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Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Unlocking Distinct Travel Styles in St. Martin, Saint Lucia, and Riviera Cancun

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Unlocking Distinct Travel Styles in St. Martin, Saint Lucia, and Riviera Cancun

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Unlocking Distinct Travel Styles in St. Martin, Saint Lucia, and Riviera Cancun

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Unlocking Distinct Travel Styles in St. Martin, Saint Lucia, and Riviera Cancun

When several resort brands roll up into one overarching one, it can be hard to differentiate between the offerings. What makes one more right for one kind of traveler than another? What sets the brands apart? And then within that, each of the properties?  

The Inclusive Collection, part of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, is one of those umbrella labels that we’re asked most about, and this edition of Hotel Confidential Insider Tips is here to help you clarify what makes these Secrets® St. Martin Resort & Spa, Zoëtry® Marigot Bay Saint Lucia, and Breathless® Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa especially representative of their brands … and what sets them even more apart as extraordinary offerings on their own merit. These insights from behind the curtain will help travelers get the most out of their stays.  

Zoëtry® Marigot Bay Saint Lucia

Set on a marina on this honeymooner’s paradise, this Endless Privileges®, spa- and wellness-focused resort is practically on top of a volcanic white-sand beach, unlike the mountaintop options on this Caribbean island.

  • Adult-Oriented But Not Adults Only

Many people think Zoetry® Wellness & Spa Resorts are for adults only, but if you have older children who could use a decompression alongside you, don’t count your family out for this brand … or this AAA Four Diamond boutique resort.

  • Subtle Luxuries

Did you know that this resort’s farm-to-fork dining approach is designed around mindfulness, bridging the gap between indulgence and healthy consciousness? The 14° 61° restaurant on the marina does exactly that, blending local Caribbean inspiration with international favorites. Another way they turn stays into examples of the “Art of Life” and living well every day is by offering butler service and incorporating it in an unobtrusive way into their guests’ experiences.

  • Crafted Cocktails

Another part of mindful consumption is in the creation of drinks meant to be savored, which is why artisanal cocktails are a focus at Zoëtry Marigot Bay Saint Lucia. The Hurricane Hole is a historic favorite – drinks here by the water’s edge dates back to its opening in 1975. Le Bateau Bar at the pool is another beloved scenic spot to sip. But for something a little more raw, try the rum cave, where centuries old cut stone, rum barrels, and copper accents channel a sense of the Caribbean.

Secrets® St. Martin Resort & Spa

Located on the upscale French side of this dual-nation island, where all-inclusives are on the rarer side, this prize pick offers a lot of nearby attractions … but also, exquisite reasons to stay on this romantic adults-only resort’s site.

  • Grab Your Best Bites Here

Upgrading to Preferred Club at this resort is even more highly recommended than anywhere else, since not only do these guests enjoy better room locations, upgraded amenities, and more, the exclusive Preferred Club Lounge provides four rotations of French (a nod to the local culture) hors d’oeuvres daily to go with the usual selection of premium drinks. But whether you opt into this room category or not, don’t miss the red snapper with polenta at Portofino or octopus at Olio – both are signature dishes at this location.

  • Snag the Best Views

For something really special, book a private dinner at Portofino Terrace and time it for sunset. From here, you’ll be able to see a clear view of nearby Anguilla as the sun fades into the horizon. But on a daily basis, make the beach bar, Barracuda, your spot to post up. It’s located between the pool and the beach, offering a vista that includes both resort features.

  • Dip Into a Record

Did you know the main pool at Secrets® St. Martin is the largest infinity pool in the Western Caribbean? Now you do! Don’t miss the photo opps from every angle as it meanders in a free-form lagoon shape across the shorefront.

Breathless® Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

This AAA Four Diamond resort has stood the test of time, but just because it’s well established doesn’t mean there aren’t insider secrets to plumb and tips to discover! Here are some of the most well-loved features that made this a flagship for the youthful, celebratory brand.

  • Tap Into the Luxury

Everyone knows that this is the resort brand to pick when you want to ignite a spark. But it’s also an excellent choice for showing yourself a little love, too, with plenty of opportunities to level up on luxury. For instance, those who book in the xhale Club category get complimentary hydrotherapy once per stay, the daily option for an exclusive Club-level breakfast curated by the executive chef at Bites, and all the trappings and velvet rope perks of the private lounge.

  • Dial Up the Energy

Yes, this is known as a popping property, but you can choose your level of party or chill. Start at The Bar, a medium-energy lounge-bar next to the Energy pool – it’s a sporting hot spot with pool and ocean views and craft cocktails that will warm you up for the xcelerate experience. That’s the pool that offers upbeat music, a Champagne bar, bottle service, specialty cocktails, and intimately spaced lounge chairs and daybeds, plus the Splash Party weekly, which amps things up with live music and acrobatics.

  • Pack for the Parties

Theme parties are always fun, but they’re the most fun when you’re prepared to go all in on them. Pack something pink for Sweet Fridays, a pink-themed pool party pouring plenty of rose, and something bright for the Neon Lights Night – they’ll supply the beats, glowsticks, and body paint. There are also weekly toga parties and an Arabian-inspired evening with belly dancer performances and live music. Then there are the ones that you can sit back and just enjoy: the Live Art Exhibit at Wink Bar, the Elements Show, and the Passion Cabaret and burlesque show.

Looking for more Hotel Confidential Insider Tips? Find where vacationers interested in character and setting should visit and where they can experience the MOST in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the U.S. Plus, single-property feature stories on specific properties always include information sourced directly from the resorts, revealing travel tips, hacks, and highlights to that help turn vacations into lifelong memories.

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