Hyatt celebrates opening of Rose Hall properties

Marking the official opening celebration of Hyatt's first dual-branded all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Hyatts Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall were buzzing with excitement on Friday night as political dignitaries, brand representatives and property guests came together for a special event.

On the site of the former Ritz Carlton, the properties began welcoming guests in December following more than $85 million in renovations.

This is the second of an expected four official grand openings planned by Hyatt's new all-inclusive brand in 2015, having just celebrated the official opening of Hyatt Ziva in Puerta Vallarta. 

The resort chain is the result of a joint venture between Hyatt and Playa Hotels & Resorts; the global hotel brand was seeking to enter the all-inclusive market and Playa was their partner of choice. According to Bruce Wardinski, chief executive officer of Playa, the expansion will continue into 2016 and beyond.

"For more than three years, we have collectively worked to bring to life a sophisticated and inspired resort that would reflect the warmth and gracious service of Jamaica in an exhilarating and unique environment," Wardinski said during the celebration, thanking partners and staff for their efforts.

Wardinski was joined by other executives including Alex Stadlin, CEO of Playa Resorts Management, Carlos Cabrera, senior vice-president, all-inclusive operations, Hyatt; and Kevin Froemming, CMO & EVP Playa Resorts Management. Wykeham McNeil, Jamaica's minister of tourism and entertainment and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller were also on hand for the event.

"We want our industry to grow not simply in quantity but in quality, and the new Hyatt Ziva & Hyatt Zilara Hotels represent quality," Prime Minister Simpson Miller said. "The alliance of Playa Hotels and Resorts and the Hyatt Hotels is a solid partnership. Putting these exceptional brands together with all that we in Jamaica have to offer is a recipe for success. Moreover, these resorts will fit admirably into two specific areas of growth in tourism around the world: luxury travel and the all-inclusive vacation experience."

"I believe that this resort's opening is further proof that the investment climate in Jamaica is very positive and a perfect illustration that Jamaica is still very attractive to investors," said Wykeham McNeil, Jamaica's minister of tourism and entertainment. "We are very pleased that Playa has now added the iconic Hyatt brand to our destination."

Stay tuned to PAX for a further report about the new properties in tomorrow's e-magazine.