Latest news with #allinclusive
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Look: Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort Isla Mujeres Review
A quieter and more intimate adults-only alternative to Cancun's traditional all-inclusive mega-resorts, Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort opened its doors on Isla Mujeres in November 2024. The resort is one of just a handful of large hotel brands that have planted a flag on the serene island, located only a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland. As a frequent visitor to Cancun, I was looking forward to experiencing the property, which joins several other new openings on the heels of rising demand for luxury-focused all-inclusive resorts. During a recent girls' getaway with my mom, I checked in to experience the boutique-leaning property firsthand. Read my full review below. divider Atrium at Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort Isla Mujeres. Rafael Luhrs divider My journey to Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort began on a boat—a complimentary sea transfer, to be precise, from the Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina in Puerto Cancun. After a 20-minute ride, I arrived at Almare's dock and was promptly greeted with a cold towel and a mocktail. Yoga practitioners were doing sun salutations under a thatched roof on the dock, while guests sunbathed on the private beachfront. Inside, an open-air lobby lined with ocher pillars, hanging wicker lamps and lush greenery provided a tropical feel. Main pool at Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort Isla Mujeres. Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort Isla Mujeres The resort has two pools, the larger one located in front of the property's three connected buildings and featuring a swim-up bar, The Breeze. Neither pool is directly on the beach, but the rooftop infinity pool, located in front of Seasalt restaurant, offered more direct views of the ocean. An on-site fitness center was spacious and well-equipped with a wide variety of machines, and I was impressed by the Alma Spa, which came complete with a steam room, sauna, salt room and hydrotherapy pools. I booked a relaxing massage, which started off with a welcoming ceremony featuring a carved effigy of Ixchel, the ancient Mayan goddess associated with the island. divider With just 109 rooms, Almare skews closer to a boutique hotel than the average Cancun mega-resort. This is the general atmosphere of the hotel as well: Walking through the hallways, the property feels more like a beachy apartment complex. I stayed in a Deluxe Guest Room, which featured two double beds, a small sitting corner with a desk, a detached double vanity, a separate toilet and shower and a private terrace with views of the pool and ocean. Every room at the resort includes a private terrace—one of the benefits of a smaller property. Deluxe Guest Room at Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres. Marriott At about 750 square feet, the area was spacious, but I found the room design to be a bit unusual: A whirlpool tub sits between one of the beds and the vanity. While there are standalone tubs in every room category (a nice touch), the positioning of the tub right next to the bed in the Standard and Deluxe room categories felt awkward. Much like the open-air lobby, the room featured the same resin-coated pillars as wall décor, but aside from that, there were few pieces of art or design elements; the most luxe aspect of the room was the collection of Byredo toiletries. divider Almare is home to six food and beverage outlets, and over the course of my stay, it became clear that food is the resort's strongest offering. Seasalt, the rooftop restaurant that sits underneath a beautiful thatched palapa, offers Mediterranean dishes alongside Mexican classics; I had a few great pasta dishes here as well as a very creative lobster pizza. In the evenings, performances by jazz singers and pianists add to the sophisticated atmosphere. Seasalt restaurant at Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres. Marriott My favorite dining outlet was Boga, which offered flavorful Mayan-influenced dishes from all parts of the country. At breakfast, I ordered eggs made with local chaya leaf, native to the Yucatan Peninsula, and at dinner, I enjoyed lobster papadzules with pumpkin seed sauce; I was also impressed by the wide variety of Mexican wines available, including many from Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's equivalent of Napa. The ceviches and poke bowls at The Breeze, the pool bar and restaurant, were fantastic, as was the tikin xic, a locally sourced grilled fish prepared Mayan-style with a variety of amazing sauces and a side of tortillas. The menus at Almare cater to a well-traveled crowd that isn't afraid to be adventurous at mealtime—a refreshing change from the many all-inclusives that have earned reputations for mediocre dishes. divider The resort offers plenty of activities for guests, including several wellness-focused excursions like morning runs and yoga classes on the dock. I enjoyed coffee-tasting and chocolate-making classes, both of which focused on Mexican-grown beans. While I did not have enough time to experience it during my stay, Isla Mujeres' most famous beach, Playa Norte, is about a 15-minute drive from the resort (guests can rent a buggy, as cars are generally not recommended for visitors on the island) and is a great option for a day trip. divider Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort is located on Isla Mujeres, which is a 20-minute boat ride from mainland Cancun. The property offers complimentary boat transfers to and from Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina in Puerto Cancun (transfers run roughly every two hours), which is about a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN). Guests can book ground transportation to Renaissance via Almare or set up their own ground transportation independently.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Look: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Review
