On Location: Melia Casa Maya’s lit opening: Canadian market heating up in Cancun

STORY BY KATHY BUCKWORTH

The vibe was firey and festive as hundreds of invited guests and vacationers took in the Mayan dancers, drone show and fireworks featured during the re-opening of the Melia Casa Maya in Cancun.

“After overcoming the worst disruption in our history, caused by COVID, tourism has demonstrated ample resilience and is facing exceptional years today, registering growth that is no longer temporary or attributable to the ‘revenge’ of the pandemic, but rather ‘structural,’ and that is here to stay,” said Melia Hotels International’s CEO Gabriel Escarrer during his speech.

Escarrer was joined on stage by Mexican government and industry dignitaries at a launch event that hosted local and international media, as well as travel advisors and influencers from around the world.

“Casa Maya is an innovative resort that will not only complement the offer of Melia Hotels International in the destination, but will also enrich the tourist offer of Cancun, contributing to its positioning as an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, quality gastronomy and entertainment for the whole family,” said Escarrer.

“Because today tourism demands authentic experiences without giving up luxury and comfort, and the Melia Casa Maya has managed to masterfully merge modern comfort with the richness of Mayan culture.”

That culture was on full display during the launch ceremony, with dancers adorned in colourful Mayan costumes and make up, and servers circulating through the appreciative crowd with Mexican delicacies.

Ricardo Antuniano, the managing director of Melia Casa Maya, sat down with PAX for an exclusive interview, where he shared how important the Canadian market is to this property (and Mexico as a whole), especially in light of the recent tariff and other controversial policies coming out of the US.

 “For Cancun it (the Canadian market) is important,” said Antuniano. “For Melia, it is more important. One of the biggest segments of wholesalers that we have is Canadian.”

He confirmed that there are as many Canadians visiting as Americans, with many coming from Quebec.

“I do believe that every nation is so proud, and Canadians are more,” said Antuniano. “More French Canadians will forget to go to the United States and prefer to go abroad. Mexico is privileged because we are not so far, and we are counting on receiving more Canadians. That is the reason I am saying that we are head-to-head (with American visitors), and the projection of Canadians will be even higher in 2025.”

Cancun’s Casa Maya was originally a condominium and underwent an extensive renovation that took almost 10 months to convert all 344 rooms and came in at $26 million USD.

Of the 344 rooms, 260 are serviced by Melia as an all-inclusive resort option, with 50 as Vacation Club owners and 34 original condo owners. The latter two categories do not receive all-inclusive benefits, but they can purchase a package if they choose.

The mix of ownership makes for a unique vacation option with a real family feel.

“It’s like a family,” confirmed the bartender I spoke with. He patted his chest and said, “La familia,” as he gestured to his co-worker. I witnessed many guests and staff greeting each other as old friends.

The resort is manageable in size. There are two buildings, each of which include The Level suites, which are the higher-end option in Melia resorts. The impressively long pool lies between the buildings, as does the beach bar and the Cape Nao restaurant, one of four dining options on site.

Merkado is a buffet experience, while The Grill offers up snacks and lunch. Casa Nostra offers Italian cuisine in a gorgeous intimate setting.

As someone who requires a fitness centre while travelling, I was originally disappointed to find there wasn’t a gym onsite at Casa Maya, but fortunately I was able to easily find space to swim lengths in the elongated pool, even as families played at the other end.

There were many guests jogging on the beach and swimming in the ocean, as well as taking part in beach yoga classes. The resort also offers aqua gym, water volleyball, beach soccer, Salsa lessons and other activities, daily.

My suite was large enough to get in self-directed workouts as well, so being active is definitely still possible.

The soft white sand beachfront on the Caribbean Sea is expansive and well groomed. The lounge chairs are plentiful and well maintained. There was never an issue with getting a spot on the beach, by the pool, in sun or in shade. Bar services are available at the beach and pool as well.

For kids (of all ages), there is a water park available to all-inclusive resort guests, as well as to members of the public who buy a ticket.

I stayed in a suite in The Level, which came with its own concierge. Victor was on hand for all of my requests, reflecting the level of service throughout the resort, which was as professional as it was friendly.

Evenings are full of activity at the Casa Maya. The Monte Carlo Casino Night was in full swing one night, as families also played a game of pool or foosball in the spacious lobby.

A live DJ spins tunes every night, and other theme nights, like Silent Disco and Pirate Night, are on regular rotation.

The Kidsdom is tailor-made for the resort’s youngest guests, hosting special activities for 5- to 7-year-olds (The Buds) and 8- to 10-year-olds (The Trees). Kids also receive a special welcome package, which includes a hat, a book, a t-shirt and a few games.

Escarrer confirmed Melia’s commitment to Mexico, citing its now eight hotels in the country, with almost 3,000 rooms. Melia Casa Maya will itself generate more than 220 direct and indirect jobs.

Melia also has six additional signed projects in the country, which will add another 1,065 rooms. These include both the ME by Melia and Zel brands.

“The name Melia Casa Maya is not just a label, but a promise of connection and respect to the land where the ancient Mayans prospered,” said Escarrer. “‘House’ is the symbol of refuge, of welcome; a home that opens its doors to travellers from all over the world. ‘Maya’ is a tribute to the heritage, to a living culture that continues to mark the rhythm and colour of this region. At this hotel we want to offer experiences that connect our guests with the wonderful local culture.”

Dignitaries making speeches at the launch event included:

Mara Lezama Espinosa, governor of the state of Quintana Roo

Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Melia Hotels International

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Quintana Roo secretary of tourism

Rodrigo Lobo, president of the board of Grupo Protexa

Ana Patricia Peralta, municipal president of the H. City Council of Benito Juarez

Alvaro Sans, architect of Melia Hotels International

Javier Lobo, owner director of Grupo Protexa

Fernando Lobo, owner director of Grupo Protexa

Andre Gerondau, chief operating officer

Melia Casa Maya is about 30 minutes from Cancun airport and is within walking distance to the ferries, situated just outside downtown Cancun.

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