Riviera Maya- ILTM Americas (September 2015)
FAM Report by Kris Levy, East Greenwich
ILTM AMERICAS RIVIERA MAYA WITH STAYS AT FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA, GRAND VELAS, AND VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA
SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 9, 2015
I recently attended the ILTM Americas in the Riviera Maya which was held at the Fairmont Mayakoba. I met with over 70 luxury suppliers ranging from DMC’s, small boutique hotels, large luxury chain hotels, and tourists boards. I’m going to share with you some of the exhibitors that I visited.
Hotel Villa Maria Cristina mr@verypcc.com www.villamariacristina.net This property is located in Guanajuato, Mexico and is close to the colonial cities. It has 38 suites and one 8-room villa. All rooms have high ceilings, large framed windows, and hardwood floors. The owner of the hotel also owns a silver mine and they offer tours on a daily basis. I would use this property for a guest visiting the colonial cities or a guest doing business in Mexico City and wants to get away for a weekend.
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof info@hotel-schweizerhof.com www.hotel-schweizerhof.com This resort is 120 years old and is located in Grindewald. This property is great for all seasons especially for skiing because of the close proximity to the lifts. It has 27 apartments, 2 junior suites with balconies, fitness center, spa, and pool. They offer either half board or full board.
HL Adventures toddigodi@hl.is www.hl.is This would be your DMC for Iceland. They provide accommodations, activities, entertainment, and private transfers throughout Iceland, Greenland and the North Pole. They are very much into adventures and outside the box thinking.
Annandale, New Zealand jasmine@annandale.com www.annandale.com This one really impressed me! It’s located south of Christchurch on the coast. It boasts 4 private villas on a working farm with farm-to-table cuisine. This property would be great for a honeymoon couple, family gathering or even a corporate event. They also own Lake Kora (www.lakekora.com) which is a lakefront property featuring luxury lodges set on a thousand acre wilderness escape in upstate New York. I see this property being used for a destination weeding or a family reunion.
Val D’Isere Tourist Office valpromo@valdisere.com www.valdisere.com Val D’Isere is situated at an altitude of 1850 m and offers a connected ski areas of 300km of slopes, and glaciers. They also have 3, 5-star properties throughout the area. They are the only ski resort that offers intermediate slopes on the tops of the mountains.
Hotel LM gerencia@hotel-lm.com www.hotel-lm.com This is part of the small luxury hotel chain and has 7 rooms with only one room having 2 double beds. The restaurant in this hotel doesn’t have a menu because the chef comes out and asks you what you would like to eat and prepares everything to your liking. It also has a roof-top terrace.
Hotel Quadrifolio melopez@hotelquadrifolio.com www.hotelquadrifolio.com This is a small luxury hotel located I n Cartegena, Colombia. It features 8 jr. suites, 2 conference centers and a rooftop Jacuzzi.
The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul Caglae.gonculer@ritzcarlton.com www.ritzcarlton.com.tr I think that the Ritz says it all. They are located on the hill overlooking the Bosphurus. Please offer your clients the concierge level because it includes 5 meals per day, open bar, 20 minute massage, and the use of a smart car for 4 hours each day. The cost is 70.00 more per night and I think that it’s a great value!!
Intiways lia@intiways.travel www.intiways.travel This is a great DMC option for Peru. They specialize in luxury travel for all of Peru using properties like Belmond, and Relais de Chateaux.
Casta Diva Resort and Spa sales@castadivaresort.com www.castadivaresort.com They are located right on Lake Como, They have 9 villas with a total of 75 rooms and suites. All of the villas have views of the lake. They have one restaurant and a wonderful spa.
Blue Lagoon Iceland berlind@bluelagoon.is www.bluelagoon.com The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most unique attraction and one of the 25 wonders of the world. This property will soon be opening a 5-star spa hotel. Some of the rooms will even have their own blue lagoon plunge pool.