The family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos has long been one of Los Cabos' all-inclusive crown jewels thanks to the many activities, expansive ocean views and attentive service it offers. With few improvements since opening its doors in 2015, however, the property was due for a refresh; this spring, the resort completed a $50 million renovation that coincides with its 10-year anniversary. The renovation project—which includes 248 refreshed rooms in Tower B, an upgraded lobby bar, an enhanced fitness center, revamped kids and teens clubs, a new Indian dining outlet and rebrands of two of its most popular restaurants—is welcome news for fans of the hotel, which I named one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos. I checked in to experience it myself and was impressed by the new look. Here's my full review. Aerial shot of Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The first thing guests notice when walking into Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is its new open-air lobby. Completely redone, guests are now greeted by soaring ceilings and pops of golds and creams, with the luxurious Lobby Bar 23°N— featuring a propeller centerpiece and vintage navigation tools—being the most eye-catching element of the space. Given all-inclusive resorts' reputation for stale design, the reimagining immediately elevates incoming guests' first impression of the hotel. Those staying in a Club Level are taken to a newly designed and private VIP area to check in right off the main lobby. Lobby Bar 23°N at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. As part of the recent renovations, the property's kids and teens clubs were completely redone, and the kids waterpark was refreshed; its spacious fitness center, which was quite busy during my stay, also has a fresh look and new equipment. I spent most of my time at the pool area: The hotel features four pools, including a main pool, a kids pool, an adults-only pool and an infinity pool right near the beach. The infinity pool was the most popular of them all, with music and entertainment (think: Hula-Hooping contests and music trivia) on tap all day long. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos offers 591 rooms in a variety of different categories, but only 248 of these rooms have been renovated as part of the hotel's recent transformation: If you're booking this hotel, you'll want to make sure that you're booked into Tower B, where the renovations are complete. (Renovations to Tower C are also expected, but no firm dates are in place.) I stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View Double, a 611-square-foot space that featured two double beds, a walk-in shower and a private terrace overlooking the infinity pool, with views of the coast and mountain range. Deluxe Ocean View Double Room at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. I was impressed by the transformation; in comparison to the non-renovated rooms in Tower C, which feature darker woods and smoky tones of chocolate and eggplant, my room felt fresh and modern, with bright pops of orange and cerulean blue. The hanging blue and wicker lamps were a nice touch that seemed aligned with many of the hotel's newly designed spaces, and the room's artwork—including a painting that evokes waves and a sculpture of a whale's tail—gave it an established sense of place. As expected, my room's minibar was stocked with water, juices, beer and wine, and service was friendly, prompt and unobtrusive. There are 16 restaurants, bars and lounges at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, and several of them are new: Casa Cortez, once just known as Cortez, has been overhauled with a new, boho-chic look and revamped menu. Serving seafood-forward Mexican cuisine, the excellent ceviches, fish tacos, shrimp burrito and margaritas I had here made it hands down my favorite dining outlet at the hotel. The hotel also revamped its Mediterranean restaurant Zaffiro, now called Farina e Olio, though it was not yet fully open during my visit, and opened a new Indian dining outlet named Mahika, which guests enter through an immersive ticket booth. Casa Cortez at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos During my stay, I enjoyed daily breakfasts at El Molino, which serves up Mexican favorites and a global buffet breakfast. I'm not the biggest fan of buffet-style dining, but I was impressed by the quality and variety here—the chilaquiles were particularly great—and looked forward to returning each day. I was also pleased by the strong coffee at the on-site Coffee House (with just about every milk substitute available), the delicious poke bowls at the juice bar by the main pool and the fact that I was able to order a perfectly made dirty Grey Goose martini (no extra charge) at Lobby Bar 23°N. As someone who has been to many all-inclusive resorts, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos certainly punches above its weight when it comes to food and drinks. One of my favorite midday snacks were the tacos served at the bar near the adults-only pool. If you're staying at the resort, look for the small kitchen door at the end of the bar, where you can place your order. The tacos are truly authentic; it feels almost unbelievable that these can be found at an all-inclusive resort. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is located about a 20-minute drive from the San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Mum slammed for moaning about breakfast selection in Tunisia & gets told ‘if you want a full English go to Blackpool'
