Latest news with #allInclusive
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Las Vegas For Less: New All-Inclusive Summer Travel Packages
Las Vegas is one of the world's top tourism destinations, but that may suffer due to current ... More economic circumstances. All-inclusive resorts are all the rage in places like Mexico and the Dominican Republic, but pretty much unheard of in Las Vegas—until now. There has been a lot of concern in the travel industry over current consumer fears about inflation, tariffs, wild stock market swings and day-to-day uncertainty, which could lead travelers to start cutting back. At the same time, international travelers to the U.S. have been increasingly discouraged, and last year one in eight visitors to the city were from abroad. Las Vegas is especially sensitive to this kind of impact, and after many recent record years, things have started trending down, with a nearly 8% drop in visitor volume for March 2025 from March 2024. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority recently projected a 5% decrease in room taxes for 2025, and just the decline from Canadian tourists alone could cost the local economy more than $4 billion, according to local station 8 News Now. So, to woo worried visitors, one Downtown casino hotel rolled out what it claims is the city's only all-inclusive hotel room package last summer, and is about to bring it back, offering Las Vegas for less. Luxury travelers will not confuse the classic Plaza Hotel & Casino with the opulent suites of the Strip's shiniest Forbes 4 and 5-Star resorts, Wynn, Resorts World, Bellagio, Aria or the like. But those cutting back who are still looking to visit Las Vegas on a predictable and more affordable budget may be pleasantly surprised (I write frequently on LAs Vegas news and travel and recently covered the newest Las Vegas airport lounge opening here at Forbes). The world's largest casino when it opened, the Plaza has been recently renovated, with nearly 1000 ... More rooms and in its iconic glass dome, beloved Oscar's Steakhouse. Even in its recent record setting tourism years, it has often been possible to find bargain priced lodging in the city, where room rates swing radically based on conventions, concerts and sporting events in town, and likewise, it is often cheap to fly to Las Vegas. But no matter when you go, extras such as food, cocktails and entertainment often seem to run more than budgeted for, and these are the things many visit Las Vegas specifically to indulge (or over-indulge) in. There is also an overarching feeling of extras, with many properties imposing vague 'resort fees,' extra daily charges on top of the room rate, for things that have always traditionally been included in hotel rates until now, such as using the pool, while parking fees have become a sore subject here for many visitors. These are all issues the Plaza hopes to address with its new all-inclusive packages, re-launching in a couple of days, on June 1, and running all summer through the end of August, with eye-popping rates from $125. 'At a time when tourists are concerned about increasing costs in Las Vegas, including resort fees and paying to park, we wanted to give our guests a more affordable summer vacation option by again offering our all-inclusive hotel room package,' said Jonathan Jossel, Plaza CEO. The Plaza recently redid its extenisve rooftop pool deck—including cabanas, food truck and 13 ... More Pickleball courts The package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily from a choice of various dining outlets on property, and in the classic style of all-inclusive resorts worldwide, bottomless drinks from two venues, the Omaha Bar and the Sports Book Bar. The package also waives all usual resort fees, giving guests free access to the fitness center, rooftop pool, and parking. Perhaps most interesting at a time when some famous Vegas hotels have started charging an extra (and really annoying) fee for early check-in, even when rooms are available, ready and sitting vacant, they are also throwing that in. Inclusive dining options do not include the hotel's most famous eatery, high-end Oscar's Steakhouse, by former Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman. I have eaten at Oscar's and it is both excellent and a lot of fun, definitely in the upper tier of the city's many great steakhouses and set in a unique and historic domed glass domed structure. It is one of the top destination dining spots in all of Downtown. However, the package does include special discounted nightly Happy Hour appetizers and cocktails at Oscar's for those who still want to experience its vibrant atmosphere, and the included 'free' dining spots include ultra-popular Hash House a Go Go, a chain known for its Southern and farm-influenced comfort foods, served in very generous portions. In summer, the hotel also puts on an impressive fireworks show every Friday night. One of the most popular nearby attractions in Downtown Las Vegas is the unique outdoor Neon Museum. While on the 'boutique' size by Las Vegas casino mega-resort standards, The Plaza still has nearly a thousand rooms and would be a huge hotel in any other city. It sits in the heart of Downtown on pedestrianized Fremont Street, within walking distance of many other casinos, hotels and restaurants, including several standout independent chef-driven eateries that have helped fuel a Downtown revival. It is also convenient to popular Downtown attractions such as the Neon Museum and Mob Museum. Interestingly, The Plaza opened in 1971 as the largest casino in the world. After changing hands, it closed for renovations in 2010, and tens of millions have since been poured into the property, with Oscar's opening the next year. More recently, the hotel did a complete renovation of its rooftop pool complex, with new private cabanas, hot tub, and food truck. Oddly, the Plaza has its own rodeo arena, Downtown's only open-air equestrian facility, as well as one of the city's largest pickle ball complexes. Additional renovations of the building frontage along Fremont street added new indoor and outdoor drinking venues and was just completed last year. Given how self-contained every large casino resort in Vegas is, with endless dining, drinking and entertainment options, plus and vast pool and fitness facilities, the all-inclusive model actually makes a lot of sense here, especially if it is limited to certain outlets on property. I'm hoping the Plaza's concept will catch on and become a more widespread trend. The city has a long, rich history of tourism innovation, experimentation and remaking, and a rash of all-inclusive packages, especially on The Strip, could be just what visitors need to get what so many of them want: Las Vegas for less.
