From over-water to city center, adults only to kid friendly, new hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America are like the visitors—they’re everywhere. And with the influx of tourists have come astonishing makeovers and new builds touting sustainability alongside their indulgent amenities.
Fort George Hotel & Spa, Belize City
As the only luxury hotel in Belize City, the new Fort George Hotel & Spa offers a holistic approach to hospitality centered on sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, and inspiring wellness with expansive accommodations, a destination restaurant, signature K’IN Spa, branded fitness center and plunge pool.
The hotel features 34 new courtyard deluxe rooms and suites utilizing natural woods and a light color palette throughout, while spacious penthouse suites feature a full kitchen and living room with views of the Caribbean Sea.
The Treehouse full-service restaurant, bar and lounge, serves dishes and drinks that blend bold international flavors and local tastes, tapping fresh, organic ingredients. Guests can work up an appetite at the indulgently luxurious K’IN Spa, where head-to-toe spa experiences include facials, body polishes, wraps, massages and nail services, as well as signature treatments inspired by the surrounding locale such as the Seaside Symphony Facial, featuring a high-potency marine mask.
First opened in 1953, the historic Fort George Hotel is getting a complete makeover, with more enhancements to be unveiled later this year. The hotel experience will continue to expand following a complete refurbishment of the original hotel with the addition of 110 rooms, slated to open in phases through next winter.
A special 20 percent introductory offer is available on select room types, with booking by March 31, 2024 for travel by Dec. 19, 2024. fortgeorgebelize.com
Royalton CHIC Antigua
Anticipation is building as Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua, poised to be the newest and most coveted all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, set to open in spring 2024, has revealed a luxe addition to its offerings—12 luxury overwater suites, available in three different categories: Chairman, Presidential or Junior Suite.
The Presidential Overwater Bungalow will offer a spacious 1,912-sf one-bedroom haven with state-of-the-art amenities and a generous living room area featuring a glass floor providing stunning views of the ocean, the Luxury Junior Suite Overwater Bungalow will be a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. This fully equipped 1,138-sf suite over the ocean boasts a private terrace, plunge pool, and direct access to the ocean.
For an unparalleled experience, the Chairman Overwater Bungalow 2-bedroom suite will provide an expansive and luxurious retreat featuring two rooms, terraces, two separate plunge pools, overwater hammocks, and direct access to the sea. Positioned directly above the ocean, it includes a living room with a crystal floor for mesmerizing sea views, a bar, kitchenette, dining area, three bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology in a 3,049-sf space.
All overwater suites will include access to an upgraded Diamond Club with features and amenities such as seamless check-in, access to exclusive areas, and the coveted personal butler service to further enhance your stay.
The overwater suites join 235 stylish rooms and suites, each with a balcony or terrace for ocean and sunset views and lush details including signature DreamBeds, rain showers, All-in Connectivity amenities and 24/7 room service featuring specialty menu picks. royaltonchicresorts.com
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana has unveiled a wave of epic new renovations, including new enticing culinary experiences, updates to the resort’s one-of-a-kind, immersive features and an expansion of the family-favorite Aqua Nick waterpark.
The resort’s fabulous phase one will officially be unveiled in spring 2024 with the opening of two new offerings that will have kids and families enjoying a sweet wave of Nickelodeon nostalgia and gourmet treats—Snick Lounge, a ’90s-inspired space featuring design elements from the brand’s biggest hits of the era, including the Big Orange Couch; and The Sweetery, a haven for coffee lovers and ice cream enthusiasts that will feature with the grumpy but lovable Garfield. Visitors can also indulge in all things savory at The Sweetery with a selection of deli options and tasty cold cuts to add flavor to their dining adventure.
