Barcelo, RIU Open New Hotels in Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic

Majorca-based chains Barceló Hotels & Resorts and RIU Hotels & Resorts have beefed up their presence in the Caribbean, a travel destination –they say- that seems to go on for forever more.

On the one hand, the all-inclusive, five-star Barceló Marina Palace, recently opened in Cuba´s Varadero as part of a joint marketing strategy between Barceló Hotels and the Gaviota Group S.A., is an excellent lodging designed to enrich the world of those who come to stay here.

By and large, the Marina Palace is one of the most luring choices this superb Caribbean travel destination has to offer. Its peculiar building style –commonplace in all Barceló resorts- and decoration make guests feel as if they were in some kind of nautical club.

The entire hotel evokes the deep blue sea, especially because it´s located on the northernmost tip of the Hicacos Peninsula and right across from the Gaviota Marina, the island nation´s premier nautical installation. On the other hand, the Marina Palace covers an exclusive 1.2-mile-long beach strip. In addition to that, its proximity to the Varadero Ecological Park gives this establishment an additional allure for friends of the environment and nature lovers.

The first building stage comprises a block of 300 junior suites, all of them well equipped and furnished, and exquisitely decorated in the purest maritime style, resembling old-timed ships packed with gears and tackles. Once the facility is completed, the hotel will count on 636 rooms, featuring 88 deluxe suites covering the exclusive area of Cayo Libertad, a tiny islet not far from there.

Specially laid out for family travelers, the Barceló Marina Palace has what it takes to please both kids and adults during this exciting vacation trip. Its many restaurants, ranging from smorgasbords to a-la-carte eateries, the children´s playground, the roomy and splendid theater, and lots of other conveniences are some of the attractions that will be waiting for guests from elsewhere.

A smart entertainment program, top-notch and customized services everywhere, intimacy and paradise looks all around surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking scenery are made to pack a punch among even the most demanding tourists. Once you come to this place, you´ll surely be coming back for forever more.

On the other hand, RIU is about to open a couple of new establishments in the Caribbean in the first half of 2006: the RIU Palace Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the RIU Palace Mayan Riviera in Mexico. The two new five-star, all-in Palace resorts underscore RIU´s business format in the Caribbean.

In the case of the Dominican destination of Punta Cana, RIU now owns five lodgings, plus another trio in Punta Plata. As to the Mexican Caribbean and its surrounding areas, the Spanish megabuck company has eight establishments under its belt.

In addition, the two new openings come to buttress the coming of age of the Palace trademark, created by architect Luis Andino during the inauguration of the RIU Palace Maspalomas and the Grand Canary Island Nature Dune Park in 1989. The Maspalomas Hotel was chosen the world´s best resort in 1994 and 1999.

Right now, RIU owns fourteen Palace facilities around the world, including the couple of Caribbean newcomers. By the end of 2006, RIU will count on 17 such establishments.