Hospitality Net
5 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Rachael Harding has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ESAP at Club Med in Singapore
Club Med, the global leader in premium all-inclusive holiday experiences, has announced a strategic restructuring of its Asia Pacific operations, consolidating three existing Business Units into two integrated entities - East & South Asia and Pacific (ESAP) and China - with effect from May 1, 2025. This business transformation reinforces the brand's commitment to deepening regional focus, unlocking new growth potential, and enhancing operational agility in high-priority markets. Designed to align with the distinct business environment in ESAP and China while preserving the collaborative "One APAC" mechanism, this new structure will enable Club Med to solidify its position as one of the most iconic global lifestyle brands and drive the next chapter of growth in Asia. "This move opens a new chapter for Club Med in Asia Pacific. By tailoring our regional structure around the unique strengths of China and ESAP, we are well-poised to accelerate our expansion with a strategic focus. With empowered leadership and a shared glocal vision, Club Med now has even more agility to seize opportunities in key markets and reinforce our position as the worldwide leader in premium, all-inclusive travel," said Henri Giscard d'Estaing, President of Club Med. Accelerated Growth Momentum in ESAP The ESAP region has experienced a robust rebound over the past three years, buoyed by high client retention, new customer acquisition, and increased capacity in regions such as Hokkaido, Japan. With new milestones achieved, including the renovation and extension of Club Med Phuket with the first Family Oasis amongst its Asia resorts; upcoming renovations and enhancements at Club Med Bintan; and the highly anticipated debut of Club Med Borneo in Malaysia, ESAP is primed for significant profitable growth. To capitalise on this momentum, Club Med has appointed Rachael Harding as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly integrated ESAP business unit, encompassing both commercial and resort operations management. She will report to Gregory Lanter, Deputy CEO of Club Med. In this role, Rachael will be responsible for strategically guiding the ESAP business unit through the current evolving landscape. Her focus will be on ensuring a strong customer and brand experience, while driving a profitable growth strategy that solidifies Club Med's leadership position in both established and developing markets within the region. The ESAP Business Unit will see several key appointments: Cindy Beleau becomes Vice President of Revenue Management APAC, leading a modernisation of pricing strategies using digital and AI tools. becomes Vice President of Revenue Management APAC, leading a modernisation of pricing strategies using digital and AI tools. Sandrine Rossi takes on the role of Vice President, Operations and Product, bringing over 20 years of experience in resort operations and strategy. takes on the role of Vice President, Operations and Product, bringing over 20 years of experience in resort operations and strategy. Anastasiya Kulish steps in as Vice President of Japan Resort Operations, with a focus on strengthening Club Med's mountain leadership in Hokkaido. steps in as Vice President of Japan Resort Operations, with a focus on strengthening Club Med's mountain leadership in Hokkaido. Michelle Davies , General Manager Pacific, will expand her remit to include ESAP New Markets. , General Manager Pacific, will expand her remit to include ESAP New Markets. Olivier Monceau adds the Meetings & Events segment to his leadership of Singapore and Malaysia. adds the Meetings & Events segment to his leadership of Singapore and Malaysia. Jerome Ferrie and Arezki Haddad are named Chief Financial Officer and Chief HR Officer respectively. Rachael Harding, CEO, Club Med ESAP remarked, "This business transformation empowers us to scale with greater purpose and precision across the region. With a refreshed leadership structure, a robust resort pipeline and stronger regional integration, we are advancing our ability to deliver elevated, seamless guest experiences. The 2024 results clearly demonstrate ESAP's significant growth potential for Club Med, and we are poised to capitalise on every opportunity this new phase presents." Strategic Realignment in China Club Med has seen tremendous growth in China, which is the brand's second-largest market with over 260,000 guests welcomed in 2024. Since its entry into China in 2003 and the launch of its first ski resort in Yabuli in 2010, Club Med has progressively expanded its footprint—including five Premium All-Inclusive Resorts, four Joyview Resorts and two Urban Oasis properties over the past 22 years. Club Med will remain focused on strengthening its leadership in the Premium All-Inclusive segment, catering to affluent families and active couples while also supporting both outbound and inbound tourism. Andrew Xu will continue as CEO of Club Med China and serve as Deputy CEO of Club Med, overseeing global finance.
