c-magazine :: fall 2012 (english)
DESCRIPTION
Fall 2012 edition of the Club Meliá member magazine.TRANSCRIPT
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Fall Issue|2012
Beachside family fun | Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Build lifelongmemories in Mexico
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Denis EbrillExecutive Vice President
Juan Carlos Barillas Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Reina SotoMember Services Director
Fabian RodriguezMarketing Director
Marisa SanchezCreative Services Director
Mitchell LebronDan KinchenMaria Pia BreshearsPablo JimenezFabian RodriguezMarisa SanchezContributors
Dennis OcasioGraphic Design
Club Meliá4700 Millenia BoulevardSuite 240Orlando, Florida 32839
© 2012 C-magazine by Club Meliá,All Rights Reserved.
Fall Issue | 2012
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Contents
Executive Vice President’s Corner ...... 4
Featured Story ...................................... 6
Did You Know?...................................... 10
Look Who’s Talking? ............................. 12
Share your Memories ........................... 14
You should Know .................................. 16
Just for You ........................................... 18
Fun Spot ................................................ 20
Quick Connections .............................. 21
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Dear Club Members,
So far, 2012 has been an exciting year and we are so happy to have you as members of the Meliá family. Most importantly, we are delighted to be a part of helping you build lifelong memories, year after year. Our commitment to service and value extends from your vacation experience to the enjoyment of your membership and everything in between. From new destinations to new services, we are striving to ensure your complete satisfaction.
If you have not experienced our latest Paradisus resort, then you definitely owe yourself a vacation in Mexico. With such a great destination and flights from many locations, we are proud to say that you have a new home within a small yet stunning secluded cove within Playa del Carmen. This new resort provides a vacation experience both for families (La Esmeralda), as well as for adults only (La Perla). Read our featured story and we are sure you will agree that this was the perfect addition.
“Like?” Well, join in the conversation and “Share” with others on Facebook. Take a look each week, as we travel to different destinations, showcase hot dining spots, share industry travel news and so much more -- all that is missing is you! Communication is fundamental, so we are not just socializing but will be publishing this all-new members’ magazine, C-magazine by Club Meliá, on a quarterly basis. This is the first issue and your magazine is filled with stories, offers, testimonials and so much more. This is your Club, so share your stories and photos with us for an opportunity to have it showcased.
And there is more… have you experienced some of the new home resort features? Bali beds, preferential restaurant reservations, private member pool/beach areas, discounts, kid zone access… the list is expanding. These upgrades are just for you and we are nowhere near complete, this is just the beginning!
We look forward to 2013, and as we continue to enhance your membership, the key ingredients will be ser-vice and value. Our goal is to truly enhance our services to you and build on the expectations you have for your membership by adding new value-added benefits. So when you are done reading the all-new member magazine, give us a call and schedule your next vacation… perhaps we will see you in Playa del Carmen?
We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions regarding your new C-magazine, so feel free to visit us on Facebook or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
Denis EbrillExecutive Vice PresidentClub Meliá
Executive Vice President’s Corner
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Lifelong MemoriesExotic destinations, designer appointed residential-style suites, exclusive services and luxurious amenities - these are the core ingredients of a Club Meliá vacation, such as the one awaiting you at our vacation club at the new Paradisus Playa del Carmen resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
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Originally a small fishing town, tourism
to Playa del Carmen began with a
passenger ferry service to Cozumel, an
island across the Cozumel channel known for
its world famous scuba diving. Playa del Car-
men or as many call it just “Playa,” has definitely
undergone major changes and brought in new
luxury condominiums, restaurants, boutiques and
entertainment venues. All of this excitement has
developed what is referred to as the Avenida
Quinta or 5th Avenue. This pedestrian walkway
runs parallel to the ocean and is the home to all
of the entertainment and shops in between all
of the resorts. The avenue radiates a vibrant and
exciting atmosphere that many say is similar to
that of a carnival. Looking for some excitement?