A BRIT mum has been ordered to ''go to Blackpool'' after she moaned about the breakfast options at her all-inclusive hotel in Tunisia. Mum-of-two Lauren Hudson came under a barrage of criticism just a day after a Brit nan Susan Edwards, 69, was less than impressed with the grub on offer in Corfu. 2 Lauren jetted off to Tunisia with her family earlier this season and has regularly been sharing snaps on TikTok, sharing the sunny weather and poolside views. However, after inspecting the breakfast options at the hotel, the mother said she wasn't ''enjoying the food''. The buffet menu consisted of a huge variety of dishes from the local cuisine, with heaps of veggies, scrambled eggs and more. ''God knows what it is,'' Lauren could be heard saying in the video, as she walked viewers through the huge collection of meals. Right next the different types of cereal Lauren also spotted eggs, a hearty porridge, a dish consisting of sausages and veggies. ''Doesn't look very nice,'' the Brit mum moaned. Hungry holiday-goers also had the option to kickstart their day with a range of healthy fruit, including watermelon, dates and a pile of apricots. Those keen to add more vitamins and minerals to their diet could also opt for a juice or indulge by the salad bar, with a range of dressings to choose from. The all-inclusive hotel had also provided guests with several spreads, pastries and cornbread - to name a few. In the end, Lauren went for one croissant, as well as fried egg, as she told viewers: ''I'm not enjoying the food.'' 'Go to Blackpool next time then' Since sharing her thoughts online, Lauren has faced backlash, with her video racking up 260k views and more than 1,300 people flooding to comments where they slammed her. One person reminded the mum: ''Different country different cultures, we don't offer Tunisian breakfast in English hotels, see how this works?'' Another agreed, writing: ''You are in another country with other cultures - not sure travel is for you if you can't adapt - embrace it you will discover new favourites.'' ''Yeah, if you are just wanting full English breakfasts stay in England or go to Benidorm. You won't like many other place,'' a third advised. ''Go to Blackpool next time then,'' someone else urged. ''Looks like a lot of different options there. What else did you need?'' a baffled viewer wondered. Hitting back at the critics, Lauren responded: ''I'm just fussy I guess.'' Experts weigh in on whether you should reserve your sunbed with a towel on holiday EVERY summer, hotels become the sites of frantic battles, as guests try to reserve the best loungers with their towels first thing in the morning. But etiquette and elegance expert Katarina, who shares her expert opinions about manners on TikTok at @ says people need to be less selfish and more considerate of other hotel guests. In the footage, she said: "If you're staying at a hotel, avoid blocking the sunbeds if you're not planning on staying. It's disrespectful toward other guests. "Unless the hotel has a reservation system in place, only occupy the sunbeds when you're staying by the pool." Renowned etiquette expert, William Hanson, believes there is a 30-minute grace period on poolside reservations. This is where hotel guests can use a towel or a book to reserve a spot for no longer than half an hour. William told the Sun Online Travel: "In the morning, at the start of the day, and you're by the pool after breakfast, then it's fine at 8.30 to put your towel on the bed to reserve your spot. "But later on in the day after you've used the lounger, and go off for a massage, for example, which is going to be an hour, then you can't use a towel to reserve the sun lounger." If you're grabbing some grub at lunchtime, William said holidaymakers are allowed to eat at the hotel bar or restaurant providing you're not gone longer than 30 minutes. He said: "It also gives your towel time to dry off." William said despite the grace period, "You can't hog the sun lounger for the entire day." Meanwhile, Laura Akano, the Principal Coach and Trainer at Polished Manners doesn't believe holidaymakers have a right to reserve a lounger at all. She told the Sun Online Travel: "I think it should be a first come first serve basis - if the resort doesn't have a booking system." 