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
75 years on, Club Med is going after the luxury market
Europe's equivalent of Butlins was founded in 1950 by Belgian entrepreneur Gérard Blitz as a low-priced summer colony of tents on the Spanish island of Majorca. Blitz's idea, which he dubbed 'an antidote to civilisation', was to create a utopia where everything – food, sports, and lodging – was included, ensuring that everyone holidayed on equal terms. The world's first all-inclusive was born. Club Med's utopian ethos also extended to other areas: shells were used instead of money to pay for extras; resorts were known as villages; guests ate at communal tables and doors were never locked. 'Club Med believes that the purpose of life is to be happy,' Nicolas Bresch, managing director for the UK, Ireland and Nordics told me over the phone. 'The idea was to foster a sense of community.' The real genius behind the brand, however, was maverick businessman and former journalist Gilbert Trigano, who joined the company in 1954 and launched the transition from tents to thatch-roofed huts. In post-war Europe, the dream of leaving behind grey skies and even greyer scenery for a hedonistic holiday in the sun was an easy sell. During the 1960s the company expanded rapidly, opening properties in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, prompting avant-garde group Situationist International to coin the expression 'Club Med – a cheap holiday in other people's misery'. Trigano's aggressive expansion strategy soon led the group into financial difficulties, however: Baron Rothschild – who'd stayed in one of the resorts and liked the formula – eventually saved the company from bankruptcy. Despite the countless financial ups and downs that have marked the company's history over the years, Club Med is still going strong 75 years later. Now run by Chinese conglomerate Fosun, the group rebranded in 2023 and has invested some $1.5 billion in renovation projects in a bid to move upmarket and attract affluent millennial families. Keen to see what the new luxury look was all about, I visited Club Med Seychelles, one of the company's Exclusive Collection resorts, which opened earlier this year. Having seen French Fried Vacation (Les Bronzes), Patrice Leconte's 1970s cult Club Med satire, I was expecting regimented bathing and canteen food. I was serenaded instead by the wind pattering in the leaves of royal palm and perfumed frangipani as I sipped champagne in an airy and elegant pitched-roof lobby while waiting for check-in. Although it's only a 15-minute boat ride from Mahé, this resort set on its own 540-acre island overlooking the glass-clear waters of a nature reserve certainly felt exclusive; less so the yellow all-inclusive band that was strapped to my wrist on arrival. When I realised that it did everything from opening my room door to paying my bar tab, however, I was more enthusiastic. 'With this system you don't have to worry about taking keys or credit cards with you everywhere. Club Med is all about de-stressing,' Bresch told me. A total of €70 million was invested in refurbishing Club Med Seychelles, which was designed, according to the architect Gauthier Guillaume, 'to tell an extraordinary story, using tropical-chic elements'. The 294 rooms are linked by palm tree-shaded paths and feature spacious, light-filled bedrooms, blonde parquet floors, pops of colour in knotted rope basket chairs and high ceilings painted with vivid leaf murals. My suite in the Cape area received a deluge of 'wows!' when I posted pictures of it on social media, as did the bathroom with its standalone tub looking out over my private plunge pool to an idyllic white-sand beach beyond. With three swimming pools, five tennis courts, four padel courts, a water sports centre and a dedicated kids' club, there's plenty to keep younger family members occupied. Adults-only spaces scattered across the property, ranging from a Zen zone to a stylish Cinq Mondes spa, ensure that parents feel pampered, too. True to the group's ethos, there are also plenty of activities designed to get guests to meet and mingle – although most seemed reluctant to leave their own family or friendship groups when I stayed. During one of the nightly cocktail soirées I met teacher Sophie and her doctor husband Arnaud from Lyon. 'We've been doing Club Med for years. This is our 16th stay,' she enthused. 'It's more luxurious now and maybe less friendly, but we both love the fact that everything's easy and we can safely visit exotic places.' The French outnumbered other guests by far during my stay, although Bresch told me that Britons are cottoning onto the formula. 