Club Med Cancun Yucatan to open in 2007

After 12 months and $24 million in renovations, a new Club Med Cancun Yucatan will open on 11 November 2007 which sees it welcome families to the resort for the first time to enjoy the many attractions of Mexico.

The new village has a revised emphasis which encourages exploration of the Yucatan region, new programs for families, upscale amenities and the Jade Villa, a concierge building for luxury travelers. The new Cancun Yucatan resort aims to demonstrate that Club Med is raising the bar in all-inclusive holiday offerings.

“Club Med has always sought to positively impact local communities and to develop strong relationships with them,” says Heidi Kunkel, GM, Club Med Australia and New Zealand. “We want our guests and their families to immerse themselves in the Yucatan Peninsula, to truly live the experience and appreciate the region.”

As a new “Discovery Resort” Cancun Yucatan offers a complimentary excursion to El Meco for guests who book a seven-night package. At El Meco, guests may visit 14 archaeological structures and climb the pyramid–the highest archaeological structure in the northern Yucatan Peninsula. El Meco recently opened to public visitation.

In addition, Club Med’s Discovery Centre provides 16 other excursions to facilitate exploration of authentic Mexico – its culture, archaeology, and history. The centre emphasises eco-friendly trips and welcomes guests of all ages. Trained and knowledgeable staff members at the resort’s new Discovery Centre facilitate excursions that emphasise respect and understanding for local cultures and environments.

New excursion options include trips to the biosphere, Sian Ka’an which means “Origin of the Sky” in Mayan dialect. The biosphere is the largest marine natural protected area in Mexico and a United Nations World Heritage site with this excursion led by members of the local Mayan community.

No longer an adults-only resort, Club Med Cancun Yucatan invites families to discover the Yucatan Peninsula.  With special facilities dedicated to children and teens, families may choose among a variety of excursions, daily activities, and group lessons including water-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, flying trapeze and tennis. 

A Mini-Club Med, catering to children ages four to 10, will launch the last week of December 2007.  The Club Med concept exclusively for teens will launch Nov. 18, 2007. For parents travelling with infants, Cancun Yucatan provides a Baby Welcome program with amenities such as bottle warmers, high chairs and baby-sitting in the room.  An “adults-only” dining area caters to those adults seeking intimacy and a child free environment.

“Cancun Yucatan, with new children’s programs and the exclusive Jade concept, is the next step in the evolution of Club Med’s upscale and family oriented vacations,” explains Ms Kunkel.”

Club Med Cancun Yucatan new French influenced design incorporates indigenous materials and artwork from the Yucatan Peninsula and larger Mexico.

In addition to the new design and décor, the village features larger rooms and upgraded services.  More than half of the 384 rooms and balconies have been expanded, giving guests 416 square foot rooms and views of the Yucatan Peninsula from spacious 75 square foot balconies.  The resort’s 18 suites have also been enlarged, constituting 691 square feet.  New upscale guest services include a complimentary half-day excursion, a hospitality desk, and the option to upgrade to the Jade Villa.

The Jade Villa, a specialised luxury concierge building, offers room service, ocean view suites, and upgraded amenities packages.  Amenity upgrades include a private car from the airport, free internet access, fresh flower arrangements, bathrobes, slippers, welcome gifts, laundry service, morning newspapers, a stocked mini-fridge and more.

The new gourmet restaurant offers daylong service, “hacienda style” dining rooms, meal choices to suit all appetites, and fresh menu options.  Club Med Cancun Yucatan offers three restaurants:- 

** Las Cazuelas is an innovative restaurant offering à la carte authentic Mexican cuisine prepared with a French touch.  Las Cazuelas provides attentive table service and romantic seating.

** La Pergola restaurant proposes all day service and specialises in lightly grilled cuisine throughout the day and Mediterranean tapas at night. 

** La Hacienda, the village’s main restaurant, is a “hacienda style” dining room that allows guests to sample fine local cuisine and international dishes. La Hacienda welcomes diners to several dining areas, each with the atmosphere of a colonial style manor house.

All day dining options at Cancun Yucatan have evolved into a more cosmopolitan and healthier selection of international foods.  Guests are invited to enjoy light items such as hummus, spinach bureck, ratatouille, baked mussels with herbs, Greek salads or a refreshing chilled carrot soup.

Club Med offers all-inclusive packages to ensure your holiday offers the ultimate in relaxation and enjoyment. For more information or to book visit www.clubmed.com.au  or call 1800 801 823.

A Report by The Mole