Right from the start, Transat Holidays knew Bahia Principe would become a key player in the vacation business. For this edition of Friday 5, Transat Holidays Product Director, Paula DeCampos, talks about the strengths of the Bahia Principe brand and what’s new for 2015-16.
1. Transat Holidays recently took part in the 20th anniversary celebrations for Bahia Principe in the D.R. For how many of those 20 years has Transat Holidays partnered with Bahia Principe and what was it about the fledgling company that got Transat’s attention all those years ago?
DeCampos: Transat Holidays has been partners with Bahia Principe since the opening of their first hotel in San Juan in the D.R. We appreciated the passion and the dynamic vision of Don Pablo with the opening of the Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, followed by the new construction of the Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, today the Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal, Don Pablo Collection in Riviera Maya. Transat had the same vision and identified Bahia Principe as a partner with endless opportunities.
Luxury Bahia Principe
Akumal
2. What are the strengths of the Bahia Principe brand circa 2015?
DeCampos: First and foremost, there’s the value. Also the high level of customer service and customer satisfaction. The outstanding quality of food and beverage offered at all the hotels. The ability to identify the needs of our mutual clients: families, couples, multi-generational, singles. The ability to deliver and exceed the expectations of their guests. Also consistency, and keeping up with new developments/ trends to ultimately deliver a superior experience.
3. What Bahia Principe properties does Transat Holidays offer, including exclusives?
DeCampos: In Punta Cana: Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana Royal Golden (Exclusive Section); Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Don Pablo Collection and Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection.
In Samana: Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa Royal Golden (Exclusive Section); Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo Royal Golden (Exclusive Section) and Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection.
In Puerto Plata: Grand Bahia Principe San Juan.
In La Romana: Grand Bahia Principe la Romana Royal Golden (Exclusive Section) and Luxury Bahia Principe Bouganville Don Pablo Collection.
In Montego Bay: Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Royal Golden (Exclusive Section) and Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Don Pablo Collection.
In Riviera Maya: Grand Bahia Principe Coba Royal Golden (Exclusive Section); Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal Don Pablo Collection (full exclusivity) and Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an Don Pablo Collection
Grand Bahia Principe
San Juan.
4. What new or coming Bahia Principe properties are you most excited about?
DeCampos: New for 2015-16, the new Luxury Bahia Principe Samana, Don Pablo Collection located in Samana is a 149-room, boutique-style, adults-only resort. Extremely charming, romantic with the most breathtaking views. One word: paradise!
Also new, the Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal, Don Pablo Collection offers new oceanfront deluxe junior suites, infinity pool, bar and snack bar.
And the Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay, Don Pablo Collection offers additional enhancements, new lobby bar, 60 new Junior Suites, separate reception area dedicated to Don Pablo guests to further distinguish the Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Don Pablo Collection from the Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Royal Golden .
5. Destination weddings are a booming market. What are a few highlights of any of the resorts that make Bahia Principe such a great choice for destination wedding clients?
DeCampos: Each property offers its own uniqueness with various locations to host the weddings on-property, or the most popular location on the beach.
There is a dedicated wedding team/department at each hotel to assist the couple with the arrangements, such as the selection of flowers, photographer, wedding cake and much more.
Weddings are available year-round at any of the Bahia Principe hotels. Bahia Principe offers free wedding packages and a free upgrade to the bride and groom (subject to availability).
Among the many promotions available, for weddings booked in the months of May, June, September and October 2016, book Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica Royal Golden and get a free upgrade to Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay. Maximum seven rooms per wedding.
In the D.R.: For weddings booked in the months of May, June, September and October 2016, book Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana Royal Golden and get a free upgrade to Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection. Maximum of 15 rooms per wedding.
And for weddings booked for travel from May 1, 2016 to Oct. 31, 2016, book a Junior Suite at Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection and get a free upgrade to a Superior Junior Suite at Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection. Maximum of seven rooms per wedding.
Vow renewal and honeymoon packages are also available.
