Marking the U.S. company’s first international expansion, this agreement encompasses four scenic beachfront resorts located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.
Expansion outside the U.S.
Through this agreement, Holiday Inn Club Vacations has also acquired most of Royal Resorts’ related companies and its corporate operations. On opening, the four newly acquired resorts will be Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ first properties outside the United States.
The four award-winning, family-friendly resorts included in this agreement – The Royal Sands, The Royal Cancun, The Royal Haciendas and Grand Residences by Royal Resorts – are to add
over 850 villas to Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ portfolio.
The resorts are expected to have been fully integrated into the collection within one year but they will continue to operate normally in the meantime. On the resorts becoming a part of the collection, IHG Hotels & Resorts customers will be able to book these properties through IHG.
John Staten, President and Chief Executive Officer, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, said: “We couldn’t be more excited about this news and what it means for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and most importantly, the families that travel with us.”
“This acquisition is aligned with our growth roadmap where growing guest love and our resorts are two interconnected foundational pillars supporting our all-encompassing mission to be the most loved brand in family travel. With four incredible resorts located throughout one of the fastest growing family travel destinations in the world – the scenic Mexican Caribbean – the acquisition brings an entirely new, all-inclusive experience to our owners, Club members and guests.”
Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Guests around the world will now have even more exciting choices to add to their travel plans while also enjoying the rich benefits of our IHG One Rewards program for their current and future stays.”
“The addition of these award-winning resorts also demonstrates the strength of the Holiday Inn brand family and, certainly, founder Kemmons Wilson’s unwavering vision to create a better way to vacation lives on today.”5
Beachfront living
Of these four resorts, The Royal Sands spans a 17-acre site in Cancun, with 340 villas and amenities ranging from three pools, a fitness centre, spa and children’s pool to four restaurants, three bars, a coffee shop and lagoon-side marina. The Royal Cancun is found on Cancun’s north shore, with seven acres encompassing 201 villas, two pools, two restaurants and two bars, as well as a fitness centre, tennis courts and kids’ club.
In the Riviera Maya, The 23-acre Royal Haciendas resort is home to 252 villas with whirlpool tubs on the private balconies, alongside amenities such as four pools, four restaurants and five bars, a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts and a dive centre.
South of Cancun in the waterfront village of Puerto Morelos, the 13-acre Grand Residences by Royal Resorts then accommodates guests in 62 villas – some with private plunge pools and gardens – which are joined by facilities including four pools, two restaurants, a beach grill and bar, pool bar, lobby bar cafe, fitness centre, tennis courts and a spa.
On the announcement, Spence Wilson, Board Chairman, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, commented: “Since my father started Holiday Inn Club Vacations more than 40 years ago, there have been many significant growth milestones along the way.”
“Few can top today’s announcement—our first expansion outside the United States. I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to a future that is brighter and even more exciting as we welcome the Royal Resorts team and their owners, members and guests into our family.”
Dr. Kemil Rizk, Chief Executive Officer and President of Royal Resorts, added: “We believe that it is a perfect fit, and we could not ask for a better partner to continue our legacy since welcoming our first guests in 1978. Like us, Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a pioneer company with a family-oriented resort collection and a reputation for outstanding service and quality.”
“Holiday Inn Club Vacations is dedicated to providing memorable vacation experiences for families – something that aligns perfectly with the Royal Resorts mission and values, our points based and fixed week vacation ownership memberships and our team’s everyday commitment to quality service.”