'No English food' Brit nan Susan Edwards, from Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, jetted off in May with three cousins and her daughter for a seven-night stay at the Lido Corfu Sun Hotel on the Greek island. They were looking forwards to a week of relaxation, but the ordeal was "horrendous from the minute they got there," Susan said. She told Chronicle Live there was "no English food" on the all-inclusive menu and she was "sick to death of looking at rice" by the end. The grumbling gran was also dismayed at only being offered chips "one day out of the whole lot" during her £750pp week-long stay. Now the hotel's manager, Makis Triantafyllos, has hit back - alleging Susan's complaints were a ruse to claw money back. He told The Sun: "From the very beginning of her stay, [Susan] demonstrated clear intent to fabricate complaints in pursuit of financial compensation, going as far as to complain about the weather." He alleged she demanded to know from the staff: "Why is it raining?" The manager claimed Susan's attitude had been "sarcastic and dismissive" to staff who did their best to accommodate her. The hotelier also fiercely defended the menu, saying the food service is "generous and diverse, offering fresh salads, fruits, hot and cold dishes daily". He fumed that Susan's account of the food was "entirely false and disrespectful to our culinary staff". And as for the "no English food" dig - Makis said the Sun Hotel offers "world-renowned and beloved Mediterranean cuisine" with other options tailored to guests' preferences - including those from the UK.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Corfu hotel hits back Brit gran who moaned about lack of ‘English food'…& says she even made complaint about the WEATHER
A CORFU hotel boss has accused a Brit gran for "fabricating complaints" after she moaned her stay was a "nightmare" thanks to "no bacon, sausages or chips". The OAP was accused by the hotel of fishing for compensaion - and the manager even claiming she had blamed the staff for bad weather. 8 8 8 Susan Edwards, 69, from Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, said her seven-night stay at the Lido Corfu Sun Hotel on the Greek island was the "worst holiday" she'd ever been on. She told Chronicle Live there was "no English food" on the all-inclusive menu and she was "sick to death of looking at rice" by the end. The grumbling gran was also dismayed at only being offered chips "one day out of the whole lot" during her £750pp week-long stay. Now the hotel's manager, Makis Triantafyllos, has hit back - alleging Susan's complaints were a ruse to money back. He told The Sun: "From the very beginning of her stay, [Susan] demonstrated clear intent to fabricate complaints in pursuit of financial compensation, going as far as to complain about the weather." He alleged she demanded to know from the staff: "Why is it raining?" The manager claimed Susan's attitude had been "sarcastic and dismissive" to staff who did their best to accommodate her. The hotelier also fiercely defended the menu, saying the food service is "generous and diverse, offering fresh salads, fruits, hot and cold dishes daily". He fumed that Susan's account of the food was "entirely false and disrespectful to our culinary staff". And as for the "no English food" dig - Makis said the Sun Hotel offers "world-renowned and beloved Mediterranean cuisine" with other options tailored to guests' preferences - including those from the UK. Moment Brit passenger hauled off Ryanair flight heading to Corfu after mid-air brawl as plane forced to divert to Italy The spat continued over the issue of room keys. Susan said she'd asked for a second key for her daughter because she herself gets tired in the afternoons and likes to pop back for a lie down. She said the hotel told her: "No, too expensive." However, Makis said Susan was given a second room key but that it was "revoked after it was used solely to keep the electricity running - leaving the air conditioning on 24 hours a day, even with open windows and the room unoccupied." 8 8 8 This behaviour, he explained, "violates our sustainability and energy policies". Susan also took aim at the hotel's facilities, claiming there was no entertainment at the site, which is "stuck in the middle of nowhere". She said trek down to the private beach was too steep to navigate. The hotel said the beach is "approximately 300 meters away, accessible via a path that is clearly described", and that it "hosts three weekly evening events by the pool". But it was the food and drink that most riled the bee in Susan's bonnet. She said: "On a morning you could have toast, a hard-boiled egg, or something in sauce. "For breakfast there was mozzarella and sliced tomatoes. There was no hot bacon or sausage. "We got chips one day. One day out of the whole lot. 8 8 "There was fish, sardines and rice - I was sick to death of looking at rice. "There was pasta and salads, none of this was marked [labelled]. "One night there was a Greek night and they had kebabs, I couldn't eat that." The 69-year-old has to be careful with what she eats, as she has a condition called ulcerative colitis - a long-term inflammatory bowel disease. Makis said Susan's pre-occupation with poking holes in the services "clearly indicated that she was focused on securing compensation, rather than enjoying her holiday". Hotel staff made "consistent and respectful efforts to accommodate her", he said. Makis added: "Targeting a hotel with excellent ratings (8+/10 on and 4.3/5 on Google) and many loyal, returning guests, based solely on questionable accusations, is both unfair and damaging." After receiving Susan's complaint, a TUI UK & I spokesperson said: "Our priority is to ensure customers have the best possible holiday experience, so we are sorry to hear that Mrs Edwards felt dissatisfied with her holiday. "We have been in touch directly with Mrs Edwards to come to a resolution." The travel company offered her £100 in holiday vouchers - but Susan claims some people were offered more after complaining, and so declined the olive branch.
