Experiences Over Things Marks New Direction for Barcelo Hotel Group

Barcelo-Maya-PalaceAuthentic cultural experiences are on the agenda at Barcelo Hotel Group properties, and with the rising demand for experiences over things, this is just what the doctor ordered for visiting meeting and incentive groups.

Located in Riviera Maya, Barcelo Maya Palace creates a variety of vibrant Mexican cultural experiences for groups. The resort’s in-room amenity—a bottle of Xtabentun—is a traditional Mexican liquor made in the Yucatan region. Complimentary Spanish language classes, Mayan coffee demonstrations and salsa dance lessons are available to groups. There are also weekly Mexican cooking classes that focus on regional cuisine and techniques. For groups interested in off-site excursions, Vacaciones Barcelo offers visits to nearby ancient Mayan archaeological sites or ones that include treks throughout the Mayan jungle. In short, there is no shortage of authentic cultural experiences to be had with Barcelo.

The nearby Royal Hideaway Playacar offers an exclusive VIP experience, with 200 villas situated along an idyllic beach; water sports such as scuba diving and kayaking galore. The resort offers a Chef’s Table experience at Las Ventanas restaurant that allows attendees to interact and learn a combination of modern and ancestral culinary skills as the head chef and his staff create a tasting menu of between six and 12 courses.

Elsewhere in Barcelo’s portfolio, at the upscale Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort (which includes the Barcelo Bavaro Palace and adults-only Barcelo Bavaro Beach), groups can recharge in numerous ways. Personalized wellness treatments—from water therapy to floral and bamboo massages—happen at the U Spa. There’s a shopping promenade, new bowling alley, cigar and rum lounge for hobnobbing and the resort’s golf course makes the most of its natural surroundings by winding around a leafy mangrove forest and 25 inland lakes.