Kempinski has added a Cancun resort to its expanding Caribbean portfolio, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The Swiss luxury brand, which already has Caribbean hotels in Cuba and Dominica, has taken over management of the former Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. 

For now, the hotel is called the Grand Hotel Cancun and managed by Kempinski during what will be a several-month-long transition period. 

Beginning at the end of this year, the hotel will be fully operated as the Kempinski Hotel Cancun. 

It’s a new luxury brand for what has been the most popular destination in the wider Caribbean Basin since the onset of the pandemic, one that continues to eclipse what had been record highs before the pandemic.

““To enter the North American territory with our very first property there and to extend our footprint in this crucial market is an outstanding opportunity for Kempinski,” said Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski. “Cancun is a top vacation destination for guests from The Americas,  who also make up a good proportion of our guests in the rest of the world as well as for Europeans.”

Kempinski first entered the Caribbean market with its Gran Hotel Manzana in the heart of Old Havana back in 2017, followed by the debut of the Cabrits Kempinski Resort Dominica in 2019. (The company has another resort in development in Cuba).

The hotel has 315 rooms and 48 suites, all with private balcony or terraces. That’s along with eight dining concepts, a club lounge, two swimming pools, a spa and a tennis center, among other amenities. 

”We are very excited about this new partnership in which Kempinski Hotels will bring a new level of luxury and service to our iconic resort”, adds Claudia Molina Basteris, Chief Executive Officer Grupo Inmobiliario Mosa, which owns the property. 

“In addition to our presence in Cuba and Dominica, this will be another outstanding option for our esteemed guests to spend their holidays with us in the Caribbean,” Schroeder said.

The hotel is about 25 minutes from Cancun International Airport, within walking distance of Cancun’s La Isla Shopping Village and the Kukulcan Plaza. 

“During a three-month transitional period, we will ensure that we implement our Kempinski DNA in the operation of this outstanding beach hotel and that we extend our brand recognition by delivering the impeccable service and quality Kempinski is renowned for,” Schroeder said.