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Hyatt's Inclusive Collection Continues Expansion in Bulgaria with the Opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach
Located in one of Eastern Europe's most popular seaside destinations—the 397-room adults-only hotel offers a vibrant all-inclusive experience on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach, part of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, in the heart of Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. The opening marks the continued expansion of the Alua Hotels & Resorts brand, strengthening Hyatt's commitment to offering a seamless all-inclusive travel experiences that suit every traveler. The opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach complements the existing Inclusive Collection brand portfolio in Bulgaria, joining Secrets Sunny Beach, Dreams Sunny Beach, Alua Helios Bay and AluaSun Helios Bay, which opened in 2023. "The opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach reflects our commitment to offering exceptional value and memorable moments for guests and World of Hyatt members," said Manuel Melenchon, Managing Director, South, for Hyatt in EAME. "As travelers continue to seek all-inclusive stays in Europe, we're dedicated to creating seamless experiences that allow guests and World of Hyatt members to relax in comfort while also connecting with local culture, exploring the destination, and enjoying stays that consistently exceed expectations." "We're excited to celebrate the opening of our newest Alua Hotels & Resorts property," said Ana Tomicevic, Global Brand Leader, Inclusive Collection, Hyatt. "Alua properties are designed for today's traveler—those seeking a modern, minimalistic stay with authentic local touches. The brand resonates with guests who value exploring their destination as much as relaxing at the resort. Sunny Beach, with its unique backdrop and vibrant energy, is the perfect setting for this next chapter." Juxtaposed between the lively Flower Street and the Sunny Beach Promenade, the adults-only AluaSoul Sunny Beach offers direct access to the famed Boulevard studded with local shops and a vibrant nightlife, offering a contemporary all-inclusive experience with a fresh, modern feel in the heart of this bustling beach town. Whether guests want to explore, relax, or a balanced blend of both, the hotel is thoughtfully designed to match every travel style—offering easy access to Blue Flag beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the rich culture and cobbled, picturesque streets of the UNESCO-listed Nessebar. "We're thrilled to welcome guests and World of Hyatt members to the new AluaSoul Sunny Beach. With a prime location in one of the most popular seaside destinations in Eastern Europe, the hotel boasts a truly elevated experience, combining a modern design with unforgettable entertainment and amenities along with the convenience of easy access to all that Sunny Beach has to offer," said Daniel Bielsa Gibaja, general manager of AluaSoul Sunny Beach. "Whether looking to relax and unwind, or make the most of the local nightlife, the hotel has something for everyone." Tranquil Guestrooms AluaSoul Sunny Beach's 397 guest rooms combine modern interior design with all the facilities needed for a relaxing stay, with many touting stunning views of the Black Sea. The hotel's neutral color-scheme with a touch of vibrant hues, are inspired by the local culture and the surrounding natural beauty. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning and walk-in rainfall showers. Culinary Offerings From fresh local ingredients to international favorites, the hotel's six restaurants and bars offer something for every palate. Mare Nubium features hyper-local cuisine in an elegant à la carte setting, while Terra serves a wide range of local and international dishes buffet-style—perfect for a casual, quick bite. The Spot adds nightlife to the mix with live entertainment in a high-energy setting. Guests can also enjoy healthy snacks at Kentia's terrace, handcrafted cocktails at the poolside Agua bar, and bold Asian fusion flavors at Jojo. The all-inclusive offer includes three meals daily along with a late continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Engaging Amenities The property boasts two outdoor swimming pools - one for relaxation in the sun, and the other for activities. Guests seeking adventure can make use of the hotel's active offerings, which include water sports like windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, boat rides and snorkeling. For guests placing an emphasis on wellbeing, the hotel's 24-hour fitness center touts floor to ceiling windows and is fully equipped with professional machines and free weights. Guests can also unwind in the hotel's modern spa, with the choice of a hot tub, sauna, steam room and sensation showers, or partake in a relaxing massage or rejuvenating facial or body treatment to further complement the hotel's wellbeing offerings. My Favorite Club AluaSoul Sunny Beach offers My Favorite Club, designed to provide guests with added comfort and convenience through exclusive benefits, upgraded accommodations, and amenities. These include early check-in and late check-out, access to a reserved area in the Terra restaurant, private hotel areas, and premium accommodation options. My Favorite Club suites, such as the Double Superior Frontal Sea View, are situated in prime locations within the hotel, offering panoramic views of the Black Sea. These rooms come with additional amenities, including a larger TV, a wider selection of toiletries, and a bottle of red wine, and more. Meetings and Events Flexible meeting space at AluaSoul Sunny Beach includes Sophia Hall, a 65 m² room which can accommodate up to 60 guests for meetings, presentations, training sessions or informal networking events, surrounded by the stunning Black Sea. To learn more about the rewarding ways members can enjoy all-inclusive experiences through World of Hyatt, visit Hyatt's Inclusive Collection. To learn more about AluaSoul Sunny Beach and save an additional 15% with the opening offer for stays through June 19, 2025, visit the resort's website. The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. Hotel website
