Victor Palma has been named Executive Chef of the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos. In his new position, he oversees the resort's dining offerings, catering for over 16,370 square feet of event space, 24 hour suite service, pool and beach-side dining, and more. The appointment is effective immediately.
David Schwartz has spent over 30 years in the incentive travel industry and has represented some of the finest hotel brands in the Caribbean and Southern US. David joins the Haven Riviera Cancun team as Director of Group & Incentive Sales where he will oversee all MICE business. Due to the resort's nature, its focus will be less on conferences and more on incentive trips and executive retreats. David is most recognized in the industry for serving as the VP of Group and Incentive Sales for Palace Resorts from 1 997-2005. His incredible career has allowed him to work with other notable hotel companies, including the The Ritz-Carlton Company and Marriott International. David has a passion for sharing his industry knowledge, and providing guidance into the next chapter of the incentive industry. He resides in South Florida.
Ernesto Luna has been appointed as General Manager for the newly launched Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. Prior to this role, Ernesto served as the GM for ME Miami. Ernesto is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history of leading luxury lifestyle hotel operations. In his role as General Manager, Ernesto will be responsible for all day-to-day operations, collaborating with Sales & Marketing, overseeing the F&B program and ensuring top level service standards. Ernesto's career kicked off when he joined the Gran Melia in Cancun to open the Royal Tower in 2000. Following a success ful opening, Ernesto was transferred to Gran Melia Mexico City, then to the Paramount in New York. Following a successful opening, Ernesto was transferred to Gran Melia Mexico City then to the Paramount New York. Soon after Ernesto helped launch ME by Melia and served as the GM for ME Cancun from 2006-2008. This role was followed by an 8-year tenure as the GM for ME Cabo.
UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya is excited to announce the appointment of award-winning chef, Xavier Pérez Stone, as the next Executive Chef to take the reigns at Cueva Siete, UNICO 20˚87˚'s rotating chef restaurant concept. In this role, Chef Xavier will oversee all culinary operations for Cueva Siete and incorporate his menu which will immerse guests in the Mexican culture through regional Yucatan dishes and traditional flavors. Chef Xavier officially took on his new role on September 3rd and will be the Executive Chef at Cueva Siete for the next two years
Xavier Moulin joins SH Group with 25 years of industry experience and obtained his international hospitality management degree with honors from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). Beyond the United States, his career has taken him to the French Riviera, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
Viceroy Los Cabos is delighted to announce the appointment of César Pita Águila as Executive Chef of the new luxury resort, opened May 2018 in the heart of San José del Cabo. Pita will oversee all culinary operations for Viceroy Los Cabos' sophisticated and innovative dining venues, each inspired by the resort's idyllic location on the picturesque coastline of Baja California and by the region's traditional flavors. A renowned industry veteran, Pita brings nearly two decades of culinary experience and fervent passion to his new role at Viceroy Los Cabos. Pita joins the Viceroy family from neighboring resort, Rancho Pescadero where he directed the resort's food and beverage efforts as Executive Chef. Throughout his impressive career, Pita has steadily perfected his culinary and operational skills through previous roles as Executive Sous Chef for One & Only Palmilla and Esperanza Resort, both within Los Cabos. A native of Central Mexico, Pita fuses together authentic local flavors and fresh Baja ingredients with a global twist to create uniquely exquisite dishes bursting with flavor. Pita will be at the helm of Viceroy Los Cabos' five atmospheric dining venues, each providing a distinct and unforgettable culinary experience. Culinary concepts reflect the history and culture of Baja, ranging from fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine, to urban farm-to-table and open grill cooking. The property's "Nido" Restaurant, translated from Spanish to mean "nest," is both a visual centerpiece and social epicenter for guests and locals alike. Its latticed, nest-like structure is surrounded by elevated walkways, appearing to float on water. The menu features an international ceviche selection featuring the freshest catch of the day along with innovative handcrafted cocktails by award-winning mixologist Alejandro Garcia. Specializing in house-made sangria, pisco-based cocktails, and beer-infused libations, Nido draws its culinary inspiration from Spain, Mexico, and Peru. Beach and poolside bar, Nidito - meaning "little nest" - is a lively extension of Nido restaurant, delivering a selection of refreshing cocktails and delicious bites, such as fresly-made Baja fish tacos, directly to lounging guests. Located off the main lobby, Casera Cocina - meaning "homemade" - and Otro Bar - meaning "another" - feature traditional Mexican cuisine and a Tequila Library equipped with house infusions, such as chile and marigold, as well as craft coffee and specialty Mexican Hot Chocolate. Additionally, a forthcoming rooftop bar will offer nightly entertainment and breathtaking views upon its debut late 2018.
