INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Guests have new places to dip their feet in the sand as beach resorts around the global have opened or been redesigned with the latest amenities. Here’s a look:
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa Debuts
The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa on Vagaru island, Shaviyani atoll in the Maldives recently opened, marking the debut of brand in the country.
The new resort has 60 villas, starting at approximately 2,520 sq. ft., which include private pools and wooden sunbathing decks. Duplex overwater pool villas and single-story overwater pool villas are set on stilts overlooking the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, with a choice of sunrise or sunset views. While beach pool villas come with direct access to the white sandy beaches of the private island, the split-level duplex beach pool villa is designed to cater to multigenerational families, including separate lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate larger groups. Each room throughout the resort draws inspiration from the natural surroundings and local Maldivian culture, incorporating colors and materials that highlight the island destination. Thatched roofs on villas are reminiscent of inverted dhoni boats, the traditional Maldivian wooden fishing vessels, and slanted roof tips recall white herons dipping their heads into the water.
Reimagined Rosewood Mayakoba Opening
Rosewood Mayakoba will reopen in late 2019, following the $20-million transformation of its 129 on-property suites, introduction of eight dedicated wellness suites, fully enhanced three- and four-bedroom presidential suites, and the debut of Zapote, a bar experience showcasing the deep culinary traditions of Mexico.
Spearheaded by New York-based design firm Bando x Seidel Meersseman, the enhanced suites celebrate the craftmanship of Mexican artisans. To do so, Rosewood Mayakoba consulted with a local anthropologist, drawing inspiration from the past to create a contemporary present. The suites will include custom, modern furniture created with locally fabricated and sourced materials made in collaboration with artisans in the area. Mayan artistries such as pottery and embroidery are found in all suites, from embroidered pillows made with natural fibers to large Barro clay pots and woven benches made exclusively for the resort. Indigenous materials distinctive to the region such as lava stone and natural woods, like Parota, Cumaru and Rosa Morada, are also embodied in the modern furniture. Light tones are intentionally added to all of the resort’s sun-bathed suites to complement the lush, verdant elements soaking up the natural light. The beachfront suites are accented by warm clay tones while the lagoon suites encompass blue and green accents, drawing from the colors of the lagoon and surrounding jungle. Every suite has a private outdoor pool, creating a secluded and relaxed setting to rejuvenate in the tropical oasis.
Located on its own private island amongst Mayakoba’s freshwater lagoons are eight new wellness suites dedicated to enhancing guests’ inner self-journey and heighten tranquility and renewal. Debuting in December 2019, the community of wellness suites is created to feel like an exclusive hotel inside an ultra-luxury resort, providing guests with a private destination to focus on within.
The Resort at Coco Beach Debuts in Puerto Rico
The new Resort at Coco Beach, a Hyatt-affiliated hotel, opened in August on a secluded 72 acres of tropical gardens.
The 579-room property is expected to rebrand as Hyatt Regency Coco Beach Resort later this year, following the completion of brand enhancements and updates. Formerly known as the Gran Meliá Hotel, the property was acquired by Monarch Alternative Capital in partnership with Royal Palm Companies and an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality LLC. in 2019, following Hurricane Maria. The Resort at Coco Beach then underwent an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, creating 300 direct employees with 525 direct jobs upon the opening of the hotel, according to the company.
La Concha Resort Reopens
La Concha Resort—which was first opened in Puerto Rico in the late 1950s— recently unveiled a $15-million renovation to the 235 guestrooms of its original tower.
The new design by Jorge Rosselló nods to the character of the original building, evoking passive cooling through tropical lighting and a color scheme of fresh blues, creams and whites. The rooms have furniture designed by Rosselló and artwork that emerges from a brick diamond (“quiebrasol”) sourced from the original walls.
As part of the transformation, the Ocean Tower will include five corner suites, each with a spacious living room and balcony area with floor-to-ceiling windows complete with views of the sky and sea, providing guests with a classic Puerto Rican indoor/outdoor living concept.
Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the resort, additional renovations to the property include a refreshed lobby, new oceanfront bar Marena, and The Loft rum bar and restaurant by Chef Adam Torres. The brand-new adults-only pool and oceanfront cabanas project a playful oasis, while unique activations, including cooking workshops, cultural tours and wine yoga, promote wellness.