Well join the party in the evenings at local bars
that come alive creating a fun and exciting party
atmosphere. The further down you go the closer
to the local markets and restaurants you will get,
sometimes at a savings. As always, the arche-
ological sites such as Tulum, Chichén Itzá and
Coba are close by, making Playa del Carmen a
location for all walks of life and adventures.
With such a great location, it’s no wonder why
Club Meliá has a new home in Cancun within the
small yet stunning secluded cove of the Riviera
Maya, called Playa del Carmen.
Continued on page 9
Playa del who??? you might ask… Playa del Carmen in Cancun, Yucatan Mexico - just a short 45 minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
Escape toP laya del CarmenFe
ature
Article
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Our new home is located at the latest Paradisus
Playa del Carmen and comes to us with two op-
portunities, a family based resort (La Esmeralda)
and an adults only resort (La Perla). The location
officially opened in November of 2011 but contin-
ues to increase in popularity month after month.
Combining a prestigious Caribbean setting with
world-class facilities and a relaxed ambience,
the location is perfect for any member.
The resort itself has a Mayan ecological feeling
and an oceanfront location surrounded by a lush
tropical mangrove preserve, with exceptional
views of Cozumel Island. If you are a foodie...
then say no more, allow yourself to take a
culinary tour through eleven remarkable restau-
rants serving delicious cuisines from all around
the world. Want to get your drink on? Bring down
the house with ten bars serving unlimited interna-
tional premium brand drinks (drink responsibly of
course). No matter what you are seeking, the all
new Paradisus will provide the perfect blend for
your vacation. Enjoy life-enriching experien-
ces such as tango dance classes, sushi-making
and sensorial experiences. Bring the whole family
or take part in the adults only section of the
resort, the options are endless and definitely up
to you.
Playa del Carmen is definitely one of the more
distinct among Yucatan beach towns both cul-
turally and commercially. Although the beaches
may be similar to other Mexican destinations’,
the nightlife and culture is much more in tune
with the European and American life-style,
blending traditional Mexican locale with a more
opulent array of tourist options.
For more information regarding Club Meliá
at Paradisus Playa del Carmen or any of our
destinations please visit our webpage at
www.clubmelia.com. If you are looking for a
quick getaway, contact us as well to receive
member discounts all year long.
Continued from page 6
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Book today and cancel later without penalty on your options
Did YouKnow?
Optimize the use of your options and make the most of your membership
Did you know that there are several ways to save options and guarantee your reservation at your destination of choice?
We recommend that you follow the next tip and enjoy even more of your membership with Club Meliá:
• Call one of our Club Meliá Network agents, who will gladly assist you in making your reservation.
• You can cancel a reservation three months prior to the date of stay and receive 100% reimbursement of all the options used.
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Living the Club Meliá Lifestyle goes print…
Exotic destinations, designer appointed
multi-bedroom suites, exclusive services
and luxurious amenities; these are the core
ingredients of a Club Meliá vacation. As a mem-
ber, you already know what it’s like and live the
lifestyle, year after year. So we wanted to share
your experience and let others know more about
Club Meliá by Meliá Hotels International. In winter
2011/2012, we launched two marketing stories
and ads with two major publications, Horizon
Magazine “Travel and Lifestyle”
and USA Today’s “GO ESCAPE.”
Horizon Magazine is distributed
within the Wall Street Journal
and has a readership level of
over 230,000 subscribers. The
magazine focuses on several
travel opportunities and
destinations to some of the
top destinations world-wide.
This publication allowed us the
opportunity to share who, what,
where and why Club Meliá exists in
some of the hottest destinations. USA Today goes
without needing an introduction, as one of the
flagship magazines and news venues for millions
of readers in the US. With over 3.2 million readers
of USA Today the special edition of “GO ESCAPE”
was definitely in some of the key newsstands.
