There are those vacationers who love making new memories in old favorite spots. They revisit tried and true resorts or stay loyal to favorite hotel brands knowing that they’re going to have an exceptional experience.
Then there are those travelers who see new properties and new destinations as their own personal Pokemon quest – “gotta catch ‘em all!” They want to be among the first to visit, to be the trendsetter and the authority, telling their friends and family that this is the new hot spot.
While both types seem like they might be at odds, ALG Vacations’® list of the year’s most highly anticipated new hotels actually bridges both. Big holding brands with devoted customers are expanding into new markets a la Blue Diamond Resorts and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, and others, like Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection and Princess Hotels & Resorts, are creating new experiences in beloved spots. Special niche gems like Fontainebleau are getting into the action this year, too, making this year the one to explore these eight new grand openings on a hype train anyone can get on board with.
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
November 2023
Region: Mexico | Brand Affiliation: Hilton All-Inclusive | Package: All-Inclusive, Adults Only | Type: Renovated & Rebranded
Ninety million dollars is easy to spend when you pull out all the stops, as this Cancun Hotel Zone property has, making this renovation closer to a new build than a rebrand to the high Hilton All-Inclusive standards. Guests can expect 540 oceanview rooms and even multi-bedroom suites with balconies to enjoy those views, 32 beachfront suites with direct walking access to the beach, and two top-floor Presidential Suites. The 61 Enclave accommodations offer even more attention to detail right on the beachfront, plus an exclusive arrival experience, upgraded minibar, and lounge with premium liquors and assorted tapas all day.
Outside of these private spaces, even more upgrades await. A full dozen restaurants and bars complement a full day-to-night entertainment program that includes expansive beach and poolside breaks for Caribbean-inspired cocktail service. And of the latter, there are multiple – plus one with the Spash Zone water park for kids, who also get their own club. Teens do, too, and adults can consider the 9,200-square-foot spa and the 24/7 fitness center their version. And of course, again, Enclave guests have a formal lounge as well.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
December 2023
Region: United States | Brand Affiliation: Fontainebleau | Package: European Plan, Family-Friendly | Type: New Build
The much-lauded Fontainebleau Miami Beach finally got its long-awaited sister, and word is, she was worth it. Towering 67 stories above the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, this $3.7 billion property features 3,644 luxurious rooms and suites, with Strip and mountain views across each floor.
But plush accommodations are just the beginning. In a city that’s become famous for elite dining, Fontainebleau Las Vegas exceeds expectations, with 36 bars and restaurants that range from globally hyped hotspots to an eclectic food hall to lowkey lounges. Vegas’ original headlining acts – gaming and entertainment – are similarly leveled up with an expansive casino, electrifying entertainment, and seven pool experiences across six acres on the Oasis Pool Deck. After a big night, transformative remedies await in the Wellness Corridor. And with over half a million square feet of convention and meeting space, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is an easy go-to choice for any event.
Secrets Tides Punta Cana
January 2024
Region: Caribbean | Brand Affiliation: Hyatt Inclusive Collection | Package: Unlimited-Luxury®, Adults Only | Type: New Build
Just when you thought Uvero Alto couldn’t get any better, this brand-new resort has recently opened its doors, marking the third Secrets® Resorts & Spas property in the Dominican Republic. It first broke ground May of 2022, and the work put into this property certainly shows.
Set on a palm-studded beach, that outdoor experience begins as soon as guests take their first steps from their Amstar DMC transfer (a good preview for some of our favorite DR tours!), where pathways lead through trees and local greenery from the lobby to an open view of the Caribbean Sea, then to one of 668 non-smoking suites designed in a luxury residential style. Each block of suites have their own color schemes and design touches, keeping things from being too cookie-cutter, and Preferred Club guests get even more than just the best room locations – dedicated butler service, a private pool area, two outdoor hot tubs, and a lounge are reserved just for this category.
This resort also has some dining options you won’t find elsewhere, like Mediterrasian Meraki and Amazon-inspired Tierra, which are two of the seven restaurants on the resort. Just as one would expect from this line of spa resorts, no detail was spared in building the Secrets Spa.
Princess Senses The Mangrove
February 2024
Region: Caribbean | Brand Affiliation: Princess Hotels & Resort | Package: All-Inclusive, Adults-Only | Type: New Build
Overwater villas make up the first 14 reasons luxury vacationers should be eager to book this new beachfront resort on Green Island’s shores, but that’s far from the bulk of the list. Along with those accommodations, there are 401 oceanview suites, including Pleasure Suites that emphasize sensual sophistication, and Platinum Club Suites that offer exclusive private areas, upgraded amenities, and butler service.
Something really special about this resort is the O’Club experience, a sensual “sensory adventure” that touches every aspect of this category’s stay. We’d briefly mentioned the Pleasure Suites, which feature a round king bed, plentiful mirrors, private balcony with hydromassage hot tub, and more but it also extends to a private pool with entertainment and a topless option. Hookah hangouts, themed parties, dance lessons that range from reggae to pole, and mixology classes continue the journey. And for everyone, there’s their “gastronomic journey,” a selection of ten themed restaurants that touch on cultures and cuisines from all around the world, including local Jamaican, and a food truck area, and a full-service spa with a hydrotherapy circuit that continues the multi-sensory theme.
Additionally, guests of this property also have complimentary access to the neighboring Princess Grand Jamaica property also on this list.
