Secrets from Marriott’s Caribbean and Latin America Summit (Yes, I Was Invited!)
The view on the ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. The water was so beautiful!
Now on Instagram!
Before I get started, I now have an Instagram account! You can follow me on @antidote.travel. (The period between the words is key!) This is in addition to my business Facebook page.
Mexico with Marriott
Now to the fun stuff. Earlier this year, I received an amazing invitation. An all-expenses paid trip to Mexico to attend the Discover Caribbean & Latin American Forum with Marriott. The invitation was honestly too good to true—flights, transfers, hotels…all paid for! Food too! I actually thought it was a scam and forwarded it both to my host agency and to my main rep at Marriottto see if the trip was legit!
I knew I had sold a lot of Marriott properties and a lot of Mexico last year — Marriott includes St. Regis, Ritz Carlton, W hotels, and more — but I apparently I sold so much that they want me to sell even more!
So late last month, I took the Brightline down to Fort Lauderdale for my JetBlue flight to Cancun. Did you know that Cancun is only a 1 hour and 20 minute flight for Fort Lauderdale? Why don’t I go to Cancun more often??
At Cancun airport, I was met by my favorite thing: someone with my name on a sign, ready to whisk me away to my hotel. To be fair, first he took me to the Marriott Renaissance Resort and Marina, where I first enjoyed a margarita. Because I had to wait for the boat to Isla Mujeres.
I’d never been to Isla Mujeres before and now I am a huge fan. The boat ride on the way over was stunningly beautiful. The water was so turquoise. We had a great boat day with little wind or waves.
My room at Almare Isla Mujeres
In Isla Mujeres, I met up with other advisors as Almare, one of Marriott’s new all-inclusive properties. After being a caretaker for five years, let me tell you …I was ready for an all-inclusive experience and not having to do anything for myself for a while. I read two books — The Wedding People by Alison Espach, which I’ll give two stars to and The God of The Woods by Liz Moore, which I’ll give three stars to — and generally just lolled around in the pool and at the beach.
I think Almare is a great relatively budget-friendly all-inclusive for couples looking for an interesting getaway but are tired of the big Cancun hotels. At only 105 rooms, Almare is tiny! There’s a nice rooftop deck for sunset and three main restaurants on property. (The soft shell tacos at the pool bar restaurant are fantastic.) There’s one big pool and a small and very chill beach.
Sunset on the beach at The Edition Riviera Maya
After two nights at Almare, we were transferred to The Edition Riviera Maya at Kanai. This is a beautiful hotel and a very chill vibe. The Mexican government gave Marriott thousands of beachfront acres — mangroves essentially — but told them they could only use so much space for their properties.
Peaceful view from the private villa at the top of The Riviera Maya Edition.
To be clear, The Edition is not an all inclusive and disappointingly, there are no tacos on the room service menu. But it’s lovely nonetheless. I enjoyed my stay here.
Things I learned about myself:
I do not like vessel tubs. I think these are accidents waiting to happen. And I do not like shower rooms with vessel tubs. Too much water everywhere. (I feel bad for the cleaning staff.)
I need a desk. Edition hotels pride themselves on no desks. This girl’s gotta work!! Have you ever tried booking flights from a King-sized bed?
If I’m in Mexico, I want Mexican food on the room service menu. Mexican options were pretty limited at The Edition. I’ve had this problem before at Le Blanc.
OK, now to the exciting stuff. I was in Mexico with Marriott for their Discover Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) Summit. While in Mexico, I met with 30 Marriott properties. I know some people are always like “Why do I need a travel agent?” But you’re looking at this all from your own point of view. Marriott’s hundreds of thousands of hotel rooms are not going to sell themselves. Expedia and Booking.com are taking 30% of hotel revenue. The industry needs multiple sales channels and travel advisors are a big and PROFITABLE sales channel.
I have so much to share with you that I’m going to split this up into two posts. This is Part I with half of the properties I met with! I’ve linked to their Marriot Stars & Luminous* information page where you can see the amenities I can provide if you book these properties through me, along with any special offers. (On each info page, scroll down to Offers and Guest Benefits.) Note if you just need one room for two people, you can book many of these properties through my new booking tool. Email me for the password.
*Marriott Stars & Luminous is Marriott’s VIP program for top-producing Marriott agents like me.
I don’t want to lose anyone in the details so I am just summarizing the benefits for a few key properties and then you can click through the links to review the details for the other properties.
Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort
Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve property in Puerto Rico
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: There are a few special offers going on right now. Stay 4 nights and save up to 20%. Stay 3 nights and save 25%. My benefits include complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, and priority for upgrade.
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & SPA
Los Suenos, Costa Rica
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort: Book through me for a welcome amenity, complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 hotel credit and priority for upgrade.
Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Stay seven nights or longer and save up to 30%. My benefits include complimentary breakfast for two, a $200 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, and priority for upgrade.
Ready to book your next Latin American or Caribbean vacation? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.
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Ways I Can Help You
Knowledge and experience. I’ve been to 78 countries.
I can offer VIP perks and amenities at thousands of hotels around the world. Virtuoso perks are just the start. I can also upgrade your stay at Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Four Seasons, and Rosewood properties…among others. Think free breakfast, priority for upgrade, a hotel credit, and more! (See my website footer for all the brands I work with.)
I have a huge storehouse of luxury cruises: I partner with all the major cruise lines…Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Viking, Ama Waterways, Tauck and more. I can add onboard credits and other perks that you cannot get by booking direct.
I have vetted villa rentals with concierge service all around the world
Private jets.
Yacht charters.
Small group and private touring through my partners Project Expedition and Tours by Locals.
Airport transfers.
VIP on arrival and VIP on departure airport services. (Get met at the plane door!)
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