Meagan Drillinger
Cancun has unveiled a host of updates, renovations and experiences this summer.
• La Coleccion Resorts, comprising 14 resorts under the Grupo Posadas umbrella, has debuted new culinary experiences at several of its Cancun properties. First, the beachfront Xakay at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun serves fresh seafood dishes from the Yucatan region, including king crab legs, grilled sea bass and more. Nearby, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun has debuted a new experience at its La Joya restaurant, an interactive digital experience that features eight courses exploring Mexico's indigenous ingredients. The dinner is served at a 16-seat communal table that reflects video mapping, along with narration and music to complement the dishes.
• At Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, which wrapped a multimillion-dollar renovation earlier this year, guests can experience the brand-new Inlaa'Kech Restaurant, an interactive concept perfect for those who want to learn more about the cuisine of Mexico as well as meet other resort guests. Guests are led on a journey by one host from the hotel and are encouraged to mingle with one another as the chef curates a menu of local dishes from around the Yucatan.
• Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has debuted the adults-only Iberostar Cancun Star Prestige, a boutique hotel concept within a resort. Star Prestige guests have dedicated areas, access to Balinese beds and dedicated concierges to help personalize the stay.
• Beloved Hotels' signature property in Playa Mujeres has officially become a couples-only brand. While romance has always been a pillar of Beloved Hotels, the brand is now exclusively so. Its amenities were built for romance, with intimate hideaways around the resort and sparkling wine and desserts included in all spa offerings. Couples are always welcome, but honeymoons and anniversaries are given special attention with packages like in-suite rose petals, special turndown and a Champagne breakfast in bed.
• Marriott Cancun Resort has unveiled a new culinary concept, bringing a taste of Tulum up north. The SacBe Beach Shack was designed with Tulum's "boho" atmosphere, giving a chic, laid-back beach club vibe (think live DJs, drift wood details, sand floors, hammock chairs and hand-painted Mayan artwork) serving traditional Mexican food. The menu includes chicken mole nachos, Sian Ka'an lobster tacos and chicken escabeche sopes.
• Later this month Temptation Cancun Resort will be hosting Temptation Summer Fest 2019. From July 28 through August 3, the resort will be going all-out with a Summer Kick-Off extravaganza. The festival begins with a Sunday Funday on July 28, complete with water games and activities which leads up to an all-out welcome party at Bash, the outdoor nightclub. The week's lineup includes pool parties with guest DJ Bret Law, beach volleyball, a Tacos & Margaritas Feast and other themed nightly parties, including body painting, fantasy themes and more. The party starts to wrap at Friday's Farewell Sunset Party at Sky 3.5, with the Lingerie Parade that evening at Bash. Finally, Saturday, leave no stone unturned at the Foam Pool Party during the day or the Toga Party at Bash by night.
• Rosewood Mayakoba collaborated with Disney-Pixar to develop an experience for families timed with the release of "Toy Story 4." The Toy Story Family Adventure at Rosewood Mayakoba offers families 50% off a second suite, along with treats like a movie-inspired welcome amenity, themed photos with characters from the movie, Disney movie nights and more.