Where paradise meets personality
There’s a reason the BlueBay Hotels brand has remained a Canadian favourite. The family-friendly atmosphere in a luxury paradisiacal setting has a loyal following among both guests and travel advisors who rely on the true BlueBay service delivery.
The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret
For Canadians, the search for the perfect vacation spot is a national pastime. Travel advisors who book their clients at the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda are assured their search is over.
It’s all about location, location, location.
Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is a five-star resort surrounded by lush jungle, thriving mangroves, picture-perfect views of the sea, and a pristine 500 metres of private beach. The resort effortlessly blends sophistication and family-friendly fun to create an authentic blue home away from home. Once guests experience the warm hospitality and amenities at the Grand Esmeralda, they’re keen to return year after year.
“We have many Canadian clients who come here and love this area. They choose this property because it really is a perfect family-friendly hotel,” says Greta Hidalgo Perez, Director of Sales, North America, for the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda and the BlueBay Villas Doradas, a sister property in the Dominican Republic. The third BlueBay property in the Caribbean and Mexico is the adults-only Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel, also in the Riviera Maya.
What’s the X-factor that keeps Canadians and families coming back to BlueBay Grand Esmeralda again and again?
For one, it’s all about location, location, location.
“The resort is in the heart of the Riviera Maya, just a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport and 10 to 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. The hotel is perfectly located to explore cenotes, go to Tulum to see the ruins, or go to downtown Playa del Carmen, and still have all the conveniences of an all-inclusive hotel when you return,” says Hidalgo Perez
Another draw, she adds, is the gastronomy. BlueBay Grand Esmeralda’s highly trained chefs serve some of the finest French, Italian, Mexican, Oriental, and other flavours in a variety of à la carte and buffet-style restaurants. There’s also a selection of pool, snack and lounge bars for guests to enjoy refreshing beverages throughout the day. The resort’s main buffet, Festival, serves varied international fare that can be enjoyed any time of day.
“Our Canadian clients usually come for seven nights or more, and they have plenty of options to choose from and enjoy during their stay,” she says.
The Emerald Jewel: Where Every Room Whispers Comfort
BlueBay Grand Esmeralda’s 979 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, all spacious and charming, fuse Mayan culture and modern design. They’re spread across eight buildings over a large area of nearly two square kilometres. Whether your clients are looking to book a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a fun-filled getaway with friends, BlueBay promises a comfortable, unforgettable getaway.
“We have several different room categories for families and multi-generational groups. For example, we have suites with Jacuzzis and swim-up suites, and a choice of garden view or ocean view rooms,” Hidalgo Perez says, adding that many guests are increasingly booking further out to make sure they secure their perfect room.
Booking for an entire family? No problem. Guests can choose from a variety of connecting rooms, as well as Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and Master Suites. The Suite Swim Up room, for example, boasts two separate rooms and two bathrooms over an area of 72 square metres, offering ample space and privacy for families.
Playtime for the Whole Family
Parents looking for some alone time can rest assured their children are having a blast at the resort’s Kids Club, which features activities and games under the supervision of trained staff.
For grown-up fun, there is an on-site tennis court, a golf course and a fully equipped gym.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, BlueBay Grand Esmeralda’s spa offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments that are sure to melt the stresses of home. The modern facility provides a wide selection of hydrotherapy treatments, facials, full-body massages, and personalized treatments.
For couples, look up the Jacuzzi garden view suite—the 36-square-metre suite has a Jacuzzi, views of the beautiful gardens, and a comfortable separate lounge.
The resort also offers wedding and honeymoon packages and provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic celebration. There really is something for everyone!
Extended Stay or Whirlwind Jaunt?
Catering to so many travel styles and traveller types, the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda has been a long-time partner of Air Canada Vacations. It’s a match that Air Canada Vacations’ Erminia Nigro, General Manager, Ontario, calls “the perfect partnership.” And if there’s one tip Nigro can give travel advisors, it’s this: think beyond the seven-day trip!
“Back in the day, we used to do primarily seven and 14-day trips. Now, we have so much more flexibility because of our frequency, so we’re not stuck doing just the seven or just the 10 days,” she says.
“We’re finding that because people are travelling so much more often than ever before, we’re even getting the shorter stays of three or four days. It’s really all over the place.”
