Agents should get ready for big changes at Seadust Cancun, as Playa Resorts officially takes over operations at the resort. TravelPulse Canada visited the property last week as part of an inside look at the re-design that will serve as a backdrop for the stellar customer service the company is known for.
"I am very proud, I am very happy to to be the operation team leader on this property, it's amazing," says GM Silvestre Vasquez. "Our people, it's what motivates me to do more projects and more things for our guests."
Silvestre Vasquez, GM Seadust Cancun (TravelPulse Canada)
Vasquez is leading a four-phase renovation, which will see the entire 502 room property refreshed. The first phase which is now complete, saw back of house training and the redesign of the Big Ben ala carte steakhouse as well as the addition of an ice cream stand that dishes out on average, 1500 cones a day. Phase two, which is currently underway will see the addition of a wellness café with grab and go healthy meals and is expected to be finished by September. Third phase is expected to start in October and will see the rooms completely redone as well as the main lobby. The fourth and final phase will be more structural with new air conditioning and water heaters and is expected to be complete by early next year.
The new look of the soon-to-be renovated rooms at Seadust Cancun. (TravelPulse Canada)New Room Design
We toured the new rooms which will feature the same vibe to be implemented across the hotel; more of a fresh and relaxed cabana style that reflects the outdoor nature and palette.
"We wanted it to be very approachable and warm," explains Vasquez. "The colours are more natural because the peninsula area is very rich in these colours. The Yucatan peninsula has the best hardwood you can find in Mexico, and we want to bring that into our design."
Bunk beds are available in some family rooms and will stay after the renovations. (TravelPulse Canada)
Rooms feature King, Queen or Double beds and there are family rooms that have a bunk-bed with a pullout, that can sleep 3 kids. Each room has a stocked mini-fridge and coffee maker, with included room service available from 7am through 11pm.
Activities and Amenities
Vasquez says approximately 65% of guests are from North America, a big chunk of those being Canadians. Previously the ratio was previously 80% families, but he says they are trying to balance that segmentation to more of a 60/40 split of families to adults.
On site amenities would allow for both. Kids can stay entertained at the waterpark or in the kids' club area, which has a special area for smaller kids. There's lots of entertainment on site including a nightly disco in the theatre at 7pm, before on stage and family-friendly performances. There's a weekly Disney show that was a hit with both kids and adults that is a must-do. Seadust Cancun also has a babysitting service on site should families need, staffed by qualified nannies.
There's also lots to do for adults - in total, there are 19 bars and restaurants on property. An adults-only outdoor pool is located on the second floor and will also be getting a refresh in the renovations. There's also a sports bar and nightclub that also have been updated. Beach activities will be added to the roster as well and there are free mixology classes which are also a must-do. Starting this month, there will also be an invitation-only chefs dinner held in the kitchen and private patio (more on that this week).
Groups
Vasquez says the adult pool area is a great outdoor spot for holding ceremonies and celebrations, which is another market they want to attract. There's a ballroom with a capacity of up to 800 people in an auditorium-type setting. Divided into 3 areas, organizers can carry out different activities at the same time. 4 other meeting rooms (Bay, Beach, Lagoon and Reef) are designed for smaller meetings (up to 80 attendees in an auditorium setting) and a theater, which holds the resort's nightly entertainment shows can accommodate large-capacity events of up to 400 people.
Private dining area by the sea available for small groups. (TravelPulse Canada)For smaller more intimate gatherings, private dinners are available (at an additional cost) on the beach or in rooms.
"As you can see, we have a nice beach and offerings and a lot of things that we're going to improve upon, so that we can be ready to welcome increased travellers from all around the world. But our number one asset is our people. Our staff is the future of our service and the main thing we are known for; delivering service from the heart."
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