ME BY MELIA CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF ME CANCUN
ME CANCUN BRINGS 'PERSONALITY HOTEL' TO NEW BRAND'S FIRST RESORT DESTINATION
- Rande and Scott Gerber of After Midnight open the exclusive Maxim Beach offering the most electrifying and exciting nightlife in Cancun
- ME Cancun adds another version of Yhi Spa (11,000sq.ft) with a host of distinctive invigorating treatments, unique to needs of its guests
Miami, FLORIDA, January 8, 2007 - Today, ME by Meliá will celebrate the launch of ME Cancun, the first resort location for this new brand. Formerly known as the Meliá Turquesa, this expansive property has undergone an extensive transformation, offering guests an experience-based "personality hotel" that is characterized by passion for service, contemporary design, international fusion cuisine, and world music.
By fusing innovative design with the local color of this vacation paradise, ME Cancun will dazzle with spaces that are spacious, innovative, light-filled and at one with the natural surroundings. Located on an island between the Nichupt Lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east, ME Cancun rises up in the shape of a pyramid, reminiscent of the Mayan ruins found throughout the region.
"As the first property in the Americas under our new brand ME by Meliá, ME Cancun is a hugely exciting addition to our existing portfolio of hotels in this region and we are now in a position to target a very distinctive audience, which compliments our global brand strategy," says Andre Gerondeau, Executive Vice President, North America and the Carribean for Sol Meliá Hotels and Resorts. "This expansion further demonstrates Sol Meliá's ongoing confidence in Mexico and fuels our desire to continue investing in this country."
ME Cancun is a hotel built purely for pleasurewith every comfort supported by the latest technology, and an Experience Manager who will ensure that all guests experience a personalized culture within this lively retreat - a place that resonates with their passion for life.
"We are thrilled to be launching our first resort property in Cancun," says Guy Hensley, Senior Vice President of Operations of ME by Meliá. "Like all ME properties, this hotel will deliver cutting-edge design, high-octane nightlife and personalized service - it's also a very exciting time to be opening a hotel of this caliber against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful destinations."
Each of the 448 guest rooms, including 32 Loft Suites, 4 Level Suites, and 4 Passion Suites offer stunning ocean and sunset lagoon views. All of the rooms have been artfully refurbished by world renowned architect Alvaro Sans in collaboration with architectural firm Interarq, designer Rebecca Perez, and celebrated Mexican artist, Yuri Zatarain. Together they recreated each of the guest rooms in warm, rich colors with meticulous attention to detail and custom-made wood and stone furniture by Zatarain has been etched by hand, using shells and other elements to create a sea-life scene. Each piece of furniture is a one-of-a-kind work of art and carries a certificate of authenticity.
Standard features in each room include; high speed internet, state-of-the-art DVD player with a 32-inch interactive plasma TV, surround-sound speakers, an extensive DVD library through an "Everything is Possible" service, an in-room laptop safe, iPod adaptors and connectivity docking stations - guests who arrive without iPods may request a pre-set iPod with over 900 songs to use throughout their stay. Additionally, beds boast 300-thread count linen and a down pillow top mattress and rooms feature organic, all natural products by AVEDA, which can be enjoyed with luxurious rainfall showerheads. Guests will also receive a complimentary daily newspaper and access to the fitness center throughout their stay.
"The Level", an exclusive retreat for visiting VIPs, offers 52 deluxe accommodations and 4 suites with the standard amenities, as well as private Jacuzzi, a selection of aromatherapy amenities, complimentary cocktails and petit dejeuner, and WiFi access at no charge. In addition, guests are whisked through a private VIP check-in and once settled, can enjoy "The Living Room" an intimate lounge where anything goes.
While distinctive artwork by Yuri Zatarain brings ME Cancun's rooms to life, artist Marie France Porta's work adorns the public spaces throughout the resort. The Mexico-based artist has created a provocative sculpture of black mermaids made of resin and alabaster dust for the hotel's lobby - a similar installation of 30 pieces creates a chorus of mermaids that peer out over the Nichupt lagoon and sing at sunset.
ME Cancun will offer electric nightlife options-perfect for a resort destination known as much for its late nights as for its glittering, sun-filled days. Internationally renowned nightlife operator, Rande Gerber, along with his brother Scott, will partner with Maxim magazine to open the first Maxim Beach at the resort's pool and beach areas, where guests can find their groove to the beat of world-renowned DJ's and lounge on Balinese-style day beds.
Other hot spots created by the Gerbers for ME Cancun include Rose Bar, the ultimate lobby lounge complete with an outdoor terrace, and the Infinity Bar - located at the adults-only swimming pool. An eLounge also exists as an extension of the hotel's eSpace and will serve light-bites as well as an array of delectable drinks.
