27-year old iconic resort is undergoing improvements including name change.

Shangri La Caribe, one of the few remaining beachfront palapa-style resorts in Mexico, announces a name change to Mahékal Beach Resort.
Mahékal is the Spanish pronunciation for the word “magical,” a term consistently used by guests when describing their stay at the resort. Formerly a family-owned and operated resort, Shangri La Caribe was purchased in December 2008 by a group of U.S. investors led by Circa Capital Corp. In addition to changing the name of the resort, the company has spent the last year refreshing the resort’s physical appearance and making service improvements in order to enhance guests’ experience.

“We were looking for a name that might properly convey the nearly unexplainable feeling one experiences when vacationing at our resort,” said Lamont Meek, chief operating officer of Circa Capital Corporation. “And the word ‘magical’ surfaced time and time again. What also surfaced was our guest’s strong desire for the resort to remain unchanged. And I’d like to assure our loyal guests that we have taken great care while improving the hotel to maintain the same relaxing atmosphere and warm service provided by our staff that has characterized the hotel for so many years.”

The resort’s appearance has undergone a complete facelift with new paint, stain, tile and many other ascetic improvements throughout. All guestrooms feature new bedspreads, accent throws and pillows, and the bathrooms are furnished with new vanity mirrors and rain showers. The grounds of the resort have also been groomed with new walkways, fencing and landscaping.

“Guests will be pleasantly surprised with the physical and service oriented improvements we’ve made to the resort,” said Emilio Palazuelos, general manager of MAHÉKAL BEACH RESORT. “We have succeeded in revitalizing the property while holding true to the soul of our very special resort that is so rich in history and memories.”

Service enhancements include a new flexible meal plan with the option to choose dinner or lunch so guests can dine in town when they want. The resort has added an extended menu with new themed buffets, such as Mayan and Italian, and the food presentation has been upgraded with new chafing dishes and more elegant china and table cloths. Guests are now greeted with a cold bottle of water and a fresh wash cloth upon arrival, and the concierge services and tour desk are prepared to service individual guests’ needs as well as corporate or social events, including weddings. The resort has added a complimentary computer for guests to send social messages, and all guest rooms are now non-smoking. Smoking is permitted in open air areas such as terraces and in a designated area of the Casa Club bar. The new and improved resort website is equipped with a booking engine now giving guests the option to book their stay online.