Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
Scattered across a number of small islands on the Yucatan Peninsula’s Riviera Maya, this 128-suite resort brings the ultimate in high-tech creature comforts to the heart of a 1,600-acre ecological enclave.
Guests staying in beach-facing rooms are taken by golf buggy through the jungle to their suites. Those staying lagoon-side are ferried along canals by boat. Indigenous Mexican limestone and timber are used throughout, with suites available, not just at the beach and ocean-side, but overwater and even on an island in a natural pool, which is also the location for the resort’s spa.
Individual terraces, plunge pools and sun decks mean there is plenty of private lounging space, and each suite is stocked with a bottle of speciality tequila, ice, salt and lime, so guests can get into the Mexican party spirit.
Why now? The British Airways flight to Cancun will bring big-spending Brits to the area.
Sample product: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights’ room-only in a Lagoon Suite including BA flights from Gatwick and private transfers from £2,375, departing September 14. elegantresorts.co.uk, 01244 897518
Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa, Thailand
The pristine Mai Khao beach is an upmarket area of Phuket, and the new Renaissance resort brings a touch of calm to this enclave. The simple, minimalist design starts at the wood-screened entrance and continues throughout.
Grey stone and pale wood contrast with Thai silk cushions in vibrant hues, and there are echoes of Japan in the curved wooden ceilings, the water features that dominate the hotel’s central area, and the black-tile pool next to the beach. Clients will love the quirky design of the pool villas, with swooping, wood-shingled roofs, outdoor plunge pools and expansive decking areas.
This 180-room resort has a spa, gym, kids’ club, bikes for rent and wireless internet access throughout.
Why now? The resort opened in April and word is already spreading that it’s offering top-quality luxury at lower prices than the neighbouring JW Marriott, Anantara and Sala resorts.
Sample product: Hayes & Jarvis is offering a seven-night package on a bed-and-breakfast basis for £929 in August – saving 36% on brochure prices. Includes return Qatar Airways flights from Heathrow on August 21 and transfers. hayesandjarvis.co.uk, 0844 415 5550
Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah
The Banyan Tree Al Wadi brought the all-pool villa concept to the United Arab Emirates when it launched in April.
It’s a little different from most resorts, however – though only 40 minutes by car from Dubai airport, the villas here are set among stretches of desert sand in the tranquil Wadi Khadeja, surrounded by evergreen ghaf trees.
There’s a spa and golf course, but more excitingly, a 60-hectare nature reserve, home to Arabian gazelles, camels and oryx, so guests can interact with the wildlife.
Last month, the resort opened its exclusive beach club, with 32 beachfront pool villas. After a 20-minute chauffeur-driven transfer from the main resort, guests are taken for a short sail in a dhow to the private beach, where the villas have private terraces, plunge pools and gazebos. It’s a twin-centre option within one hotel.
Why now? The Gulf States are set to continue on their upward spiral, and Ras Al Khaimah presents an interesting alternative to the bustle of Dubai. The Banyan Tree brand is a strong one and the new beachfront villas will create a buzz.
Sample product: Pure Luxury offers three nights’ bed and breakfast in an Al Rimal deluxe pool villa for the price of two, for travel between June 1-15, from £899 per person, including flights with Emirates from Gatwick to Dubai and private transfers. pureluxuryholidays.co.uk, 0844 472 0100
Long Beach, Mauritius
Opening in early 2011, the 255-room Long Beach has excellent genes – it’s the sister property of the legendary Le Touessrok. More than half a million plants flourish in the lush gardens that surround its accommodations, most of which are standard and superior rooms.
They are arranged in crescents to optimise ocean views, though there are 29 family rooms that can sleep up to five, and two deluxe beachfront suites that sit right on the ocean, facing a natural creek.
An urban-style piazza is the focus of the resort, where clients will be spoilt for choice with Italian, Chinese, and Japanese options, plus Tides, which serves fresh fish and has an adjoining feet-in-the-sand club and bar. There is a club and nightly live shows, and for daytime, a spa, gym and a selection of water
and land sports.
Why now? Those seeking five-star luxury on Mauritius’ east coast are already spoilt for choice, but there’s nothing like a new resort opening to tantalise the taste buds of repeat visitors and first-timers alike.
Sample product: Carrier offers seven nights’ half-board in a sea view standard room from £1,750, including return flights with Air Mauritius and private transfers. Price valid for departures between May 1 and July 14. carrier.co.uk, 0161 492 1358
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Uber-brand Hard Rock is bringing its signature bombastic atmosphere – and its first all-inclusive resort – to the Dominican Republic. Just opened, the massive complex has all you would expect – a golf club, spa, shops, tennis, mini-golf, kids’ club, climbing tower, 12 pools and water slides.
Entertainment is their pride and joy, so there are seven bars, nine restaurants, and five cafes to choose between, with live music, theme parties and shows. Oh, and a 457-slot, 40-table casino. The music memorabilia Hard Rock is noted for is all over the place, and even the standard class rooms have double Jacuzzi baths. Rockstar suites are reputed to have baby grand pianos, jellyfish tanks and outdoor fire pits.
Why now? Resorts such as Zoetry Agua, Paradisus The Reserve, and Tortuga Bay persuaded BA that the Dom Rep wasn’t just for the cheap charter market. Hard Rock’s brand strength will pull in the punters.
Sample product: Sovereign Luxury Travel is offering a 15% discount, one free child place and $1,500 resort credit per room for seven nights at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from £2,935 per family of three on an all-inclusive basis, departing September 4. Price includes flights from Gatwick
and all internal transfers. sovereign.com, 0844 415 1936
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