CANCUN — After a year-long transition, Kempinski Hotel Cancun has debuted on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, welcoming guests to discover its newly updated 363 rooms and suites.

“This property fits perfectly into the portfolio, the Kempinski brand and the Kempinski DNA,” explained Conrad Bergwerf, the hotel’s general manager.

Located within the hotel zone, Kempinski Hotel Cancun is less than a half hour from Cancun International Airport and downtown Cancun, 90 minutes from Tulum, 2.5 hours from Chichen Itza and a short ferry or yacht trip to nearby Isla Mujeres.

The timing was right for this former Ritz-Carlton Hotel to transform into a five-star Kempinski. “There will be some refurbishment,” said Bergwerf, to enhance the classic style of the hotel. “The vision is to use this hotel as the pied-à-terre for the American continent, and to expand into the US and South America.”

Kempinski Hotel Cancun is the brand’s first property in North America, and the brand is looking at Brazil and the southern U.S. as their next possible locations.

Kempinski’s renowned hospitality will be on display with the Lady in Red, the hotel’s brand ambassador, offering intuitive and thoughtful assistance, and ensuring all guests’ questions and requests are answered. “Our service philosophy is to pamper guests with European hospitality and to encourage living the experience through their senses,” explained Bergwerf. “We’re focused on exceeding expectations.”

This hotel is also only one of four in the vast Kempinski portfolio which will also have a Gent in Red, Ruben Grajeda, who has worked at the property for almost two decades.

Bergwerf stated Kempinski’s focus on travel agencies with a niche for luxury-focused clientele. “We are with all the consortiums, like American Express, and have been working with high-end meeting planners and multigenerational-focused travel agents.”

He added that the presence of St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria and Fairmont, along with Kempinski, puts the spotlight on Cancun as a luxury destination.

Kempinski Hotel Cancun’s rooms are divided into four types, while there are six different types of suites. At almost 2,500 square feet, The Presidential Suite includes a private bedroom for two, walk-in wardrobe, marble bathroom with soaker tub, living room, dining room, private terrace and outdoor hot tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

In addition to the expansive 1,200 feet of white beach with private cabanas and lounge chairs steps from the hotel, guests have access to two swimming pools, fitness centre with Technogym equipment, sauna and steam rooms, tennis centre, pickleball courts, Titan Tikes Kids Club and Kayanta Spa featuring Mayan-inspired treatments.

Additional indulgence for clients is reserving a beach villa, offering exclusive amenities for up to four adults to enjoy a private beach area and Club Rooms or Suites, which have daily access to the Club Lounge, offer private check-in/check-out, all-day dining, concierge and a dedicated mixologist for cocktail hour.

Food and beverage are an essential part of Kempinski’s core; this luxury brand’s roots began 130 years ago in the catering and restaurants industry, which led to the opening of hotels. Kempinski Hotel Cancun features six on-site dining options overseen by Chef Rene Camelo, including the five diamond Fantino and beachside restaurant Casitas.

Bergwerf happily claimed “the best beach in Cancun is the one in front of our hotel” and with a smile added “I really hope it will be a cold winter! We love Canadians, come down to Cancun!”

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