An All-Inclusive Trailblazer

The all-inclusive resort category has come of age in recent years, expanding from a homogeneous collection of properties linked primarily by moderate rates and a standardized meals-and-accommodations-included formula to one that encompasses a diverse collection of upscale resorts filled with one-of-a-kind amenities, facilities and services.

As much as any contemporary hospitality company, AMResorts is responsible for the all-inclusive resort category’s changing and upgraded profile. Each of the company’s six brands—Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Now Resorts & Spas and Sunscape Resorts & Spas—is designed to provide customized vacation experiences that match travelers’ preferred vacation styles.

AMResorts’ properties are anything but one-size-fits-all. From their inception, they were outfitted with premium furnishings and facilities, guest-pleasing amenities and an array of deluxe services.

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Maybe even more importantly, each of the brands is tailored to accommodate specific travel segments, ranging from couples seeking a sedate and romantic adults-only atmosphere to families in search of high-energy, adventure-themed vacations and nearly everything in between.

“When we set out to launch AMResorts, we wanted to redefine the all-inclusive concept overall to appeal to the North American traveler,” said Alex Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group, AMResorts’ parent company. “We develop brands to address specific markets, and the programming at these resorts reflects this.”

That development continues unabated. The company, which features resorts in six countries, announced plans to expand its properties from 52 to 100 in “target markets” across the Caribbean and Mexico by 2020.

“We are fortunate to have strong working relationships with many of the islands in the Caribbean, which has allowed Apple Leisure Group’s expansive growth over recent years,” Zozaya said.

Within the past two years, AMResorts has launched its first properties in Aruba and Puerto Rico, while also expanding significantly in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica during the same period.

AMResorts will launch 10 resorts within the next three years, including the company’s first property in Aruba: Zoëtry Isla di Oro in 2018.

In May, AMResorts debuted the 457-room, adults-only Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, its second Secrets property in the Dominican Republic. The resort features seven à la carte restaurants, six bars, a nightclub, an infinity pool, and bungalow-styled suites with private pools.

In December 2016, the company made its debut in Panama with the opening of Dreams Buenaventura Panama Resort & Spa. Also in 2016, AMResorts opened Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica, joining Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.

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In February, Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa opened its doors. The 150-room property is located within the Montego Bay Marine Park and features a contemporary design and premium facilities, including a rooftop pool and bar, a beach club, fire pits, cabanas, plus five bars and lounges. Guests can take advantage of the amenities of Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay resorts, providing them with access to 18 additional bars and restaurants.

The Caribbean is most certainly a growth destination for AMResorts.

“The convenience of traveling to the Caribbean due to its close proximity to the U.S., the value guests receive for their money, the beauty of the destinations and the great, authentic experiences available will continue to drive new tourists to the region,” Zozaya said.

“Another important factor to continue driving travelers is the increasing and improving flight options to the Caribbean from the U.S. and between the different islands. This will help encourage longer stays and give travelers more opportunities to experience the different cultures and destinations within the region.”

AMResorts, which currently features 28 properties in Mexico, plans to debut 10 additional resorts in the destination by 2020.

“As a nation of many culture-rich destinations with room to grow and strong economic figures to back it, Mexico will continue to yield significant investment opportunities well beyond AMResorts’ development plans,” said Gonzalo del Peon, president of AMResorts. “This growth potential is key to our big picture.”

In 2018 the company is scheduled to debut the 120-room Zoëtry Chamela Costalegre Mexico. The property, situated 90 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, will be AMResort’s third Zoëtry resort in Mexico.

AMResorts is also set to open the 500-room Breathless Playa del Carmen Resort & Spa. It will be located in Playa Del Carmen’s Grand Coral gated community and guests will have access to its shopping malls, nightlife and18-hole golf course.

“Mexico as a whole has proven to be resilient against ups and downs, welcoming 94.6 million international visitors in 2016, up 8.6 percent since the previous year,” said Zozaya. “Apple Leisure Group sees continued demand for more and new product offerings through AMResorts for travelers around the globe.”