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island
April 2024
Region: Mexico | Brand Affiliation: Inclusive Collection, Part of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts | Package: All-Inclusive, Family Friendly | Type: New Build
Pool-lovers, your oasis is here. Just 15 minutes from the airport, the longest rooftop pool in all of Cancun is getting those finishing touches as we speak, spanning 295 feet long with full all-around views from its high vantage point between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon. In fact, this high-rise design is what gives the Vantage Club category its name. Those rooms in this 400 all-suite resort are all on the highest floors for the best vistas, plus upgraded service, extra amenities, and an exclusive lounge just for those guests. And for all guests, another special club – a barefoot luxury beach club, complete with a pool and lounge area, snack bar, restaurant, and bar, on Playa Delfines, just ten minutes away via complimentary shuttle.
Of course, on site, there’s more than enough for vacationers to be excited about the first Hyatt Vivid property in the Inclusive Collection portfolio. In the community, there are tennis and pickleball courts, a golf course, and even an archeological site. Active travelers can explore those options or take specialty classes and work out independently in the state-of-the-art fitness center. A “culinary collective” comprised of taco trucks, ceviche carts, a full food hall, and more for a total of 19 culinary concepts refuel. And to come down from all of that excitement, there’s a 26,000-square-foot spa.
Riu Palace Aquarelle
May 2024
Region: Caribbean | Brand Affiliation: RIU Hotels & Resorts | Package: All-In Luxury, Family-Friendly | Type: New Build
Historic Falmouth, Jamaica’s White Bay Beach is getting a modern new resort, and this news is as big as this sprawling property. Five inviting swimming pools and the Splash Water World aquatic park with a variety of slides, and all junior-suite accommodations – including two-bedroom categories ideal for families and regular and upper level swim-ups perfect for couples – are generously spread out across an inviting property with greenery, grassy areas, and lots of open space in which to lounge freely.
Other amenities include five dining options – don’t miss the Jerk Grill for a taste of local flavors. Then there are signature features like Riuland kids club, Wellness Centre spa, and RIUFit exercise classes to complement your usual routine, which you can keep up with in their gym.
Royalton CHIC Antigua
Spring 2024
Region: Caribbean | Brand Affiliation: Blue Diamond Resorts | Package: All-In Luxury, Adults Only | Type: New Build
The most notable highlight of this new construction in a land of endless perfect beaches is, naturally, right on it. Or technically, off it. We’re talking about its included overwater restaurant, Pescari, the first of its kind in all of the Caribbean. The food served is seafood focused, but they call an experience there Diningtainment as their signature CHIC Angels host, perform, and interact with their dining audience.
Other major bullet points for this vibrant and social all-inclusive vacation experience exclusively for adults include the Party Your Way attitude, which means guests can relax or celebrate as the mood strikes. Amenities for low-key leisure include The Royal Spa, Royalton Fit facilities, seven restaurants, and 235 rooms and suites; more spirited options include five bars, lively shows, beachfront pools with DJs, and more. Diamond Club room categories elevate both moods, offering exclusive services, private beach and pool areas, and other select experience upgrades.
Finally, ALG Vacations® is pleased to be among the first the break the news that this property will officially offer overwater bungalows to the accommodation options, too. Details are currently limited, but we look forward to providing updates on this development as plans are finalized!
Princess Grand Jamaica
June 2024
Region: Caribbean | Brand Affiliation: Princess Hotels & Resort | Package: All-Inclusive, Family-Friendly | Type: New Build
Not far off, timewise or geographically, is the forthcoming family-friendly sister of Princess Senses The Mangrove, which also features Platinum Club benefits with butler service, a special lounge, their own restaurant, bar, terrace with rooftop infinity pool, and beach area. However, staying in any of the 590 spacious, modern suites currently being built offers more than expected at a resort literally built for family fun.
For example, a Game Zone offers cutting edge virtual reality with immersive experiences, interactive simulations, and VR and traditional gaming setups that cater to diverse interests. Real-life immersion is cultural, which extends to a seven-zone kids club with available dedicated nanny service. On top of that, three pools, an aquatic park with slides, and sporting facilities add archery, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, soccer and basketball to supplement the gym. Then there are the dynamic event spaces: a “Dream Island” and flexible convention center with a sky terrace promise unforgettable gatherings.
For adults, Jamaica’s first regulated casino is going to be calling these resort grounds home in the near future, so sit tight and get excited about this winner!
Edited 5/3/2024
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
Fall 2024
Region: Caribbean | Brand Affiliation: Iberostar Hotels & Resorts | Package: European Plan, Family-Friendly | Type: New Build
The development of Iberostar’s first Aruban property, set on famous Eagle Beach is big , big despite a smaller, intimate all-suite capacity of 240. Designed in a half-moon arc that frames the waters of what’s often called the Caribbean’s best beach and multiple modern pools, including a dramatic rooftop one, its design is meant to evoke a sense of the place. A color palette borrowed from local parrot fish and coral, celebration of native elements like the Shoco owl, desert cactus, and stingrays are only some of the touches.
More importantly, it’s all done with sustainability as a high priority. For instance, enthalpy wheels are employed to create breeze with minimal energy use and sunlight is harnessed for natural room illumination, and all the rooms are free of single-use plastics. But eco-friendliness doesn’t mean a shortage of features and amenities. Local ingredient use in the restaurants add more gourmet to the menu, an on-site casino lets guests play their way, and butler service fills in the rest.
