In a move that is completely unprecedented in the lodging industry, Esencia Estate in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is offering guests daily account credit equal to the amount paid for their nightly room rate. The credit can be used at the hotel’s organic healing spa, at the poolside gourmet restaurant or on other hotel expenses, including airport transfers, room service, in-room nannies, or even Coronas and margaritas on the beach.

This “Splurge on the House” promotion is part of the hotel’s campaign to spur new business on the heels of a slumping spring and summer tourism season across Mexico, caused by negative media reports and unsubstantiated fears of the H1N1 virus.

 

The hotel is located on a 50-acre waterfront estate near the resort town of Playa del Carmen and is recognized as one of the area’s most exclusive properties. The hotel was originally built as the private retreat for an Italian duchess and now welcomes guests with well-appointed guestrooms, a powdery white-sand beach, a Mayan-themed spa and chic dining.

 

“There has never been a better time to visit the Riviera Maya,” said Philip Vidal, Esencia’s general manager. “Normally its difficult to find a “great deal” in this area especially at the top notch hotels. But with this year’s situation, hotels have had to adjust, allowing guests to have a sample of a true luxury experience at an unheard of low price.”  “Guest should take advantage of this before the deals are gone”, said Samir Saab, CEO of Prohotel International.  “In my twenty years of experience I have never seen deals like this.”

 

Esencia Estate gives guests direct access to one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Within a short distance from the estate, visitors can explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, go snorkeling at Akumal’s famous Yak-Ku Lagoon, ride horses along the beach, go fishing for blue marlin, play golf on the Mayakoba PGA championship course, or go canopying in the jungle.

 

“A number of upscale cruise lines have generated business by offering similar matching credit promotions,” said Chip Rankin, tourism development consultant with Panorama International. “By adapting this type of promotion to a luxury hotel - and truly offering prospective guests much more bang for their buck - Esencia stands apart from its competitors in the region.”

 

Esencia’s “Splurge on the house” promotion offers guests a unique opportunity to experience high-end travel at a friendly cost. The promotion is valid for reservations made between August 15 and October 15, 2009 subject to availability for travel between August 24 and October 15, 2009.