swept away by the luxurious decor and impressive layout. Accommodations at Grand Residences range from the 646-sq.-ft. Junior Suite, which is really a couple's cozy haven with a private outdoor jacuzzi, to the more-than-spacious 8,816-sq.-ft., 4-bedroom Penthouse Presidential Suite made for up to 13 guests (multigenerational clients? you bet). The suite is divided into two Master Suites and two Junior Suites, each with a private entrance, and features a private rooftop garden, private swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a bar, and grill. The 1,862-sq.-ft., 1-bedroom Master Suite was more than enough space (and this room actually accommodates up to ﬁve guests) for this reporter traveling alone. It features a large bedroom with a king-size bed; an impressive gourmet kitchen where the resort's chef can prepare a dynamite feast for only $70 per meal; elegantly furnished dining and living room with Murphy beds, an impressive bathroom with dual sinks, a soaking tub, shower, and Bulgari bath products; and a laundry room. The continued on page 28 recommend.com 7/23/14 10:39 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2014

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk Chic & New
Tour Talk FAMs to Latin America & Beyond
Uniworld’s S.S. Catherine
The Dish on Las Vegas
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Lanai, Hawaii
CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA
Double the Charm in Cancun
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Tour Operators Do the Talking
The Beat Goes on for Thai Tourism
A Love Affair with Puerto Rico & Four Grand Personalities
Punta Cana’s Melia Caribe Tropical—The Level
Sandals LaSource Resort & Spa, Grenada
On the Tracks in France
Antwerp Sparkles Like a Diamond
Southern Africa

Recommend August 2014