CANCUN, MEXICO—Luxury hotelier veterans and Esencia developers Alberto Remirez, Nicolas Dominguez and Federico Carstens have joined forces to form HAMAK, a hotel group in Mexico promising to bring a new dimension of accommodations to the region. Formerly of Prohotels Management and Hotel Ikal del Mar (currently known as Tides Riviera Maya), the trio launches this new endeavor with a focus toward the creation and operation of eco-conscious hotels throughout Mexico.
Together, the three hospitality professionals combine more than 50 years’ first-hand experience operating luxury boutique hotels and resorts throughout Mexico. Remirez, Dominguez and Carstens are known for incorporating local cultures into the fabric and character of hotels, as evidenced in the success of Ikal del Mar and Esencia along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Hoteliers all over the world are making a conscious effort toward Culturally Greening, which involves the development of eco-sensitive properties designed to keep regional cultures alive.
“HAMAK focuses exclusively creating guest experiences that recognize, respect and revive indigenous cultures,” said Nicolas Dominguez, managing director of operations and new developments for HAMAK. “We don’t bulldoze a culture to build a resort.”
Emphasis on Local Traditions
In 2009, the founding principals of HAMAK noted that guests too often walk away from homogenized hotel experiences feeling unfulfilled, and recognized a need to create resorts that offer individualized experiences appealing to guests’ senses of taste, smell, touch, sight and sound. HAMAK’s philosophy is dedicated toward introducing guests to local traditions and customs without sacrificing lavishness.
An example of such idealism can be found in Esencia, located just 50 miles south of Cancun on the Mayan Peninsula. Envisioning a truly authentic experience that existed in natural harmony with its surroundings, Dominguez created a culturally sensitive property in the heart of Mayan territory. With 75 percent of the staff from neighboring villages, Esencia delivers a guest experience surrounded by Mayan culture. Visitors partake in spa treatments enhanced with potions made from the jungle’s herbs and berries, or, for dessert, indulge in fruits from the trees that make up the lush landscape.
In June 2010, HAMAK opened Lúmina Luxury Suites in Mexico City. Located in the heart of Polanco, one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan areas of Mexico City, Lúmina is encapsulated within a harmonious and serene space. With only 12 luxurious suites, Lúmina offers guests an intimate space where the art of Mexico and its roots are fused with light and gardens from top to bottom.
Three New Properties Planned
On the horizon for HAMAK are three distinctive properties throughout Mexico, including Ikal Cancun, a luxury all-inclusive set to open October 2011 in Cancun. With seven restaurants and bars, three pools, a 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and interior designs by David Rockwell, the hotel promises to offer guests an experience unlike any other in the city. Their second project is Chable, a destination spa resort in Mérida, another Culturally Greening property. Scheduled to open in November 2011, Chable will offer the ultimate spa destination experience for guests to immerse themselves in local customs and traditions. Furthermore, located near Tiburon Island along the Sea of Cortez, HAMAK’s third project, Itaai, will feature 25 luxury tents allowing guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery while fully experiencing nature. Embracing the trend of “glamping,” Itaai offers the best of both worlds by introducing guests to “glamorous camping” in the great outdoors where camping in style is taken to a whole new level.
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