An exclusive evening: Inclusive Collection unveils luxury resort milestones and growth strategy

An exclusive group of luxury travel advisors and members of the media were invited to join "An Evening with Impression by Secrets" cocktail event hosted by The Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, this past Wednesday night (Aug. 23).

Held at Sassafraz in downtown Toronto’s Yorkville district, attendees were provided with a sneak peek of recently opened and upcoming Impression by Secrets properties.

The immersive evening featured a seven-course meal, a collaborative effort between Impression Moxché by Secrets' Master Chef Karla Encino and Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets' Master Chef Paolo Parlanti.

While guests were treated to a preview of a culinary journey available at the ultra-luxury resort brand, an expert sommelier from Impression Moxché by Secrets paired wines with each course.

Celebrating milestones and “thoughtful growth”

On behalf of the commercial team in attendance, Carolina Bellina, The Inclusive Collection's senior director of Canadian sales, welcomed guests saying, “It's moments like these that are worth celebrating,” as she announced the following milestones as the company continues to pursue thoughtful growth:

• The debut of the Impression by Secrets brand with the opening of Impression Moxché by Secrets in December 2022, and Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets in May 2023.
• The entry into a new destination, St. Lucia, with the opening of Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia.
• Further expansion in Europe with the opening of four new resorts in Bulgaria in May 2023.
• A confirmed Zoetry resort opening in Greece is on the horizon.
• An expansion into Mazatlán and Portugal with brands that are not yet confirmed by The Inclusive Collection.

In an interview with PAX, Claudio Zboznovits, vice-president of international business development and global MICE, proudly stated that Canada stands as the second-largest market for The Inclusive Collection outside of the U.S.

Zboznovits credits this success to the unwavering support and collaboration of Canada's trade partners, as well as the dedication of the Inclusive Collection sales team.

Bellina and Zboznovits emphasized with PAX that they prioritize both trade partners and consumer insights to make the most of every opportunity. 

With this growth strategy, the company has matured and grown, revealing the need to recalibrate for sustained progress.

According to Zboznovits, “We were pioneers in introducing concepts such as no bracelets and no pre-reservation requirements for restaurant bookings. The journey of understanding has been a growing one.”

So far, Bellina said, Canada has experienced a "productive and remarkable" year, in which sales are aligning with 2019 figures. The trend of clients reserving in advance and booking higher-category rooms is evident, she noted.

“Looking towards 2024, we continue to see the same trend as guests book in advance and are not taking the ability to vacation for granted,” Bellina told PAX.

Redefining all-inclusive vacations

The Inclusive Collection launched the Impression by Secrets brand in May 2023.

Impression by Secrets is the 10th brand to join Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, which is the largest global portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts.

According to Zboznovits, the brand takes the inclusive vacation experience to new heights, appealing to affluent travellers who are looking for luxury and convenience.

The evening focused on two Impression by Secrets properties:

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets

The guest experience starts with a luxury catamaran ride to Isla Mujeres, located 20 minutes from Cancun, explained property sales manager Alain Velaques.

The 125-suite boutique property invites guests to explore—from world-class chefs at eight distinct restaurants to the PURE Spa which offers the island's exclusive Hammam (a cleansing therapy) and Floatarium (warm salt bath).

Inclusive Collection shared that Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a purpose-driven resort, with Isla Mujeres housing the Saving Our Sharks Foundation.

A portion of booking profits is donated to this non-profit, supporting its vital work. Since the resort's inception, it collaborates closely with the foundation to educate both locals and guests on responsible fishing, and the crucial role humans play in preserving the local environment and marine life.

Impression Moxché by Secrets

A 40-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, Impression Moxché by Secrets offers 198 suites in Playa del Carmen, offering convenient access to Mayan culture and attractions. 

Modern meeting facilities make the property ideal for corporate and special events. 

Unique selling features include access to four secluded pools, including a 360-degree view rooftop pool/restaurant, and free-flow access to Secrets Moxché for 14 gourmet dining options, three of which are exclusive to Impression Moxché by Secrets. 

The property also houses an expansive Spa by Pevonia® with a heightened focus on wellness, featuring innovative and traditional treatments.

Both properties offer guests Endless Privileges® inclusions, such as dedicated butler service, unlimited premium spirits, master chef artisanal cuisine, and personalized daily schedules.

Travel advisors share brand reactions

Several luxury travel advisors in attendance expressed with PAX their loyalty and confidence in promoting the Impression by Secrets brand to their clients.

Travel expert Vikas Malhotra of itravel2000 underlined this sentiment, stating: “The service absolutely defines the quality—one of the highest standards you can ever get in the industry. There's huge support from the sales team.”

As Shalene Dudley of Latitude Concierge Travel puts it, booking a stay with this brand is like winning the lottery.

"Regardless of the room, the views are breathtaking. It's like being in a private tropical oasis," shared Dudley. She claimed the attention to detail is truly remarkable, surpassing other resorts.

Clara Power of Power Travel told PAX: “What I really like about the Impression by Secrets brand is that it’s filling a gap in the market for high-end luxury adults-only properties.”

Power notes that the brand's inclusion of butler service, exceptional cuisine, and wellness offerings perfectly aligns with current client demands. 

Impression bridges the gap between EP (European Plan) and traditional all-inclusive properties, catering to clients seeking both the convenience of all-inclusive and a luxurious experience, she says.

Empowering and educating travel advisors

In May, the Inclusive Collection launched Confidant Collective, an online platform to support travel advisors’ success, including a newly designed website offering best-in-class tools intended to serve as a resource to empower travel advisors to become experts on the Inclusive Collection portfolio.

Some highlights include:

Confidant Learning - An interactive online educational platform that encompasses all brands in the Inclusive Collection portfolio.

Confidant Rewards - Offering travel advisors the opportunity to register, redeem bookings, and earn more points the more they book.

On behalf of his colleagues, Zboznovits expressed the company’s gratitude and support for the travel trade community: “We're here. We're here for good in Canada, we believe in Canada, and we will make sure our flag starts and keeps on going strong.”

To learn more about the platform, visit here.