Travelty Collection Showcases Resilience and Unique Experiences to Travel Advisors Post-Hurricane

by Greg Custer
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu October 24, 2024

Could a trio of Cancun hotels really pull off a six-day inspection visit within days of a hurricane?

That’s what confronted the Fiesta Americana Cancun team and a trip planned months in advance now in jeopardy. With Helene blowing through less than a week prior to the group’s arrival, was it cancel or continue? The decision to proceed—a nod to how quickly Mexico responds and puts things back in order following nature’s occasional wrath—turned out to be the right call, as participants reconnected with a curated Cancun Island experience.

Arriving days after Hurricane Helene drenched Cancun on its way to the U.S. southeast, the group of selected travel advisors/influencers was pleasantly surprised to see how the destination and host properties had recovered. “Hurricane, what hurricane?” was the reaction as Cancun rebounded to its legendary Mexican Caribbean sheen in a matter of days.

The trip’s host—Mexican-owned Fiesta Americana (Posadas is the parent company)—is the country’s most important lodging group, with some 200 properties and eight brands in 60 locations across Mexico and one in Punta Cana. With renowned resorts ranging from the original Fiesta Americana, Grand Fiesta Americana and Live Aqua anchoring its Cancun presence (their first Cancun property opened in the early 1980s), Posadas has for four decades stayed true to its Cancun commitment, still shining through just days following a natural disaster.

Offering three iconic hospitality choices in close proximity (the three resorts on Cancun are within three miles of each other), flagged under three brands (Fiesta Americana Condesa, Live Aqua Cancun and Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach) could make you wonder, “What’s the real difference?”

For the selected social-influencer travel advisors, the diversity of brands was showcased through meetings, hands-on handicraft creation, food and cocktail preparation classes and a chance to settle in at three of Cancun’s top resorts. By displaying a diverse range of hotel brands and experiences, this Cancun trio caters to several traveler profiles—families, lifestyle trendsetters, LGBTQ+, dog lovers and luxury seekers.

A unifying theme here is clearly cuisine. The company has for decades embraced an EP “culture of cuisine” before making an inevitable, limited switch to all-inclusive. Fiesta Americana resort locations (four properties) flipped from EP to the all-inclusive concept in 2011. Interestingly, the Condesa was the test-bed for the all-inclusive conversion; the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach made the switch in 2020. All three Cancun properties showcase “sense of place” via regional and international tastes and ambiance.

At the Condesa, sushi and ceviche are highlights, along with gourmet Italian and classic Mexican options.

At adults-only Live Aqua Cancun, sophisticated eateries include Mexico’s first “celebrity chef” ventures that once lured the likes of Miami Latin flavor guru Michelle Bernstein (who launched restaurant MB) and Mexican chef Patricia Quintana, who curated the bright and flavor-forward “Siete” some 20 years ago (the restaurants are now independent).

Live Aqua’s optional à la carte Carnivore is a stunner for fine beef cuts and a tableside twist on mac ‘n cheese you’ll never forget. If Carnivore wasn't enough, stop just outside its entrance for an authentic “street” taco station and mouthwatering bites.

The Grand Coral Beach stands alone when it comes to culinary pizzazz. It has a culinary pedigree as once housing two AAA Five Diamond restaurants (La Joya and Le Basilic); Le Basilic has maintained this crown for a remarkable 18 consecutive years.

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun

The Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun embraces family experiences across a physical plant that does not cut corners when it comes to quality and impeccable maintenance. Since the property opened in 1988 (extensively renovated in 2017), its iconic nine-story-tall palapa (thatched, conical roof) foretells tropical sophistication that’s unique across Cancun’s often “internationalized” architecture. Families will find the Condesa a popular option for its idyllic Caribbean beach (Blue Flag designation), multiple pool areas and overall casual dining. The exception is Rosato, a classy white-linen bistro with flavors from Italy and a curated wine list. Mexican cooking is the hallmark at El Mexicano, brightly festooned with murals, Talavera tile, and blown-glass accents.

Live Aqua Cancun

Just up the beach at Live Aqua Cancun, the location (immediately across the street from La Isla’s luxury shopping outlets) and sensory orientation immediately envelop guests entering the glass box, reflecting-pond lobby, laced with ocean/herbal aromas. Live Aqua was one of Mexico’s first “lifestyle” resorts when it opened in 2004. A team of sensory ambassadors traveled the world to collect textures, aromas, and style accents that are still hallmarks. Live Aqua is the place to be seen and fashionistas posing for iconic shots are part of the vibe. Guest rooms feature high-tech amenities (your automated drapes reveal stunning Caribbean views with every room entrance), refined bath amenities and oversized flat screens.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach

It's the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach that is still turning heads nearly 40 years after opening. Set on a stunning beach of calm seas facing north and Isla Mujeres, the Coral Beach’s architectural grandeur, marble and stained-glass entrance and a display of 12 AAA Five Diamond plaques in the reception area earn style and class points that confirm you’ve “arrived.” Over a dozen newly imaged dining choices match settings with stylish full-menu options. Creatively, the Argentine-Tango show Steakhouse (USDA prime beef) flips for night owls to become the Havanna Club, for Latin dancing (lessons included). La Joya still dazzles with live Mariachi sing-alongs and projection of classic Mexican cinema icons. And Le Basilic is perennially one of the Mexican Caribbean’s finest French-Mediterranean eateries.

Of course, each resort has its protocols around reservations and restrictions based on length of stay and room category, a common all-inclusive practice these days. But if connecting around food and settings is your client’s desire, this trio of Cancun Island resorts clearly weathers the storm of sameness that can overwhelm all-inclusive resort shoppers. With these three options, come for the settings, stay for the food.

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