The Grand Fiesta Americana’s sprawling pool area
Grand Club Level. These Junior or Master Suites feature private balconies with panoramic vistas a seafarer would envy. The Grand Club (or what is typically called the Concierge Level Lounge) offers a variety of culinary creations and premium beverages both in the lounge and beachside sundeck. A multilingual concierge is available. Two Presidential Suites await VIPs at the top of each tower of the resort. These ultra-luxe two-level suites, measuring 5,410 sq. ft., boast expansive rooftop terraces complete with a private pool, a master bedroom with a Jacuzzi and steam bath, twin-bedded guestroom, dining room, spacious living room and full kitchen. Pool and Beach A real showstopper, the resort’s lagoon pool is divided into sections via waterfalls, islands, bridges and three swim-up bars. The various areas separate the guests in the area, so the pool decks never seem crowded. The outdoor restaurants cater to the swimsuit crowd. Stairways from the pool lead down to the pearly sand beach lined with chaise longues and cabanas. The Gem Spa The luxurious Gem Spa, measuring a whopping 43,046 sq. ft., was added as an $8 million investment in the property. The multilevel spa is a must for groups to experience. Arrangements can be made for smaller groups (up to 100) to enjoy dinner, dessert or after-dinner drinks in the sublime surroundings. However, the spa’s 10-step, onehour hydrotherapy ritual is what guests rave about. All individuals signed up for a spa treatment may indulge in this complimentary pre-service. Dining Options Isla Contoy, a casual beachfront restaurant under a grand canopy, showcases fresh seafood and Mexican favorites along with stunning seaside views. For fine dining, the resort offers Le Basilic, one of only a few in Mexico to hold the AAA Five Diamond distinction. Le Basilic presents an innovative French-Mediterranean menu created by Chef Henri Charvet of Paris, who holds the title of Maître Cuisine de France. Chef Charvet blends his new love of local Mexican products with his French culinary techniques. Local artwork enhances the candlelit atmosphere. Live jazz musicians add to the vibe.
“From a logistical standpoint, a huge upside at our properties is that meeting attendees don’t have to leave the buildings to reach a convention center.” —Christopher Calabrese, Vice President & General Manager, Marriott Cancún Collection Tequila tastings can be staged in the resort’s authentic Mexican restaurant, La Joya. Guests sample a three-tiered tasting of Mexico’s national spirit and learn about tequila’s history and aging process. It’s an ideal first-night event. A bountiful champagne brunch/breakfast buffet is laid out daily at Vina del Mar, whose floor-to-ceiling windows make the room feel like an aviary — a lovely spot to start the day. —Debi Lander
THE MARRIOTT CANCÚN COLLECTION
The CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort and the JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa are conveniently situated beachfront and less than 20 minutes from the Cancún International Airport. Christopher Calabrese, Vice President & General Manager of the Marriott Cancún Collection, highlights several other reasons why the resorts are popular with groups: “The Marriott Cancún Collection offers the largest conglomerate of hotel rooms in Cancún properties. This is because our sister properties, the JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa and CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort, are located side by side, offering over 88,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor event space and 898 guestrooms combined. In addition, we offer a 2,000-plus-ft. stretch of beach for events.” All of the shared meeting space is centralized on the lobby level, so meeting attendees can easily navigate between the properties. “From a logistical standpoint, a huge upside at our properties is that meeting attendees don’t have to leave the buildings to reach a convention center, as they would have to do in some of the neighboring properties,” says Calabrese. There are a total of 30 breakout rooms, including 12 at CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort and 18 at the JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa. While the properties can accommodate all kinds of events, “nearly
The JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa (left) and CasaMagna Marriott Cancún Resort (right) Facilities & Destinations 2016 Superbook
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