Guests will also be able to experience exceptional dining selections from a variety of cuisines. Salt, the Mediterranean restaurant, stays faithful to the original flavors that exemplify the customary cuisine. Chef Matias Martinez draws upon his experience in Miami's finest restaurants to transform traditional and rustic presentations to more personalized ones, by juxtaposing flavors in order to surprise and excite guests.
Silk, an Asian Bistro, will delight those with a taste for fusion cuisine, while renowned Mexico-city born Chef Richard Sandoval, who has already opened restaurants in cities such as Las Vegas, New York and Dubai, has developed a bold menu for the poolside restaurant. Also created by the Gerbers, this modern Mexican restaurant is located in a Palapa (an outdoor, thatched roof structure), and will serve local cuisine with a modern twist.
Guests can relax their minds and challenge their bodies through a variety of transformational exercises and spa treatments at the 11,000 sq. ft. Yhi Spa, Sol Meliá's signature destination retreat. Named after the "Goddess of Light," the spa is infused with the energy of YHI and dedicated to purifying the body, composing the mind and elevating the soul. It is a philosophy of life based on the five senses, thus providing the tools for guests to tap into their inner beings by entering a reflective state of mind. The Spa offers a number of massage and treatment options, including hot stone massages, body wraps, exfoliations and facials. All spa treatments are culled from local, natural products inspired by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, from fresh avocado and corn to eucalyptus, and are specially prepared on the premises. YHI's Spa Studio features personal trainers and specialized classes, such as yoga, stretching and meditation, while the fitness center has been completely renovated and features the latest cardiovascular equipment from world- renowned Life Fitness, as well as X-Biking, a mountain biking experience.
The hydro-therapy zone is a unique area of the Spa that includes a variety of water-based treatments, including full-body hydro-massage pools targeting different areas of the body, thermo-heated and scented rain showers, and, of course, the more standard option of steam and sauna.
Outside the private Yhi Spa pool lies the hotel's swimming oasis where guests may soak up the hot Cancun sun at any of the three outdoor pools. Options include one of the largest infinity pools in Mexico, an adults-only pool and the main hotel pool complete with an outdoor water ritual, with pressurized circuits for tired, aching muscles.
This natural playground also provides an option for business gatherings with The Studio, comprised of five state-of-the-art meeting facilities and banquet halls with 11,000 sq. ft. of space, accommodating up to 450 guests. Complimentary wireless Internet access, new high-tech capabilities and a business center are some of the options available to corporate and incentive travelers. Groups may also take advantage of open air terraces and arrange for events to be catered by the signature restaurants at ME Cancun.
Set in a magnificent location, ME Cancun is within easy walking distance of shopping malls and entertainment venues and is 20 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from downtown and mere minutes from the best golf courses, world-class shopping, dining and dynamic nightlife.
About ME by Meliá
ME is a contemporary interpretation of the Meliá experience. It is a brand which seeks to fuse innovative style with local flavours in order to captivate travellers of a common psychographic - those with a decisive taste for cutting-edge art and design, international cuisine and world music - rather than a common demographic. By capturing these elements in urban and resort destinations, this new philosophy ignites a passion in each guest while appealing to their senses and emotions. The experience is unforgettable. Learn more at www.me-by-melia.com.
About Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Sol Meliá is the world's largest vacation company. More than half of the industry leader's hotels are located in cities and by far is the largest hotel chain in Spain as well as one of the most important in Europe. Sol Meliá's portfolio includes more than 350 hotels in 30 countries over four continents and it employs over 29.600 people in its Meliá, ME by Meliá, Tryp, Sol, Paradisus and Sol Meliá Vacation Club brands. For more information and reservation visit www.solmelia.com.
About After Midnight Company
Rande Gerber is the founder of Midnight Oil Company and along with his brother Scott are the founders and operators of After Midnight Company. The company, an evolution of their trademark brand, The Whiskey, was created to develop innovative nightlife, hotel, restaurant and lifestyle concepts. Rande Gerber founded The Whiskey nearly 15 years ago, and he has since become the most influential nightlife proprietor in the country. His extraordinary success with The Whiskey Bars has established Gerber as the preeminent tastemaker, with an uncanny ability to create chic, seductive bars with modern glamour that reflect the times and national moods. Since then, the Gerbers have expanded their nightlife brand and vision, developing hotel bars with W Hotels. The Gerbers were also tapped by Giorgio Armani to redevelop his Armani Cafes nationwide and by Donald Trump to transform Trump Parc on Central Park, now Whiskey Park. The Gerbers' newest ventures include CHERRY, a nightclub at the new Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas; STONE ROSE Lounge at the recently renovated Sofitel Los Angeles; MIDNIGHT ROSE lounge and restaurant and THE PENTHOUSE, a roof-top bar, at ME Madrid and a partnership with Maxim magazine. For additional information, visit www.amcbars.com.
For more information, contact:
Amanda Kremer/Victoria Martinez/Maryann Scaccia
Dan Klores Communications
212-685-4300
