What does it mean to have special club privileges and access? This round-up of some of ALG Vacations®' most notable explains.
When it comes to leisure and travel, exclusive clubs are as old a concept as time. Golf and country clubs, airline lounges for members only, and special private areas at hotels and resorts are not new. More recently, the latter has expanded into hotel-within-a-hotel accommodations and benefits.
That said, what is new is how these privileged levels have taken the art of living and further refined it. Top names in travel hospitality have drawn inspiration from the competition and—we believe—have perfected what it means to book a special club level stay.
Here’s where you can find us in “the Club,” where the main move is the happy dance.
Club Level at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
There are few names more synonymous with over-the-top service and luxury than the Ritz-Carlton, so when one property is called out in particular for its Club Level, you know “special” doesn’t even begin to describe it.
The top two floors of the resort are reserved only for those VIP guests who book Club Level guestrooms, suites and multi-bedroom options, the Royal Pacific Suite, and The Ritz-Carlton Suite. Aside from the sheer livable opulence of the accommodations, this category also comes with a dedicated concierge, in addition to complimentary access to a fantastic ocean view club lounge with outdoor lanais. This lounge offers five continuous rounds of culinary rotations per day, so you could just literally just sit in there and snack from morning to night, plus a full host premium bar that includes wine, beer, champagne, and mixed cocktails.
Outrigger’s Voyager 47 Club Lounge
The benefit of upgrading your accommodations comes with things like suites and room categories with the best views, premium level floors, and a better location on the resort grounds. These are all part and parcel of the package at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki, Beach Resort, and Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa when opting for the premier Voyager 47 Club upgrade. But of course, since this appears on our list, you know that’s not only it!
Every day, the exclusive Voyager 47 Club Lounge at each of these respective properties starts your morning off right with a locally-inspired breakfast complemented with premium local coffee. It opens as early as 6:30 in the morning, so those adjusting to a later time zone needn’t wait to start their day. Three hours of service lets you make it brunch on Continental time.Then there are the early evening appetizers, accompanied by local craft beer, select wine, and a signature cocktail, all best enjoyed before the Pacific Ocean views each location offers.
The Lanai at Hokupa’a Tower at Westin Maui Resort & Spa
Some resorts have a special wing. Others have an exclusive floor or two. But this one has an entire tower! Room categories include various ocean views and oceanfront, plus lodgings with extended lanais, and Premier, Luxury, and Penthouse Suites. But no matter which type you book, if you choose this 217-room tower that was opened just last year, you’ll have access to The Lanai at Hokupa’a.
There, they’re pampering guests of these new rooms exclusively, offering daily small bites of local breakfast dishes, nightly chef demonstrations and tastings, and access to the Lanai Mixology Bar and the adults-only cocktail infinity pool. Just as highly billed are the cultural experiences that vary daily. This can range from live music to hula performances, storytelling to lei- and lei po’o-making, for added value enrichment experiences that give you more than just a taste of Hawaii.
Family Selection at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa
Don’t let the unassuming category name fool you—Family Selection at this resort is an experience unlike upgrades anywhere else. As you’ll have surmised, families are the priority, while couples take the spotlight in most other club-level hotel program development. But at this brand, the Family Selection junior suites, loft suites, and—at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa—Ambassador Suites are all about making things easy for parents and fun for kids, in the poshest ways possible.
All of these rooms are located in their own private buildings, but have access to everything—and we mean everything!—else on the grounds. For example, at the Costa Mujeres property, Family Selection adults can even have the run of TRS Coral Hotel, including its à la carte restaurants and amenities. At both properties, this category gets priority booking in all restaurants overall to make things easy, and Family Boss extras, like a welcome kit with mini bathrobes and slippers for the littlest guests and 24-hour Family Host assistance. And of course, expect to be close by the water parks and fabulous pools.
Preferred Club at the Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort
AMR™ Collection’s Preferred Club is well-known throughout the world of all-inclusive luxury, with lots of bonus benefits and special treatment for guests who book this category. To call out one in particular is tough, but the one at Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort has been turning heads … and not just for the jaw-dropping views that lends this property its name!
Par for the course (all puns intended!) is the lounge, which is open from 7 AM to 11 PM for personalized check-in/-out and tasty bites all day. It starts with continental breakfast service, shifts to hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, then desserts; premium liquor is always on the menu. Then there’s special concierge service, spa privileges like a day in the hydrotherapy circuit, upgraded mini-bar and bath amenities in the room, and primo locations. But honestly, it’s the rooftop pool for Preferred Club guests that set it apart. If you thought the views from the rooms were incredible at this property, wait until you get a load of this vantage point.
Club VIVA at Viva Wyndham V Samaná Resort
Seclusion is always key for exclusive digs, and this is no exception. The rooms in the Club Viva category are bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens, and expansive in both features and space. They boast a name brand-stocked mini-bar, nightly turndown, and 24-hour room service, but one of the main attractions is the private plunge pool each of the bungalows enjoy.
Others include an exclusive VIP area for Club members only, a bar just for you if you’re one of these special guests, plus prime seating at all the buffet restaurants. À la carte more your style? You’ll get priority for reservations there, too. Then there are the general membership benefits that come with this brand, like discounts on green fees.
