CANCUN Veteran hoteliers and developers Alberto Remirez, Nicolas Dominguez and Federico Carstens have joined forces to form Hamak, a hotel group aiming to bring a new dimension of luxury accommodations to Mexico.
Formerly of Prohotels Management and Hotel Ikal del Mar (now known as Tides Riviera Maya), the trio launches this new endeavor with a focus on the creation and operation of eco-conscious hotels throughout the region.
Together, the three hospitality professionals combine more than 50 years’ firsthand 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.
“Hamak focuses exclusively creating guest experiences that recognize, respect and revive indigenous cultures,” says Dominguez, managing director of operations and new developments for Hamak. “We don’t bulldoze a culture to build a resort.”
Hamak’s principals have noticed that guests too often walk away from homogenized hotel experiences feeling unfulfilled, and they recognized a need to create resorts that offer individualized experiences that appeal to guests’ senses of taste, smell, touch, sight and sound. The brand’s philosophy is dedicated to introducing guests to local traditions and customs without sacrificing lavishness.
In June, 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.
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. It will feature seven restaurants and bars, three pools, a 17,000 sq.-ft. spa, a fitness center and interior designs by David Rockwell.
Hamak’s second project is Chable, a destination spa resort in Mérida, another eco-friendly 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.
Located near Tiburon Island along the Sea of Cortez, Hamak’s third project, Itaai, will feature 25 luxury tents. 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 new level.
