Opening a New Window on Mexico

The online version of the Cambridge Dictionary defines a "disruptor” as “a company that changes the traditional way an industry operates, especially in a new and effective way.” It is, many would say, an apt description for Atelier de Hoteles, one of Mexico’s newest hotel brands.

Mexican-owned and -operated, Atelier de Hoteles emerged on the scene last year, offering guests a product that blends handcrafted hospitality with immersive experiences, social awareness and modern architecture.

Its first property, the beachfront óleo Cancun Playa, debuted in February 2017 in the former Yalmakan Hotel towers. Earlier this year, Atelier de Hoteles thoroughly renovated the resort, bringing it up to its current four-plus-star status. The company also plans to open another two resorts in 2018—Atelier Playa Mujeres and Estudio Playa Mujeres—in the exclusive Playa Mujeres enclave north of Cancun.

New CEO Oliver Reinhardt, known for his extensive background in technology and personalized guest services, has taken the reins of the brand, bringing his knowledge and experience to bear on what he calls the four columns, or pillars, of the company, which he said are key to what distinguishes the brand from its competitors.

Handmade hospitality. The first pillar—“handmade hospitality”—encompasses a personal touch on every aspect of your client’s stay, reflecting a unique interpretation of what Mexico can offer. “Our concept is based on contemporary Mexican design and art—on everything art related,” Reinhardt said.

“We’re trying to show the modern, contemporary Mexico, so everyone can see it’s much more than tequila, a sombrero and a cactus. We want to move away from the stereotypical Mexico and show the new one, the good one. We want to showcase the positive influence of Mexico.”

Addictive service. The second pillar—what Reinhardt referred to as “addictive service”—comprises “happenings” that clients will experience throughout their stay, with the intent of leaving them wanting to come back for more. “We actually think this is going to be a watershed moment, something other hotel chains are going to look at and see how they can innovate in that direction,” Reinhardt said.

Involved technology. The third pillar is “involved technology.” Beyond offering free WiFi throughout the resort, the company’s development team designed a proprietary app that gives guests access to television channels, restaurant reservations, boutique items, hotel activities and more. “It’s a total integration of what’s going on in the hotel,” Reinhardt said.

Social awareness. The brand’s focus on “social awareness” embodies the fourth pillar. Atelier has created a balance between flora, fauna, staff and guests by respecting nature during construction and renovations, employing sustainable processes and weaving local handicrafts and products into its daily operations. “We try to make a difference toward creating awareness with our clients and our employees by balancing the human interaction,” said Reinhardt.

These four pillars are very much in evidence in Atelier’s products for the all-inclusive market. óleo Cancun Playa—which is pet-friendly, by the way—brings a sort of barefoot sophistication to its corner of Cancun. Targeting laid-back, affluent clientele in their 30s and 40s who are looking for a chill vacation, óleo provides a boho-chic white canvas with dashes of turquoise that echo the Caribbean Sea at its doorstep.

Its 168 rooms range from standard Kings or Doubles to oceanfront Junior Suites and the expansive óleo Suite, all of which are stocked with MALIN+GOETZ amenities, bathrobes, coffeemakers and a slew of other treats. Small and fun, óleo is not adults-only, although the vibe is geared more in that direction than a family stay.

That’s where the new all-inclusive Estudio Playa Mujeres will come in. Along with Atelier Playa Mujeres, the property will celebrate its grand opening at the end of this year. The 171-all-suite resort will fall under the five-star category, with six restaurants, a stunning three-story spa and wellness center, and a kids’ club.

“Estudio Playa Mujeres will have a kids’ program for kids of every age with interesting activities for each age group,” Reinhardt said. Accommodations will include swim-out suites, a huge roof terrace and pool suite, and a dedicated family suite.

Atelier Playa Mujeres, which will also fall into the five-star category, will feature 422 suites that cater to travelers 16 and older and will be particularly attractive for couples. The suites include golf villas; swim out, roof terrace and pool suites; an Atelier Suite coming in at just under 2,000 square feet, and a special Gallery section for VIP stays.

Eight restaurants and bars will include Asian, Peruvian, Uruguayan and Mediterranean menus, and the company is in negotiations with executive chefs for what will be its signature Mexican restaurant, Reinhardt said. Both resorts will have access to the enormous Wellness Center and the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed Playa Mujeres Golf Club.

“At Playa Mujeres, we have quite an exclusive product that’s for people who want to have an extraordinary vacation in an extraordinary place with extraordinary service,” he said.