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is pleased to announce Raúl Villagrán as the resort's new Director of Sales and Marketing. In this dynamic role, Raúl's primary responsibility is to lead the resort's sales and marketing team and encourage its continued growth and success. Additionally, he will spearhead strategic initiatives to further expand business and enhance international awareness of this renowned luxury oceanfront property. Raúl joins the resort with more than 35 years of hospitality experience throughout Mexico, The Caribbean and Central America, most recently as Director of Sales & Marketing for the largest all-inclusive in The Bahamas where he achieved year-over-year revenue growth for close to three years. His robust track record of success over the course of his career includes some of the industry's largest and most well-known hospitality brands such as IHG, Starwood and Melia Hotels International. In addition, he oversaw the vacation wholesale business development of Bermuda, The Bahamas and the Caribbean for three vacations brands, including Delta Vacations and Continental Airlines Vacations.
Tulio Baruch has been named Director of Sales of the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya. In his new position, he responsible for the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" resort's development and implementation of worldwide sales. The appointment is effective immediately.
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos has appointed Georgina Godoy as Director of Sales. In her new position, she responsible for the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" resort's development and implementation of worldwide sales. The appointment is effective immediately.
With world-class meeting venues in Los Cabos, Vallarta - Nayarit and Riviera Maya, Mexico's Velas Resorts announces it has appointed Heather Johnson as Regional Sales Manager - East Coast Division. The appointment is effective immediately.
Paradisus Los Cabos is pleased to announce the appointment of Teresa Alfonso as the new Managing Director of the luxury all-inclusive resort. In this new role, Teresa will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of the property, as well as establishing the overall strategic direction and vision of the resort.
The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., today announced the opening of Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos. Perched on a coveted 34 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, Solaz Resort offers travelers a restorative, wholly transformative experience in the heart of Baja California Sur. Located midway between the bustling vacation city of Cabo San Lucas and the quaint historic town of San José del Cabo, the 128-room beachfront oasis is The Luxury Collection's first hotel on the beautiful Baja California peninsula.
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces the new opening of the 4-story, 196-room Holiday Inn® Ciudad Juárez hotel. Conveniently located on Juarez Tecnologico Avenue 3620, Partido Iglesias neighborhood, and a few minutes from the Abraham Gonzalez International Airport serving Ciudad Juarez, the hotel opens following an investment made by its franchisee Fibra Inn of more than MX$ 211 million pesos.
Jean Louis Magron is no stranger to the company, having previously served as General Manager at the Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa during its construction and grand opening. He now returns as Property Management Director at Rancho San Lucas to oversee the successful operation of both the residential and resort portfolio, while implementing the highest brand standards for this new real estate and golf venture. Prior to his experience with Solmar Hotels & Resorts, Magron held several positions as General Manager and Director of Food and Beverage for properties such as Hotel Camino Real Mexico City, Hotel Grand Melia Mexico Reforma, Hotel Hilton Los Cabos Golf & Beach Resort, and Hotel Dreams Los Cabos, among others.
With world-class meeting venues in Los Cabos, Vallarta - Nayarit and Riviera Maya, Mexico's Velas Resorts announces it has opened its first US-based group sales office. Spearheading meeting and incentive bookings for all five company resorts, the office in Southern California is headed up by Cynthia Kunz as new Global Sales Director - Meetings & Incentives.
Hotel Amapa, the first hotel of its kind opening in early 2019 in the historic old town of Puerto Vallarta, is pleased to announce that Alessandro Stifani has assumed the role of General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, Stifani brings to the hotel a wealth of exceptional experience in the hospitality industry.
Geraldine Zaragoza has been named hotel manager of Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In her new role, she is responsible for the adults-only hotel's 80 designer suites with luxury amenities, celebrated cuisine and special gourmet happenings. A member of SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), Casa Velas is the only boutique hotel on the Mexican Pacific coast to hold Four Stars from Forbes Travel Guide. The appointment is effective immediately.
Royal Hideaway Playacar, one of Barceló Hotel Group's star properties and a longtime leader of the Riviera Maya's hotel industry, is happy to announce that Chef Alejandro Sánchez has joined its team as the Gastronomic Director of the luxury resort.
Unveiling Guadalajara's culture through a wealth of amenities and intuitive service, Hotel 1970 Posada Guadalajara, Curio Collection by Hilton debuts as the second Curio Collection property in Mexico. The colonial-style, modern hotel boasts 162 spacious guest rooms, a unique rooftop lounge with a fire pit, and more than 6,000 square feet of event space.
Mexico's hotel industry reported lower occupancy levels but growth in room rates during Q2 2018, according to data from STR. Compared with Q2 2017: