TORONTO — Cancun may be best known for its all-inclusive resorts but The St. Regis Costa Mujeres is looking to change that, bringing EP luxury, personalized service and a quieter beachfront setting to the Mexican Caribbean.

The resort opened this past June and got its Canadian travel industry debut last night with an event at The St. Regis Toronto, complete with a multi-course dinner inspired by its culinary program and the brand’s signature champagne sabrage ritual.

Ingrid Velasquez Vilaró, Director of Sales & Marketing at The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort and Almare, says the property is introducing a different kind of experience to a destination traditionally associated with large all-inclusive hotels.

“We’re trying to redefine luxury in Cancun,” she says. “We want to bring exclusiveness. We want to bring exquisite experiences into a new destination that is not very well known.”

With the resort still in its first year of operation, there’s plenty more on the way, including new restaurants, a jazz speakeasy and a boat connection to neighbouring Isla Mujeres.

Ingrid Velasquez Vilaró and Carlos Obregón, representing The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort and Almare

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

For Canadian travel advisors, one of the property’s biggest selling points may be its location.

Situated 25 minutes north of Cancun International Airport, St. Regis Costa Mujeres offers a relatively short transfer. Velasquez Vilaró also points to improving air connectivity, with more than 16 new direct flights from Canada to the destination expected to begin in December.

And there’s another advantage that could catch the attention of beach-loving clients. With Isla Mujeres providing a natural barrier offshore, Velasquez Vilaró says the resort’s beachfront is protected from much of the sargassum that has affected other parts of the Mexican Caribbean.

The result, she says, is calm, clear water and a swimmable beach, with the property already welcoming travellers who have changed their bookings because of conditions elsewhere.

There’s also plenty happening just beyond the resort.

Next door is SHA Mexico, offering personalized wellness and longevity programs, while across the water is Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, another property overseen by the same management team.

Almare is a 109-room, adults-only all-inclusive resort, offering a different kind of luxury experience with à la carte dining and premium beverages rather than traditional buffets.

Velasquez Vilaró says a private boat connection between St. Regis and Almare is in the works, with the journey taking about 15 minutes.

That opens the door to two-property stays, day visits and opportunities for guests to explore Isla Mujeres without a lengthy transfer.

A LITTLE HISTORY WITH THE LUXURY

The resort’s surroundings also play an important role in its identity.

Carlos Obregón, Director of Marketing at The St. Regis Costa Mujeres and Almare, says the property draws heavily on the Mayan history of the region, particularly neighbouring El Meco archaeological park.

During construction, archaeological remains were discovered on the property, and the resort worked with Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia to preserve them. The ruins remain part of the protected archaeological area, with designated public access.

That heritage carries through to the resort’s design, including a spa inspired by Mayan architecture and walls finished with chukum, a traditional material from the Yucatan Peninsula.

Families can also take part in children’s programming that introduces younger guests to Mayan history through archaeological-themed activities.

For Obregón, connecting guests with the destination is an important part of the resort’s approach.

“We are bringing the story that surrounds us, not only in the activities program but also in the walls,” he says.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

Dining is another major focus, with six of the resort’s planned food and beverage spaces operating at the time of the Toronto event. These include Costa Coral, serving Mexican cuisine; Fish Market, a poolside seafood restaurant; Palmare, a casual beachfront grill; and Olivia, a café offering pastries, light meals and Mexican coffee tastings.

The St. Regis Bar also features an Agave Library with more than 80 references, introducing guests to spirits beyond the familiar tequila and mezcal. Complimentary evening tastings are part of the resort’s daily programming, alongside another St. Regis tradition: champagne sabrage on the beach at 6 p.m. The ceremony brings guests together with the property’s butlers, whose services are included across all room categories.

The culinary lineup is still growing. Four additional concepts are planned, including Shami, an adults-only rooftop izakaya restaurant with a private pool, and a speakeasy inspired by New York’s jazz scene.

The resort is also working on a signature restaurant associated with José Andrés Group and a separate beach club designed to welcome outside visitors without affecting the private beachfront experience of hotel guests.

Velasquez Vilaró says the team is aiming to have the additional venues operating for the festive season.

CELEBRATIONS, WITH ROOM FOR QUIET

One of the property’s defining differences is its European Plan (EP) model, which Velasquez Vilaró says allows the resort to maintain a highly personalized approach to dining and service.

The development also includes 86 private residences, ranging from two to five bedrooms, with prices starting at approximately $3 million.

According to Obregón, more than 60% of the residence owners are Mexican, reflecting growing domestic demand for luxury properties in the region.

For hotel guests, celebrations are an important part of the experience. Weddings, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and multigenerational family gatherings are among the occasions the resort is catering to, with private beachfront settings, restaurants and rooftop spaces available.

But what about clients who simply want peace and quiet? Velasquez Vilaró says celebrations are generally arranged in private settings, while guests seeking additional privacy can choose accommodations facing the mangrove area, away from the main beachfront activity.

The resort’s layout is another advantage, she adds, with restaurants and facilities within easy reach rather than requiring lengthy walks or golf-cart transfers.

Ultimately, Velasquez Vilaró says, the property’s approach to luxury comes down to the relationships guests develop with its staff.

She recalls staying at the resort with her own family, who travelled from Colombia and Spain for a reunion shortly after the opening.

The experience, she says, was particularly meaningful because of the personal attention they received.

“I’ve never stayed in a hotel, a resort, like any place that made me feel so special,” she said. “This is warm. This is something that make you feel at home. So that is Mexico. That is Costa Mujeres.”

Lead image caption: Getting to know The St. Regis Costa Mujeres at an industry event at The St. Regis Toronto (main photo courtesy The St. Regis Costa Mujeres; all inset photos courtesy Michelle Zimmer)