For this edition of Take 5 we check in with Playa Resorts’ Director of Sales – Canada, Amanda Morris. Playa’s signature ‘Service From the Heart’ can be experienced at each and every one of the company’s resorts. For clients looking to experience Playa this summer, there’s still time. While booking levels are high, “we are still seeing last-minute bookings coming in and we welcome your clients with open arms,” she says. Morris also has helpful tips about Playa’s AgentCash+ portal.
What can you tell us about Playa’s newest adults-only resorts, like Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya and Sanctuary Cap Cana?
“We are thrilled to be opening our 11th Hyatt All Inclusive Resort, the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya this coming December. Surrounded by lush mangroves this adults-only modern hacienda style resort is located on 1.5 acres of white sand beach with spectacular views of the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. With only 291 luxurious suites, nine restaurants, bars and lounges and a modern ZEN Spa (over 13,000 square feet), this property promises to be a sophisticated adults-only paradise.
“Although Sanctuary Cap Cana is not new to Playa, it is most certainly worth talking about! The Dominican Republic’s most exclusive adults-only all-inclusive resort, Sanctuary Cap Cana is set along a stretch of pure white sand beach in the private gated community of Cap Cana. Only 15 minutes from Punta Cana Airport and resembling a colonial Spanish castle town perched on a cliff by the ocean, Sanctuary Cap Cana is made up of only 324 suites and villas ranging from Oceanfront Luxury Villas to Private Island Suites. With impeccable service, an array of culinary selections including 24-hr room service and top shelf liquors, exceptional activities and entertainment, this all-inclusive resort is a vacation paradise like no other.”
What are some of the selling points of other adults-only properties in the portfolio in Mexico, such as Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Resort and Hilton Playa del Carmen?
“Playa Resorts takes great pride in the service we provide to each of our guests. Industry-wide, we have become known for our signature ‘Service From the Heart’ which can be experienced at each and every resort. In addition, Playa Resorts focus on our three pillars of hospitality …
- Culinary: From à la carte restaurants to gourmet buffets to 24-hour in-suite dining, every option features a unique cuisine and character. And regardless of your dietary preference be it vegan, vegetarian or even keto, our incredible culinary team will exceed your expectations
- Entertainment: By day guests may enjoy one of our infinity pools or perhaps have some fun in one of our water parks or lazy rivers. By night, our professional musicians and brilliant dancers in culturally inspired shows will bring live entertainment directly to you.
- Wellness: From the cenote-inspired Larimar Spa at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana to our 30,000 sq. ft. Grand Spa at Jewel Grande, our spas have been thoughtfully designed to lead you to find peace and tranquility and to restore your inner balance and well-being. In addition, staying in shape has never been so satisfying or scenic. Whether you choose to sweat it out indoors at a state-of-the-art Sky Gym or perform sun salutations on the beach, you’ll discover health and fitness is a welcomed part of your all-inclusive vacation at Playa Resorts.
Travel advisors (and their clients) might think it’s too late to book last-minute summer travel, but that’s not the case is it?
“Absolutely not! Although we are certainly seeing high occupancies throughout our portfolio it is not too late to book summer travel. However we do strongly recommend booking our resorts in advance due to their popularity and high demand, we are still seeing last-minute bookings coming in and we welcome your clients with open arms.”
What resources are available to help agents sell Playa Resorts?
“Having recently been recognized by one of our largest retail partners as the hotel partner with the best travel agent resource site I am thrilled to share with you our AgentCash+ portal www.agentcashplus.com.
“Once registered for AgentCash+ travel advisors will have access to a wealth of information right at their fingertips. Ranging from our Media Library, which houses thousands of high-resolution photos and videos, to property fact sheets and consumer friendly webinars, to name a few.
“They will also be able to easily locate all our Groups & Wedding collateral and can even book their clients commissionable wedding dates right online. Advisors will also have access to our direct booking engine where they can book their clients stays with the option to add on air, transfers, and insurance.
“Lastly, AgentCash+ is where advisors go to register all Playa Resorts bookings so they can earn points which can be redeemed for cash on a reloadable Visa card or free nights at one of our resorts.”
Why are travel advisors so integral to Playa in the Canadian market, and how can agents get in touch with Playa if there’s anything the company can do to better cater to their needs?
“Our travel advisor partners are the foundation of Playa Resorts’ success in Canada. Because of this we do have an incredible sales team completely dedicated to the Canadian travel advisor community.
“Our Canadian team consists of Freddie Marsh (Western Canada), Amanda Morris (Ontario) and Christian Roussin (Ottawa, Quebec and Atlantic Canada) and our contact information can be found under the SALES CONTACTS tab on www.agentcashplus.com.
“In addition, I am thrilled to advise that given the importance of our travel advisor partners’ opinions and expertise, we have created our Playa Creative Council. This Council consists of 12 experienced and successful agency owners and advisors across Canada and the USA who will meet twice a year. Our first meeting will take place at Hilton Playa del Carmen this September.”
