NEW YORK -- The Paradisus Puerto Rico Beach & Golf Resort, a
five-star inclusive, hasn't even opened yet, but it has won
approval for membership in the Leading Hotels of the World
marketing organization.
It is the eighth Sol Melia property to be accepted by Leading
Hotels and the second Paradisus luxury all-inclusive. The first was
the Paradisus Playa Conchal in Costa Rica.
The Puerto Rican resort, about 35 minutes east of Luis Munoz
Marin airport in San Juan, was to have opened this month. However,
due to heavy rains in late November, which made continued
construction hazardous and sometimes impossible, the property now
will open in February.
The all-suite resort, touted as Puerto Rico's first
all-inclusive, comprises 20 two-story bungalows -- none higher than
the palm trees, it is said. The 500 suites vary from 540 to 1,200
square feet.
The property sits on a 1,000-acre peninsula in Rio Grande, on
the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. Eventually, a Fairmont hotel is
to be built on the peninsula, as well.
Emanuel Schreibmaier, vice president of sales and marketing for
Sol Melia, based in Miami, said the company plans to promote
aggressively to the U.S. market. Already, he said, the resort
participated with the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. in a sales blitz to
about 350 agencies in the Boston area.
The property will be included in packages offered by Apple
Vacations, Gogo Worldwide Vacations, Travel Impressions and some
Mark Travel brands, he said.
Efforts targeting U.S. agents and clients will complement
European sales tactics. Schreibmaier said several Spanish tour
operators and TUI in Germany will package the Puerto Rican
property, as well.
Advance bookings look good, he said, referring specifically to
February and March, and groups are lined up for May and June.
Looking well ahead, Schreibmaier said the property has $35
million on the books in groups, incentives and meetings through
2006.
As with all Paradisus-branded facilities, the Puerto Rican
resort has its own convention center, a 29,000-square-foot
site.
When asked to name key competitors to the new property,
Schreibmaier would admit to none.
He said the Paradisus is an all-inclusive in the five-star
category and part of a brand that also, uniquely, always includes a
convention center and always includes, within the main product, the
Royal Service subproduct.
Paradisus Puerto Rico has 96 Royal Service suites, which provide
a private swimming pool (48 with Jacuzzis), valet assistance,
24-hour concierge and housekeeping services.
The property promises Royal Service guests attention to details
like these: Guests can choose from 12 types of pillows, "and we are
considering offering a choice of five scents" for the rooms,
Schreibmaier added. The Royal product carries a premium of about
25% over the base room rates and "travel agents love it."
Schreibmaier said he could not yet point to the next likely spot
in the Caribbean for a Paradisus, but "Paradisus will mushroom in
the next couple of years. These are properties that provide a high
return on investment," he said.
You can reach the journalist who wrote this article at [email protected].
Book it! Paradisus rates
• Rack rates at the new Paradisus Puerto Rico Beach & Golf
Resort are $800 per room, per night, double, and $450, single, from
opening day in February through April.
• A special opening rate from March 1 through April 11 is $519 per
room, per night, double, and $336, single. From April 12, the rates
are $452 and $288, respectively.
• Significant savings apply on packages available through
participating tour operators.
• Information and details are available at (800) 33-MELIA.