With a key advertisement spot in the Mexico
vacations section of the magazine, we had the
opportunity to showcase the all new Club Meliá
at Paradisus Playa del Carmen.
In addition, through the partnership with Horizon
Magazine, we had the prestige opportunity to
be a part of all the excitement in two key, high
traffic areas of New York City during the
Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. We received a free
video ad spot that was run above the
Disney® Store and above the ABC building in
Time Square. The Macy’s parade is
one of the largest televised
and watched parade shows
on Thanksgiving Day. With
these two spots, during one
of the busiest seasons of the
year, Club Meliá represented
an image that takes the Brrr!
out of New York City, into the
luxurious warm beaches of our
resorts.
So as a member, you should feel
proud that your membership
was featured with some of the
best publications and in key locations. Our goal
is to continue to service our members not only
by offering great customer service and a great
product but by also increasing the awareness,
prestige and recognition of your membership
throughout the US and other markets.
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Look Who’s
Talking?
Melissa & Dr. David BarrereMembers since 2008
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Regina SantiagoMember since 2000
Rosita and Rafael ZüñigaMembers since 2004
Lisa and Greg Hawkins Members since 2005
I would describe my experiences with Club Meliá as one with high admiration; some great and fabulous experiences and others quite difficult. Like when my mother became ill. We were in Madrid staying in one of the Meliáhotels, and the speed with which the staff reacted helped save her life.
We came here after being invited by my brother-in-law and we have enjoyed 8 years of very pleasant experiences.
Vacation is something we both really, really need. We probably weren’t taking enough vacations for ourselves and this forces you to do that.
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Photography, like any art, is meant to capture a moment, convey a feeling and tell a story.
Share the
Memories!
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At Club Meliá, we believe the most important investment anyone can make is in their families
and in the lifelong memories you can create by taking vacations. In the spirit of sharing and
caring, we ask each of our members to help showcase what makes your membership so
special. Send us a photo of you and your family enjoying a vacation whether it’s at one of
our resorts or an affiliated resort. We want to see your photos and we want to share them
with others. The best part is, where will you show up… from a potential spot in an upcoming
issue of the C-magazine, on Facebook, a brochure or even our website – the opportunities
to share with others are endless. Do you have a particular or unique story you wish to share
that goes with the photo? Well even better, we want to hear it… they say pictures are better
than a thousand words, well sometimes there is more to that story, so send us your story as
well. Don’t forget to give us the names of the people you shared your memories with if they
are part of the picture you submit.
How to participate:Simply choose your best photos and then send us a digital or printed original photo
shot during a vacation with Club Meliá. If you have a story to go with it, just attach the
story to your submission.
By mail: Simply go to clubmelia.com/members/photos to download and print out the
submission form. Mail your photo and/or story along with your completed and signed
form to:
Club Meliá
c/o Member Services/Share the Memories
4700 Millenia Blvd. Suite 240
Orlando, FL EEUU 32839
By digital form: Simply go to clubmelia.com/members/photos and fill out the form
online. Accept the terms and conditions and upload your photo and/or story right
there. Hit submit and you’re done.
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You Should Know...Gran Meliá Cancun becomes Paradisus Cancun
Same resort, different name, distinguished luxury… Gran Meliá Cancun is becoming Paradisus Cancun this November!
If you didn’t already know, we wanted to share with you, our members, some exciting news. As part of the Meliá tradition to drive
excellence in our resort collections, it was recent-ly announced that the Gran Meliá Cancun prop-erty will be transforming into a luxury all-inclusive Paradisus resort. Set to re-open as the Paradisus Cancun around November 15, 2012; the new Paradisus Cancun will provide a sophisticated answer to Cancun travelers’ requests and the evolving needs of the destination.