'The UK counts for about 10 per cent of the market in warm destinations, but they are one of Club Med's main markets for winter resorts,' he said. The resort also places an emphasis on sustainability, with no single-use plastic, a coral reef restoration programme and activities ranging from botanical hikes around the island's seven-kilometre coastline to adrenaline-pumping sallies into the surrounding jungle. The brand's bid to compete with the luxury market is marred, however, by erratic service and lingering traces of the old Club Med mentality: after a hard day's work, staff – still called GOs (Gracious Organisers) – don costumes to perform shows that are well meant, but decidedly amateur. Food is not always top-notch. 'Premium brand drinks are very limited and you only have one choice of wine with meals, so it definitely doesn't feel luxurious. There are also lots of extra charges, including £24 for room service, which is far too much,' Vinay from Jaipur commented. With bombast worthy of Trigano, Club Med plans to become 'the world's most desirable all-inclusive brand'. Upcoming projects include a beach and safari resort to open next year in South Africa, and new-build properties are on the cards in Borneo and Oman. If the brand plans to really compete in an increasingly crowded luxury market, it will have a challenge on its hands.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Telegraph
Find perfect harmony in Saint Lucia
You could be enjoying your first sea-view drink just 15 minutes after leaving the airport with a stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. Unfurling along the mile-long beach, this 85-acre retreat has Atlantic Ocean-view rooms, nine dining venues, seven bars and five fabulous pools. Two worlds in one The charm of this all-inclusive stay is that it really does cater for everyone. The Harmony Wing is reserved exclusively for adult guests and offers a more secluded ambience. You can spend sunny days relaxing in double hammocks or enjoy a sundeck for two around the two adults-only pools, and the Sanctuary Spa offers couples' massages in oceanfront cabanas. On the other side of the resort, the Splash Wing welcomes families for a fun-filled adventure, featuring Saint Lucia's largest water park, complete with water slides and a lazy river, an activity-packed Kidz Klub and a nursery for toddlers. The family-friendly rooms are bright and airy, and both Harmony and Splash feature air-conditioned Deluxe Garden Rooms on the ground floor and Deluxe Ocean Rooms above – each with a private terrace or balcony. These two worlds – Harmony and Splash – join in the centre of the resort where many of the dining options and entertainment are located. Delicious dining Enjoy a range of options from the unlimited à la carte and buffet dining, along with premium top-shelf liqueurs and cocktails from one of the seven bars. Whether you're indoors, outdoors, poolside or on the edge of the white sandy beach overlooking the ocean, there's always an inviting spot under a palm tree to enjoy a refreshing drink. The Jerk Treehouse is exactly as named: perched in a treetop setting, this casual outdoor restaurant serves jerk chicken and spicy pork in fun and colourful surroundings. Visit poolside Flipflops for pizza and burgers as well as self-serve popcorn, soda and hotdog machines – it's every child's dream. Coconut Walk Marketplace is the resort's main restaurant offering a delicious array of freshly prepared fare and live cooking stations. Fine-dining experiences are plentiful, with Italian classics offered at Trattoria, Creole-Latin fusion at Calabash and Asian delights at Silk. A new addition offering delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine, the adults only Seasons Veggie Bistro brings plant-based dishes into the fine-dining experience – over 90 per cent of the produce is locally sourced for a farm-to-table experience. For a supplement guests can book the oceanfront La Luna with views across to Maria Island and adults can enjoy signature gourmet dining at The Great House at Serenity. A splash of fun There are five pools in total, two of which are reserved for adults and offer cocktail service. Head to the Activity Pool for aquacise and pool volleyball or the expansive Splash Pool with its waterfalls, fountain and swim-up bar. At the beach, you can enjoy a host of non-motorised watersports and even learn from the professionals at Saint Lucia's only kitesurfing facility. Relaxation is on the menu at the Paradise Beach Bar, but you could switch that up with a game of beach volleyball, tennis, pickleball or basketball. The fitness centre offers a range of classes, or you could enjoy the simplicity of a Quarry Hill hike for incredible views. Like to dance? When the sun sets, head to the beach parties, join a dance class and soak up all the entertainment that's on offer. No matter how active or relaxed you want your stay to be, you'll find your perfect retreat at Coconut Bay. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your all-inclusive holiday to Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.
