As they say every January, in with the new! And is there a whole lot of new for vacationers to be excited about in 2025 with big brands, rebrands, renovations, and new builds cut the ribbon for rest, relaxation, and renewal for the new era of all-inclusive vacationing. Straight from the ALG Vacations® hotel and resort team, here are the properties our experts think travel advisors should get the most jazzed about sending their customers to.
Zel Punta Cana
The first lifestyle resort in the Caribbean, the former Garden Suites by Meliá is now a boutique wellness property created in collaboration with tennis star Rafa Nadal inspired by outdoor living. Highlights include The Zel Club, AUA Spa, exclusive access to Cocotal Country Club’s golf courses, and – of course – use of its five tennis courts, on top of a generous activities program with Well Balanced as its core philosophy. Look for Weekend Retreats, Fitness Residencies, and Social Encounters, and for emotional support, pet-friendly accommodations with a limit of two dogs but no age nor size restrictions.
Seamless service here begins with digital check-in to Mediterranean-style suites for an immediate start to their vacation and continues with two pools, a beach club, seven restaurants, and the Silvestre Winery.
AVA Resort Cancun
A whole new concept by the group that brought us the AIC all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, this family-friendly debut is turning heads in a major way – not just with innovative design, but also top-notch tech. We’re talking about the AVA Bay, made by Crystal Lagoons’ technology for creating manmade bodies of water that consume less water and energy than a traditional pool – up to 50 times, less, actually, for a substantial eco-friendly impact. Even more impressive, it requires 100 times fewer chemicals, which is amazing news for an area of the world where natural resources are precious and pivotal.
Within this body of water, guests are able to swim, sail, kayak, or try stand-up paddle boarding. There’s also an on-site water park if that’s more the speed that’s needed – a great complement to a comprehensive kids club that offers arts, crafts, marine life discover, indoor slides, and more, plus a teens club, The Lounge, with an indoor pool, basketball, bowling, AR gaming, and a snack bar.
That snack bar is only one of over 17 dining venues available throughout the property, all of which were created by leading culinary consultant HKB Design. Food trucks, open fire grilling, mezze, housemade pastries, a pan-Mexican food court, gastro market, and housemade ice cream offer more options than there are meals during an average stay, making a longer vacation a great idea … especially since every room is oceanfront and the airport is a mere ten minutes away.
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
A beach often ranked the #1 best in the world has another focal point to brag about: this newcomer by Iberostar, a rare new build on the powdery white crushed coral and shell beach of this island of endless, ideal summer.
In a shift from their usual formula, this first of its kind resort is European Plan with bed and breakfast options rather than an all-inclusive model, which gives guests guilt-free license to try the cuisine of this island. However, that doesn’t mean they have to go far, though – there are seven restaurants and bars here, including two themed restaurants, all of which are open to the public. The soon-to-come Bone Fire Grill House is as hotly anticipated as the fire from its wood-burning kitchen, so keep an eye out for news of its opening; the Caribbean restaurant is already serving local dishes. Plus, the signature drink, the Noord cocktail – named after the region of Aruba the resort is located in, made with pineapple, cranberry, passionfruit, and black sesame seeds – is a must-try.
An on-site spa, casino, fitness center, and convention center plus golf privileges at Tierra del Sol, just 20 minutes away from the resort, are also draws for leisure. But so are the 240 suites. All of them have tubs on the balcony if not swim-up pools, and many offer butler service as well.
Casa Maya
Another “brand” new brand introduction, family-friendly Meliá Casa Maya Cancun takes its cue from “the essence of the Mayan culture,” paying tribute to the cultural heritage of the region and the revered and ancient civilization’s harmonious approach to nature. For instance, its beach is a true natural pool and all 260 rooms offer views of the Caribbean Sea. Local cuisine is on display at the Merkado buffet and in sublte design details that bring in organic elements and colors from the local natural landscape.
As for manmade and modern amenities, Splash Island Aqua Park has plenty of appeal for families while couples will love the elevated exclusivity of The Level, which features its own private areas like a lounge and reception space, plus the best locations for accommodations.
New Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection Resorts in Miches, Dominican Republic
A new dynamic duo is making its grand entrance to Miches, Dominican Republic April 2025, putting guests within easy access to natural attractions such as Los Haitises Natural Park, Montana Redonda, and La Bahia de Samana, plus in-season whale watching opportunities and year-round on-site water park access for slip and slide fun on water slides and a splash zone.
At the new adults-only Secrets® Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and family-friendly Dreams® Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, visitors can expect to take advantage of this location for the above or to go on a cacao plantation tour, snorkel or dive the Samana Bay area, visit its town, hop a boat to Cayo Levantado island, or check out Cano Hondo, an ecotouristic attraction. But on site at Secrets Esmeralda and Dreams Esmeralda, there will be 500 lavish suites at each side with private balconies or terraces – some with direct beach access – and Preferred Club availability. Overall, dining choices range from local Dominican and traditional steakhouse menus to “Mediterrasian” and French, and free-flow access between the resorts doubles the available options.
