We’ve reached the end of 2024, and there’s been lots of action in the travel and hospitality industry. From newly opened properties around the globe to noteworthy renovations and resorts set to open in 2025, here are a few exciting updates travel advisors won’t want to miss.
Newly Opened
Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive
The Luxury Collection’s first all-inclusive offering in Mexico, Almare is a beachside property designed to connect guests with the natural beauty and rich culture of the Caribbean. The resort offers 109 spacious suites for travelers to choose from, six onsite restaurants, an oceanfront pool, a wide array of immersive activities and entertainment as well as luxurious services at its upscale spa. “As The Luxury Collection continues to expand globally, we are proud to introduce Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive, as our second all-inclusive property,” said Philipp Weghmann, vice president and global brand leader of The Luxury Collection. “With more resorts of this nature in the pipeline, this property exemplifies our commitment to offering exceptional and immersive luxury experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations.”
St. Regis Longboat Key
Developed by Unicorp National Developments with architectural design by 10 Design and interiors by Hirsch Bedner Associates and Dutch East Design, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts recently announced the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in sunny Florida. A beachfront sanctuary on Sarasota’s beloved barrier island, the new property is the largest development on Longboat Key in over 50 years spanning 18 acres of untouched white sand beachfront and offering exclusive access to 800 feet of private beach. St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is home to a variety of swimming pools, luxury loungers and cabanas including a family-friendly resort pool, a Jacuzzi and winding river for travelers of all ages to enjoy. A true selling point of the new hotel is the “Under the Sea Lagoon,” a 500,000-gallon habitat where guests can swim and interact with 40 stingrays, 2,800+ reef fish and two giant Aldabra tortoises.
Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL
Whether they enjoy exploring cutesy college towns, are sports fanatics or are looking for a truly unique hotel stay, travelers are sure to love Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL, the newest property to join the brand’s collection of Graduate properties across the nation. Themed to channel the spirit of nearby Auburn University, Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL touts a reimagined War Eagle Supper Club with a custom-made bar and plenty of tasty food and drinks, “Bo Knows Coffee,” the property’s onsite coffee bar that simultaneously celebrates Bo Jackson, a hometown hero, as well as quirky guest rooms decorated with eagles and oak trees to show their Auburn pride — all paired with unlikely accents like tiger-print pillows and football lamps for good fun.
Thompson Palm Springs
After much anticipation, the desert welcomed Thompson Palm Springs, Hyatt’s newest California hotel with a focus on culinary excellence, special art programming and destination-inspired touches. Thompson Palm Springs is situated in the heart of the action in downtown Palm Springs, and guests can look forward to comfortable nights spent in one of its 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms, as well as 18 suites, each with its own private balcony and spectacular views of the surrounding area. If they’re feeling hungry, visitors can stop by Lola Rose Grand Mezze, the property’s Levantine-inspired dining destination helmed by Executive Chef Quentin Garcia. Oh, and did we mention the restaurant overlooks the majestic San Jacinto Mountains? How’s that for scenic.
Moxy Barcelona
Moxy Hotels has officially landed in Spain where Barcelona’s vibrant Sants neighborhood happily unveiled Moxy Barcelona, a new social hotspot for fun-loving travelers. Inspired by the region’s festive atmosphere, visitors will notice nods to famous artists like Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró as well as Antoni Gaudí, the famed modernist architect. Moxy Barcelona is colorful and contemporary, encouraging guests to lean into the fun the moment they step through its doors — something that’s never hard to find at Bar Moxy, which the property calls its “beating heart.” As far as the digs, visitors can look forward to spending the night in one of the hotel’s 414 guestrooms, each of which is outfitted in a smart layout to offer the perfect balance of comfort and functionality with keyless entry, walk-in showers, motion-activated LED lights and more.
ZEL Punta Cana
Slated to open in December 2024, ZEL Punta Cana is an all-inclusive lifestyle hotel created in collaboration with Meliá Hotels International and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Seamlessly blending sport, relaxation, gastronomy and social connection, the beachy new resort offers guests a unique Mediterranean experience where they can leave behind the worries of home and unwind at their own pace. ZEL Punta Cana is conveniently located less than 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and travelers will love spending their days soaking in the property’s two swimming pools, teeing off at Cocotal Golf & Country Club or taking a short stroll to nearby Bavaro Beach. The property has 190 all-suite nature-inspired accommodations with seven room categories, some of which are swim-up suites with direct access to the pool. No matter the room, visitors will enjoy Mediterranean influences throughout their stay with decor that emulates the region’s warmth and no shortage of charming maritime touches.
Noteworthy Renos
Hotel Belmar
A property dedicated to environmental stewardship and responsible travel, Hotel Belmar, a carbon-neutral hotel in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest, recently debuted a series of new, eco-conscious renovations and enhancements across most of its rooms and suites. The thoughtful changes were completed in the summer of 2024 and were made to help showcase the property’s incredible natural setting while simultaneously giving guests the modern amenities they need. Inside each renovated room, visitors are greeted by natural color palettes, Mid Century Modern furnishings and intriguing textures like velvet and natural fibers. According to the brand, each material used was sourced responsibly and chosen for its low environmental impact. Additionally, the property leaned into the magic of natural lighting, something guests staying in the “Sunrise Room” category will find as they enjoy a private balcony with panoramic views of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Family travelers have something to look forward to with the recent unveiling of Grand Velas Los Cabos’ newest accommodation, the “Family Duplex Suite.” Spanning 1,800+ square feet, these spacious two-story suites offer families the ultimate in comfort and entertainment with a private dining area, fully stocked mini bar, a Jacuzzi bathroom, two Queen-size beds and a private terrace with plunge pool access. Designed with youngsters in mind, kids will love exclusive amenities like a mini teepee hideout, popcorn machine, bubble machine, a star projector, games and more. Plus, the property offers tons of family-oriented perks including a Kids’ Club for children ages four to 12, a Teens’ Club and a Baby Concierge Service that provides families access to essential baby gear and personalized services throughout their stay.
San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino
San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino recently completed a large-scale renovation to include a variety of new dining experiences, upgraded modern amenities and revamped spaces designed to enhance the guest experience. Situated in the heart of San Juan, these changes bring a fresh look to the beloved property with curated touches inspired by the region’s natural beauty in the form of warm color palettes dotted with dreamy turquoise hues and organic elements like rich wood accents. Regarding the resort’s new culinary offerings, visitors can enjoy three updated dining venues during their next visit: Cosecha for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Azure Lounge for cocktails, quick bites and live entertainment and, lastly, Terrazzo for stone oven pizzas paired with their choice of wine, cocktails or gelato.
Coming Soon
Zemí Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Mark your calendars, Zemí Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is set to open in 2025 and you won’t want to miss it. A shiny new property located in Miches, the rising star of the Dominican Republic, Zemí Miches will offer guests gorgeous accommodations, succulent dining options and top-notch opportunities for wellness and entertainment — all paired with picturesque mountain views of the surrounding tropical landscape. The new resort offers an authentic look into Dominican culture, too, with nods to pre-Hispanic Taíno culture throughout the property in the form of design choices, food and even its namesake.
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