Capella, Karisma among Properties in Riviera Maya Buildup

Like many global tourist areas, the Riviera Maya has vast expansion plans under way among hotels and resorts. According to Javier Aranda, marketing director of the Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Board, the accommodations split in 2007 was 10 percent luxury, 80 percent midrange and 10 percent boutique, representing 35,500 rooms.

The number of rooms was expected to reach 42,000 by 2010, with luxury claiming a greater share of the room count. Amid an ailing economy, Aranda said it was important to continue marketing efforts.

Among 2009’s openings, the 360-suite Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma had announced a Feb. 1 grand opening, but it has now been moved to fall 2009. Banyan Tree Mayakoba opened March 1.

Capella Bahia Maroma, originally scheduled for winter 2008, is now set to open sometime during the first half of the year. The resort will include individual villas, an Auriga spa, beach club, gourmet restaurants, upscale residences and an 18-hole Rees Jones golf course.

The Kanai Riviera Maya project had targeted Q1 2009 to open Phase 1 of a three-part development that will eventually include 847 hotel rooms in three hotels, one to be a St. Regis. However, no one from the parent company, Amytis, is confirming that date, and the website remains static.