The Tokyo Station Hotel veda@tokyostationhotel.jp www.slh.com/hotels/the-tokyo-station-hotel The Tokyo Station Hotel re-opened in October 2012. They are conveniently located right at the main train station, but they insist one hears no train noise. The hotel is 50 minutes from NRT by train and the hotel will meet you at the end of the train platform for an easy registration.
Ted Turner Expeditions erossi@chredo.com www.tedturnerexpeditiions.com Ted Turner expeditions was created to provide guests to a wildlife and nature experience with over 11 million acres in New Mexico. These are his own homes that he has opened up to the public. It’s like staying in your own national park.
Exclusive by TLC Antonio.silva@exclusivebytlc.com www.exclusivebytlc.com This is a great DMC option for Portugal. Their emphasis on art, bicycle, wine and food tours for all of Portugal.
Lafayette Group DMC Info@lafayette-travel.com www.lafayette-travel.com This is my new DMC for France, Monaco. They have 5 agencies based in Paris, Cannes, Marseilles, Strasbourg and Monaco. They also can fast track your clients though CDG. Do yourself a favor and check out their website because they have tons of options for your clients.
Blai Limosines olga@blailimosines.com www.blailimosines.com This company offer first class transfers, tours, certified guides, and chauffeurs throughout Spain. They own their own fleet of Mercedes sedans, minivans, and coaches. They also offer tickets to many attractions.
Fairmont Mayacoba Samantha.gatza@fairmont .com www.fairmint.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya The Fairmont offers elegant accommodations and impeccable service. It also offers room only or an inclusive plan. You also have signing privileges with the Rosewood and Banyan Tree since they are all on the same property. I stayed in a jungle view room and I have to say that I loved the bathroom!! The accommodations are located on the beach, canals, and mangrove forests. Use Samantha’s email address to VIP your clients.
Fairmont Southhampton Bermuda Resort Ashley.malone@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com Perched on Bermuda’s south shore with miles of pink sand beaches, the Fairmont Southhampton, sits on 100 acres. The resort has 9 dining options, 2 pools, 6 tennis courts and a kids club.
Eolo Patagonia’s Spirit lucia@eolo.com.ar www.eolo.com.ar Eolo is a unique resort that combines the impressive nature of Southern Patagonia. The lodge has 17 rooms. Common areas : two living rooms, library, TV room, bar, and restaurant.
Grace’s Distinctive Properties gdistinctiveltd@aqol.com www.gracesdistinctiveproperties.com North America sales and marketing firm, specializing in representing hotels and villas in Mexico, Caribbean and Italy.
Grand Velas Resort Riviera Maya ggodoy@grandvelas.com www.grandvelas.com I was fortunate enough to spend 4 nights at this luxury all-inclusive resort. They have 3 sections, Zen section, Ambassador, and a Grand Class section. The Zen section has a more jungle feel to it because it’s not on the beach and is less quite. The ambassador section is located right on the beach and is for families. This section has their own infinity pool with swim up bar. The Grand Class section is an adults only sections with and infinity pool and a swim up bar. The resort has 8 restaurants, some buffet and some a la carte. I have to say that food was outstanding, the wine selection was superb, and the spirits were all high end. Everyone has their own concierge that can help you with dining reservations, spa appointments, and anything else that you desire. The rooms and balconies were very spacious with L’occitane amenities, nespresso maker, and a stocked minibar.
Viceroy Riviera Maya Again, I was fortunate enough to stay at this resort. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by the hotel staff. The lobby area was all open and you felt like you were in a jungle with wonderful scents all around you. This resort has 41 villas with private plunge pools in each villa. The villas were absolutely fabulous. It had all the bells and whistles, but my favorite was the outdoor shower. The resort has a fitness center, boutique, 2 restaurants, and a spa. I would go back in a heartbeat!!! I met with a lot of exhibitors and if you are looking for something different and you don’t see it here please give me a call and I may have additional contacts or insight for you.
Kris Levy East Greenwich