Royal Resorts Affiliates The Royal Haciendas on the Riviera Maya With Interval International
Resort Receives Industry Renowned Interval International Five Star Award®
Miami, FL, February 23, 2006 — Interval International, a leading global vacation exchange company, announced the affiliation and Five Star recognition of The Royal Haciendas at Moxche Beach and Golf Village in the heart of the Riviera Maya in Mexico. The Royal Haciendas will consist of Hacienda del Sol (Hacienda of the Sun) and Hacienda de la Luna (Hacienda of the Moon), each one with 252 villas respectively. Construction has begun on the first phase of Hacienda del Sol, which includes 55 vacation villas slated for completion in July 2006. The entire project will be finished in 2009.
With its classic Mexican arches, columns and terraces, the architecture at The Royal Haciendas takes its inspiration from the grand old haciendas or estates of the Yucatán that prospered during the late 19th century and the first two decades of the 20th century, the age of large-scale cultivation of henequen - a native plant that was so lucrative to grow at the time that it was called "green gold." The color scheme used in the villas is rich in terracotta, beige, Indian gold and sepia with accents of Spanish tile, wood, natural stone and hand-painted wall motifs. The buildings will be set in extensive gardens with lakes, fountains and a network of walkways through the grounds. All the villas have ocean views and a few will have a beachfront location.
"Our members will enjoy a luxurious vacation experience in a natural setting at this resort, " said Marcos Agostini, region director for Latin America for Interval International. "The property's architecture is a tribute to the region's rich history and its enviable location offers both the privacy of a secluded setting and easy access to the renowned resort town of Playa del Carmen."
"I am extremely pleased to have Interval as our exchange provider so that we can continue to provide our owners with their valuable benefits. Interval has provided us with invaluable support to meet our owners' needs and has assisted us in our growth over the years," said Richard Corso, chief operating officer, Royal Resorts. "Receiving Interval International's coveted Five Star Award is a great honor because it recognizes our commitment to deliver an exceptional product and service to our guests."
All villas at The Royal Haciendas have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a spacious living and dining area with two Murphy beds, a fully equipped kitchen and an ocean-view terrace tubs, that is perfect for relaxing and al fresco dining. Other features in the villas include whirlpool granite counter tops, flat screen televisions, DVD players, and wireless Internet access. On-site amenities will include pools, tennis courts, an exercise gym, kid's areas, an activity center, a beachfront restaurant, bar, convenience store, travel agency, car rental and, in the second phase of the project, boutiques, specialty restaurants and a world-class spa.
"Despite hurricanes Emily and Wilma last year, sales at The Royal Haciendas have exceeded our expectations and we are already 75 percent sold out in the first phase," said Mark Carney, O.B.E., sales & marketing director, Royal Resorts. "We expect the first phase villas to be completely sold out by the time the resort opens this summer."
Moxche Beach and Golf Village stretches along the shores of two beautiful bays protected by offshore reefs. From the sheltered white-sand beaches to the gardens, the emphasis is on luxury and comfort in a splendid natural setting. In addition to The Royal Haciendas, the community will host several deluxe hotels and some private residences. Moxche will have a signature 18-hole professional golf course and its own "town center" with restaurants, open-air cafes, bars and boutiques. The famous Fifth Avenue or "La Quinta," Playa del Carmen's lively main thoroughfare is also within walking distance.
Moxche Beach and Golf Village lies just to the north of the resort town and district capital, Playa del Carmen, and within easy traveling distance of the Riviera Maya's many attractions, which include beaches, nature parks and archaeological sites. The island of Cozumel, one of the world's top dive destinations is a 17-minute boat ride away and Moxche is 30 minutes to the south of Cancún International Airport.
Created in 1982, the Interval International Five Star Award® is known as the timeshare industry's most prestigious distinction. The award criteria are comprehensive and encompass all aspects of the vacation experience. After qualification, resorts must maintain high levels of exchange guest satisfaction, monitored by a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), and periodic on-site inspections by Interval personnel.
Royal Resorts is a pioneer in the Mexican tourism industry. The company was founded in Cancún in 1975 and now owns five beachfront resorts in Cancun (Club Internacional de Cancún, The Royal Mayan, The Royal Caribbean, The Royal Islander, and The Royal Sands), as well as one (El Castellano) in Mérida, Yucatán. It also operates The Sea Aquarium Resort on Curaçao and The Pelican Resort Club on St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.
Further reinforcing the value of ownership at The Royal Haciendas, all new purchasers become members of Interval Gold® - the industry's first and foremost value-added, membership upgrade program. This entitles them to enjoy an extensive array of discounts and services, including access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day - seven days a week, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts provided by best-in-class hospitality and travel industry vendors. Interval Gold® members have the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval's worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf and spa vacations. In addition, members also receive quarterly travel magazines and newsletters, printed and electronic international resort directories, and a host of other privileges.
Interval International is celebrating its 30th year leading the vacation ownership industry as the exchange company of quality and innovation. Interval has a global network of more than 2,000 affiliated resorts in over 75 countries, and serves its developer clients and nearly 1.8 million member families, worldwide vacation owners, through 28 offices in 19 countries. The company provides a variety of exchange services and year-round travel-related benefits to enhance members' vacation experiences. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Interval International is part of IAC, which operates leading and diversified businesses in sectors being transformed by the Internet, online and offline. Other IAC companies include Ask.com, Citysearch, Entertainment Publications, HSN, LendingTree, and Ticketmaster.
For more information contact:
Béatrice de Peyrecave
305-666-1861, ext. 7032
E-mail: Beatrice.dePeyrecave@intervalintl.com
