As the Hotel Manager of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, the brand's first ever all-inclusive offering in the Tulum, Felix Schlokat manages the administration of all day-to-day hotel services and activities at the new 735-room hotel, which is set to open this spring.
As Commercial Director for both hotels, Giancarlo Goeta is responsible for sales performance metrics and works closely with the entire Hilton Worldwide Sales engine teams to identify new opportunities and target customers. Working to drive awareness for the company's newest ventures in Tulum and in the all-inclusive space with key consumer audiences, Goeta will secure visibility in Mexico and throughout the international market.
Raised in Finland, fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, German, Danish, Norwegian and Italian languages and graduated with honors in Hotel Management in Neuchatel Switzerland, he's an experienced hotelier who transitioned from Guest Service Manager to Night Manager in Gothenburg Sweden to F&B Manager in The Setai Miami in 2004 and Resident Manager in Soneva Gili by Six Senses in Maldives. While in México, Mr. Laahanen served as General Manager in Hotel Nomade and Be Hotels from 2018 to 2020, and also worked with Hotel Palmaïa, The House of Aïa in Tulum.
As Head Chef at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya's Japanese restaurant, Ukai, Emilio González creates expertly handcrafted sushi and seafood dishes alongside his team. Ukai is a sushi bar dedicated to the traditional Japanese fishing methods, brought to life as a modern sushi counter committed to sustainable fishing. Signature dishes include González's elevated take on traditional Chinese ramen using experimental ingredients, and sashimi from a diverse array of fresh fish.
As Head Chef at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya's distinguished restaurant, Autor, Jersaí Miranda Sánchez leads the kitchen to serve up distinctive Mexican cuisine using a blend of fresh and ancestral Mexican techniques. The resort's most sophisticated dining experience is an ode to its chef or 'author' where guests experience a personalized culinary journey curated by Chef Jersaí Miranda Sánchez. With offerings that are complex in flavor and simplistic in execution, standout dishes include decadent bone marrow tacos and campeche shrimp, made using local ingredients from the surrounding region.
As the executive chef of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, Chef Vargas leads the resort's expansive food & beverage program, incorporating a global array of flavors marked with local traditions to offer an exciting variety with rich authenticity.
Adam Morrisey talks with Jaime Bravo, General Manager of Hotel Bardo in Tulum, a boutique hotel group consisting of three hospitality concepts in Mexico. The hotel’s stay was called ‘transformational’ in Forbes. Bravo claims, “there’s nothing like Tulum. Its soul cannot be replicated.”
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, the Riviera Maya's newest luxury destination located on a stretch of pristine white sand beach, today announces the appointment of Vinod Narayan as general manager. Narayan brings knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry and the region's demands in order to provide Etéreo guests with a tranquil and exceptional stay. In this new role, Narayan will oversee the daily operations of the team, including revenue management, strategic goal setting and guest assistance, to ensure synchronicity and Auberge Resorts Collection's gold standard of service.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced the signings of two new voco hotels in Guadalajara and Saltillo, Mexico. The signings mark the introduction of the voco hotels upscale hospitality brand to the Mexico market, and an extension of its global reach beyond its current foothold in major cities in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, arrives in Guadalajara with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Guadalajara, ushering in a new level of luxury and sophistication to the second largest city in Mexico. With meaningful design, exceptional service, and a holistic approach to well-being, the hotel brings the JW Marriott brand's mindfulness principles to life, allowing guests to be present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit with each stay.
As Regional Director, Mexico & Central America, Antonio Vera is now responsible for the growth of all brands in the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio across Mexico and Central America. Since joining the company more than six years ago, Antonio has grown Mexico to be the second-largest country in the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, with 60 best-in-class hotel and resort members. He will continue his prior responsibilities while also driving first-time presence for all of the company's brands in new markets, including but not limited to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama. Before joining Preferred, Antonio served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and was primarily focused on driving domestic and international travel to the Acapulco region.
As Regional Director, Mexico, Stefania Ymay will continue to manage a portfolio of valuable hotel accounts as part of her elevated role, which includes leadership support and training for both Preferred team members and clients in the region. Over the past six years, Stefania has positively impacted the growth and retention of member hotels, with a particular focused on city-center properties, resulting in a strong presence of small group partners such as Brisas Hotels, Hotsson Hotels, and Tafer Hotels. Before joining Preferred, Stefania worked for Grupo Aeromexico and handled commission negotiations, strategy development, and client relations.
Mexico's #1 resort, Viceroy Riviera Maya has announced the promotion of an exciting young cook, Julio Cesar Chavez Arias to lead the already impressive team of culinary experts at its fine-dining restaurant: La Marea. Widely known as one of the region's top fine dining destinations, Viceroy Riviera Maya stands out for its unique interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine and customs.
On March 1, Margaritaville® St. Somewhere™ Punta Coco, Holbox Island officially opened its doors, welcoming guests to an elevated experience that marries warm hospitality and easygoing vibes with personalized luxury. Located in Mexico's captivating Yucatan Peninsula in the budding intimate island of Holbox, the boutique property boasts 39 suites nestled over mangrove gardens and elevated wooden bridges, designed with elegant touches and inspiration from the sea. With six luxurious room types to choose from, including swim up suites, the resort also features two open-air restaurants, one bar, and plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax.
Velas Resorts in Mexico has promoted Roció Cervantes to Director of Sales of Grand Velas Los Cabos and Mar del Cabo. In her new position, she is responsible for the development and implementation of worldwide sales at the AAA Five Diamond ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort and its European Plan sister property in Baja California. The appointment is effective immediately.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Jecklin as General Manager. Bringing over three decades of hospitality experience to the role, Thomas will oversee all operations for the award-winning property.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, a luxury resort nestled on the coastline of the Mexican Caribbean and surrounded by nature in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Shiel as Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Shiel will be responsible for the sales strategies and initiatives for the resort, as well as the development of brand and marketing partnerships and maximization of revenue streams for 2022 and beyond.
SLS Cancun, a luxury lifestyle hotel that opened in February 2021 in Mexico's exclusive Puerto Cancún development, announces the appointment of Julián Smaldoni as Managing Director. Smaldoni will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations, including rooms, sales and marketing, revenue management, food and beverage, finance and entertainment. In this multi-faceted role, Smaldoni will ensure that all SLS Cancun Hotel & Residences services and facilities reflect quality standards, while delivering a consistent level of service for guests, residents and visitors alike.
Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa, a new record-breaking luxury resort, opens this month in Mexico's most visited destination, Los Cabos. Located on Golden Beach in the main corridor near Cabo San Lucas, the all-inclusive optional Villa La Valencia is anchored by a 1,148-foot waterfront lazy river - the longest in the region - featuring an art-mural bottom and a fleet of luxury pool floats. Other property highlights include an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez, contemporary suites outfitted with private terraces and Jacuzzis, multiple fine dining concepts, stylish cocktail bars and the Azul Wellness Spa Center.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's leading luxury hospitality companies, announces plans for an innovative resort concept focusing on highly customisable itineraries led by personal guides, sustainable design and programming inspired by the nature and history of Mexico. The new luxury tented resort will be an expansion of the existing Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in an untouched enclave within the Resort community. Set to open in late 2022, Naviva®, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico will offer a collection of 15 luxury tents nestled in the lush forests of the Riviera Nayarit with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Inspired by the idea of naturaleza viva, or "live naturally," the Resort is deeply integrated into its natural surroundings, inviting guests to connect with the land, sea, fellow guests, and most importantly, themselves.