The driving force was to cement the brand’s foothold in Mexico and build on the blossoming reputation of its two new flagship properties that recently opened in Playa del Carmen. Paradisus Cancun will feature all the attributes of the “LUXeclusive®” Paradisus brand; providing guests with “Pure Freedom” to indulge, escape and enjoy the suites, eight restaurants including signature beach front Gabi Club and exclusive new restaurant “Passion” by Michelin Star chef Martin Berasategui.
“Our Gran Meliá Cancun guests had been asking for more comprehensive all-inclusive options
and higher-end family-focused and adults-only amenities, it was evident that the Cancun area was missing a true luxury all-inclusive experi-ence,” said Andre Gerondeau, Executive Vice President, Meliá Hotels International. “Through our success of the Paradisus brand in the Caribbean and Mexico regions, we knew we had to bring our most successful brand to the area in order to offer a distinct experience that would set the property apart from the rest of the marketplace. With exciting new partnerships, such as “Passion by Martin Berasategui”, we are now able to provide an extraordinary product that had never previously been offered within the all-inclusive segment.”
As a member, the Paradisus Cancun property will offer the elegance and amenities exclusive to only the most prestigious hotels, set against the backdrop of one of the best beaches in the world. Not to worry, the striking multi-pyramid architecture of Gran Meliá Cancun will remain; however, a series of renovations and beautifica-tions are planned to elevate the property to the high design standards of Paradisus resorts.
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As you know, the economic conditions around the globe, and especially in Europe, continue to impact even the best
of companies, including Meliá Hotels Interna-tional. As a family controlled company, making decisions that improve the service and value of your membership continues to be our primary goal – regardless of the economic situation.
While continuing to focus our efforts on optimizing service for our members, we went through a close evaluation of all aspects of our operations and made necessary adjustments and took advantage of unique opportunities that we are confident will prove to be beneficial. Although not directly impacting the majority of our members, we wanted to share these changes with you as part of our continued commitment to keep our Club Meliá members up to date and informed. In the case of the Gran Meliá in Puerto Rico, we evaluated our internal efforts and decided it was best to curtail our sales & marketing operations this past year, for the interim. This was an operational business decision and in no way impacts your member-ship benefits or services provided by Club Meliá. Actually, with this change, it has allowed us to refocus all of our energy towards providing greater service at the resort for our members. If you have experienced the resort recently, we are confident that you will have noticed the improvements across the board and the greater attention to your needs.
At the ME Cancun, we have been working with members to provide a new home resort alterna-tive. This move is due in part to the decision by our parent company, Meliá Hotels International, to proceed with the sale of the ME Cancun to an undisclosed buyer. The decision was a strategic part of the progressive implementation of our corporate business strategy, aiming to become a more asset light company. Although Meliá Hotels International continues to manage the brand
and resort, it has been our goal to provide home loca-tions to our members where the resort is directly controlled and managed by the Meliá family. Our members will continue to have access to the ME Cancun resort as part of the Club Meliá Network and mas program benefits.
We realize that change is rarely welcomed with open arms, but we can assure you that these decisions were made while keeping in mind our primary goal which is to
create lifelong vacation experiences for our members. We are committed to continue growing and expanding our array of vacation alternatives, enhancing the experience for you and will be communicating with you on a more frequent basis both for the purpose of ensuring complete transparency and up to date informa-tion, as well as to provide you with the most attractive offers and promotions available for your vacation enjoyment. If you have any questions or concerns about the changes or anything you may have heard in the news, email us at [email protected].
Changing times within Club Meliá properties…
Just forYouGot Friends?Got Friends and Family that wish they could have the same experience you have when you travel? Want to earn some extra cash (figuratively speaking)? Well, no worries, if you didn’t know, you do have a member referral program (Inner Circle Program) and we are constantly looking to improve it. Guess what, the rewards start from the moment you regis-ter a valid family or friend: •Receive2,500mas points just for sending a valid registration of a family or friend, plus •Receive10,000mas points or $50 if they purchase a package and take a VIP tour, plus •Receive100,000mas points or $400 towards your maintenance dues if they become a member
So don’t stop with just one referral, as the rewards all add up. Join the circle of trust and learn more about the Inner Circle Program by Club Meliá visit referral.clubmelia.com.
