Properties throughout Cancun and the Caribbean offer groups cultural experiences on-site.
Atlantis, Paradise Island this spring launched “Discover Junkanoo,” an outlet for guests to learn and celebrate Bahamian heritage. After guests enjoy an authentic Bahamian meal, they take a Junkanoo dance lesson and create colorful costumes to express themselves through design. The Junkanoo Bahamian Fest & Feast is designed to allow groups to truly immerse themselves in the music, spirit and cuisine of The Bahamas.
UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya creates a culturally immersive experience through its artwork. The hotel pairs with Tasting Art, an art gallery in Mexico City that curates the artwork throughout the hotel. Artists must be Mexican or have a connection to the country. The property also offers pop-up programming that includes demonstrations from musicians and painters, mescal tastings and a cocktail hour by the executive mixologist.
The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino recently launched salsa dancing classes for groups to learn the art of Latin dance and become expert salseros. The property also brings together a variety of indigenous ingredients and spirits in its Chef Cook Offs, where groups interact with the property’s culinary team to compete to create the best dishes. Local vendors offer crafts from artisanal shops in Old San Juan for sale during breaks.
The recently renovated Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa offers excursions to numerous highlights of the Cayman Islands, including Stingray City, where guests can swim along and hand-feed swarms of stingrays; tours to the Pirates Caves, underground caves where pirates once hid their treasures; and the capital, George Town, where groups can visit Fort George—constructed in 1790 to defend against the French and Spanish—and the Cayman Islands National Museum.
At the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino guests can enjoy a blast from the resort’s past, viewing the extensive selection of historic vintage photos of the hotel and Aruba on display throughout the resort. Built in 1959, the Hilton is the first and oldest high-rise hotel on the Dutch-Caribbean island.
At the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Jamaica, the Kingston Beatz Beach Party was created to provide guests the ability to experience the Jamaican culture without having to leave the comfort of the resort. The evening includes authentic cuisine, traditional Jamaican dance and fire-breathers.