Throughout 2024, additional resort enhancements will include new thrilling features such as in-room art updates and unrivaled character-themed culinary experiences. Aqua Nick, the resort’s poular waterpark, will include a new main entry, two pools with a slide tower, restrooms, splash games, and sun beds with large umbrellas. Also coming this year will be new additions to the resort’s live entertainment offerings—bringing even more Slime and opportunities for guests to interact with some of their favorite Nickelodeon characters.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is designed to allow guests of all ages to tap into Nick’s unique and irreverent humor and love of all things play all year round with signature seasonal events, including Summer of SpongeBob, Slime Break Getaway, Nick Jr. Friends Event, Food & Slime Festival, and Nickelodeon Holiday Extravaganza. Bikini Bottom enthusiasts can stay at The Pineapple Villa, a fully immersive space that is entirely inspired by SpongeBob’s underwater abode. karismahotels.com/nickelodeon-hotels-resorts/punta-cana
Volga Hotel, Mexico City
Volga Hotel, by Mexico’s uber-chic hospitality collection Hamak Hotels, brings a unique blend of striking minimalist design and immersive maximalist experiences to Mexico City’s burgeoning Cuauhtemoc neighborhood.
Centrally located within walking distance to both the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods— and just a block away from the legendary Paseo de la Reforma Avenue—Volga offers a sophisticated enclave for trendsetters, culture enthusiasts, gastronomy and mixology aficionados, art connoisseurs and adventurers. True to its mission of being a center for art, music and cuisine, Volga Hotel wows guests with a sleek modern interior design, evocative art installations and exclusive pop-ups showcasing globally recognized artists, while its signature Mediterranean restaurant is curated by Edo Kobayashi, founder of the Edo Kobayashi Group.
With music as a core artistic focus, Volga hosts a calendar of live performances both on the rooftop and in its underground Music Room. Additionally, Volga features TIER 2/5, a concept store curated by local tastemaker Sally Gallante, as well as a dedicated exhibition space, a Mezcaleria and tasting table, and a meditative garden that serves as an oasis of calm.
Mexico City’s rise as a sought-after destination is showing no signs of slowing down and Volga Hotel intricately weaves into that vibrant local cultural tapestry. Volga Hotel features 50 impeccably designed guest accommodations including 34 deluxe rooms, 14 elegant suites and two spacious grand suites, all adorned with a variety of distinct Turkish marble and a soothing scent collaboration with Aromaria as part of a line of custom bath amenities. hotelvolga.mx
Salterra, Turks and Caicos
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, has announced the signing of Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos, marking the hospitality brand’s first property in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The new resort is slated to open in early 2025.
Salterra will offer 100 guestrooms and suites ranging from oceanfront king and queen guestrooms to spacious 1- and 2-bedroom suites and 3-bedroom Governor’s Penthouse suites, ideal for families and larger groups.
Among the onsite amenities, the Spa at Salterra will be a sanctuary designed in harmony with the island’s natural environment, with eight treatment rooms, aquathermal facilities including a sauna, steam room, showers and hammam, along with an outdoor lounge, generous hot tub and social pool.
Dining will include six distinct food and beverage concepts, including the Latin-inspired Cobo Bar & Grill and the fine-dining signature restaurant, Brine, showcasing a chef’s tasting menu and expansive wine list.
Outdoor adventures will feature scuba diving, snorkeling, guided bonefishing, kayaking, and seasonal whale watching. The resort also will provide a unique opportunity for guests to actively participate in coral reef restoration through educational activities, contributing to the growth of endangered corals and directly aiding in the revitalization of South Caicos reefs. salterra.com/east-bay
Regatta-Ready in St. Barth’s
Travelers visiting St. Barths this March will enjoy luxury at the Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf while experiencing a piece of history by attending the St. Barths Bucket Regatta annual boat race, taking place March 21-24.
While back at the hotel, guests visiting this July can also revel in luxury and inclusive convenience with the Saint-Barth Vibes package, which includes a variety of amenities such as:
- Rejuvenating 45-minute massage at Spa Diane Barriere
- MINI Cooper Convertible 3-door rental
- Complimentary breakfast
- Private sunbeds at Shellona Beach Club
- A drink selection from the in-room mini bar
On a gentle bluff that gives it the look of an anchored yacht’s prow and bridge, the Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf is made up of 21 suites spread across a colonial-chic property overlooking the buzzing city. hotelsbarriere.com/en/saint-barth/le-carl-gustaf
