Marriott International’s Caribbean and Latin America portfolio has more than 500 properties across 25 brands in 37 countries and territories, accounting for 91,180 rooms, as Martin Castaño, Regional Vice President of Sales & Distribution, Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International, tells Travelweek in this edition of Take 5.
- Marriott’s Caribbean and Latin America portfolio is no doubt amazing in its scope. Can you give our travel advisor readers a sense of the portfolio in terms of the number of resorts, the number of countries and also some examples of the range of experiences available?
“In the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), our portfolio consists of over 500 properties across 25 brands in 37 countries and territories, accounting for 91,180 rooms. This includes a diverse range of experiences from luxury resorts to vibrant lifestyle-oriented hotels, offering an incredible range of experiences for our guests.
“Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a corporate retreat, or an immersive cultural experience – each property is carefully selected and developed to offer unique local flavour while maintaining Marriott International’s global standards of quality and service.
“For a luxury escape, The St. Regis Kanai Resort presents constellation-inspired architecture, private terraces and/or plunge pools, signature Butler Service, and indulgent spa and dining options. For high-end groups and corporate retreats, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai offers state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a lagoon-sized pool, and North America’s largest penthouse suite, blending cutting-edge amenities with eco-conscious luxury. Together, these Riviera Maya properties exemplify how Marriott’s portfolio offers something for all types of travellers, with options ranging from romantic escapes to impactful group experiences.”
- The demand for all-inclusive luxury is growing in leaps and bounds, and the Canadian market especially has for decades been very receptive to the all-inclusive vacation style. What are some of the pillars of the all-inclusive luxury getaway experience at Marriott’s Caribbean and Latin America properties?
“Since entering the all-inclusive luxury market in 2019, Marriott International has rapidly expanded its offerings to meet the growing demand for authentic, immersive luxury experiences. With the recent addition of Almare, A Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Isla Mujeres, an adults-only all-inclusive property, we continue to solidify our presence in the Caribbean and Latin America. Almare is a perfect example of what our guests can expect from our all-inclusive properties – exquisite accommodations, world-class culinary experiences, and personalized service, all set in stunning destinations.
“Our CALA portfolio now includes 33 all-inclusive luxury properties across nine destinations, and we have more than 20 additional projects in the pipeline. From refined accommodations and haute cuisine to wellness offerings and locally inspired adventures, each property offers the best of the destination while maintaining the consistency and service excellence of Marriott.”
- Group travel has been booming since the end of the pandemic, and now as travellers hone in on what they really want from a vacation, group sizes are often smaller and more intimate. Are you seeing a rise in demand for milestone travel or any other trends with your high-end small groups?
“We are certainly seeing a rise in demand for smaller, more intimate group travel experiences, specifically around milestone travel, such as celebrations of anniversaries, birthdays, and multi-generational reunions, as well as corporate retreats and incentive travel.
“To provide personalized experiences for groups of all sizes, our Marriott Bonvoy Events program connects our 7.78 million members in CALA and 219 million globally to a network of iconic brands, residences, and experiences for personalized services, tailored programming, and unique destinations that deliver a sense of exclusivity and connection. Offering versatile event spaces, locally inspired activities, and curated experiences that range from team-building adventures to immersive cultural explorations, there is something for every group travel in the Caribbean and Latin America.”
- What value does Marriott International see in expanding luxury residences in its inventory?
“With nearly 25 years of expertise in branded residences, Marriott International has firmly established itself as a leader in this space, delivering the same exceptional design and service that define its hospitality experiences. These private residence clubs, available as part of the hotel inventory, offer guests deeper connections to iconic destinations.
“In the Caribbean and Latin America, we have 16 luxury residences already open and 35 in development, including marquee projects like The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya, and The Residences at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Marriott continues to meet the growing demand for high-end branded residential options.
“Travel advisors can also benefit from these offerings with a 10% commission on luxury residential bookings, making these properties a lucrative addition to their portfolios.
“With nearly 50% since 2019, Marriott’s residential portfolio now includes 138 open locations and a robust pipeline of 123 projects, offering unparalleled lifestyle experiences across the region.”
- Many travel advisors (and their clients) may not realize that Marriott’s Caribbean and North American properties offer curated / specialized programs for groups. What can you share about that offering?
“Beyond standout all-inclusive resorts, Marriott International properties in the Caribbean and Latin American offer diverse group programming, including corporate team-building activities, executive retreats, specialized wellness experiences, and multi-generational family gatherings.
“As Marriott Bonvoy members can enhance their travel experiences with booking rewards such as points for future stays, and exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments, ensuring memorable group travel for every type of gathering. For those seeking wellness and relaxation, The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa in Costa Rica offers customized wellness retreats featuring yoga on the beach, spa treatments using local ingredients, and invigorating hikes through tropical forests. Whereas gastronomy travellers may consider JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, providing culinary team-building workshops, private dining experiences on the beach, and mixology classes highlighting regional flavours.
“For larger groups and retreats, we have on-site teams working directly with planners, helping them support clients in finding the perfect group experience, while Marriott Bonvoy Events provides a comprehensive resource with innovative spaces for meetings and events across more than 5,700 participating hotels.”
For more information about the Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts portfolio, click here.