Come “Like Us!”Club Meliá is officially on Facebook! We are continuing to increase our content about the home resorts and the membership but we would love to have each of you join in the discussion. Send us your favorite photo of the property, share your experiences and let’s try to increase our fan base to 5,000 Likes, by the end of December! With over 27,000 members, we believe this is pos-sible, so share in the excitement! Also, C-Inside Testimonials by Club Meliá, where members just like you have talked to us and provided some of their reasons for becoming members on video, available on Facebook and our YouTube channel. Want to be the next member showcased, con-tact us and let us know. Got a tip? Send your comments to us at [email protected] – it might be the next tip we share!
Ways to Save!You spoke and we are definitely listening… As a Club Meliá member you wanted discounts and now you can definitely feel proud that you will always have the best available rate with Meliá Hotels International. We recently completed a project to allow all members the opportunity to save 15% off the lowest best available rate on melia.com. With great offers throughout the year, you will always get even greater savings off all offers, with your exclusive additional 15% off those rates. To take advan-tage,just call the Club Meliá Network.
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‘Tis ThE sEAsOn TO BE jOlly... Wait, it’s not here yet! Well no worries because it’s still the right time to start saving. With the holidays just around the corner, every penny adds up. The thought of a holiday fulfills us with excitement and happiness but also with the thoughts to escape before or after the season comes to an end. As a member, we thought you might want to take a few get-aways this season and maximize your options before the season passes us all… So grab your bags, pack those fruit cakes and let’s get traveling with 15% savings on your membership options.
hOW? Easy, just book four or more nights at any of our Resorts collection properties during september, October, first three weeks of novem-ber and first two weeks of December and let us give you a 15% discount off the regular number of options it would have taken to make the reservation.
yes that’s right! GET15% OFF! We are sure you are going to Fall in love with this offer… so hurry, call our Club Meliá Network to receive more infor-mation on this promotion and book your dream holiday today!
‘Tis the Season to be Saving!!!
Fun SpotAcross2. Five5. Palm tree6. Celebration7. Spain8. Four
Down1. Meliá Hotels International2. Florida3. Club Meliá4. Memories
Across2. How many resorts does Club Meliá account for in Mexico?5. What is the logo symbol for the brand Paradisus?6. What city in Florida did Meliá just recently opened a hotel?7. What country is the founder of Meliá Hotels International from?8. How many resorts does Club Meliá account for in Spain?
Down1. The name of the company Club Meliá belongs too?2. State Club Meliá Corporate Office is located in?3. What is the new name for what used to be SMVC?4. Create lifelong ___________.
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Answers
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ServiceS North AMericA LAtiN AMericA europe
club Meliá Network
telephones number for residents of:
united Statescanadavirgin islandspuerto rico
toll free:866-344-7686
Mexico toll free
01-800-724-7682united Kingdom
0044 84560 86125 (intl)
0845 6086125 (local)
Mexico DF52831152
(Local en MX calls)
costa rica 00-800-052-1396 Spain34 914534330
(intl)914534330
(local)
Dominicanrepublic
1-888-751-5435Germany
00 49 6950073859
(intl)
06950073859(Local)
Local toll number:317-805-9110
chile 123-0020-8071
venezuela 0-800-100-4955France
00 33 171230424
(intl)
0171230424(Local)Argentina 0-800-444-9848
colombia 01-800-952-0351portugal
00 351 289570199
(intl)
0289570199(Local)peru 08-00-523-02
panama 00-800-052-1227
Brazil 0-800-891-9766
Servicing hours
North America: Monday through Friday8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdayfrom 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., (eSt)excluding holidays.
Latin America: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (cSt), excluding holidays.
europe: Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (cet), excluding holidays.
e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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