Waldorf Astoria Enters Mexican Caribbean With Cancun Resort Featuring Copious Meeting Space

January 6, 2023

Waldorf Astoria Cancun recently debuted as one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most upscale options for meetings and events. The resort is Hilton Hotels and Resorts’ 200th property in the Caribbean and Latin America, the first Waldorf Astoria in the Mexican Caribbean and the second in Mexico. 

"The opening of the newly built Waldorf Astoria Cancun marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we continue our rapid expansion in Mexico,” said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton.  “Over the past year, we’ve landed in the Yucatan Peninsula in a big way, with six new hotels from Tulum to Cancun.”

Managed by Hilton and owned by Parks Hospitality Holdings (PHH), the newly built, 173-room Waldorf Astoria Cancun is set on a secluded beach among the verdant mangroves of the Yucatan Peninsula and boasts panoramic ocean views, world-class dining, a wealth of wellness offerings and a wide range of meeting venues.

“Building on the success of our Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property on the Pacific coast of Mexico, we’re thrilled to now introduce the brand to the Mexican Caribbean,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “By bringing luxury hotels to such highly desirable destinations in Mexico, we continue to evolve our offerings to better serve our guests with culinary excellence, elevated wellness experiences, and one-of-a-kind stays.”

Charles El Mann Fasja, developer of Waldorf Astoria Cancun and CEO for PHH, highlighted the resort’s combination of Mexican heritage and modern sophistication, abundance of unique offerings and sustainable design as top selling points.

“We are honored and excited to extend our successful partnership with Hilton with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Cancun," he said. “We are committed to developing hotels of the future while also sourcing locally, building sustainably and honoring our country's craftsmanship, which is what truly sets us apart.”

Meaningful Design

Envisioned by world-renowned hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the resort’s interiors offer a unique interpretation of Cancun’s natural wonders, creating an other-worldly sense of place. Textured glass, inlaid pearl shell accents, metal trim, cove lighting and illuminated crystal are among the details creating a refined haven. A connection to nature is drawn through modern lines, repetitive patterns and undulating forms that mimic the sea. 

Abundant Meeting and Event Options

Waldorf Astoria Cancun features 68,000-plus square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space shared with Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, including a main and junior ballroom and 12 meeting spaces that span over two floors. Spaces such as the Azul Ballroom can accommodate events of more than 2,000 people, and for smaller gatherings, the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom can host up to 380 attendees.

High-End Accommodations

The 173 luxurious rooms and suites are designed to combine elegance and refinement with privacy and comfort, featuring private balconies with soaking tubs and ocean views. Inspired by the dramatic shadows cast by abundant local flora, the guest room palette intends to be fresh, calming and neutral, layered with supple textures and accented with warm metal tones and glowing light features. Artwork by Victoria Villasana explores the delicate detailing of coral.

The property’s 34 suites feature ample entertainment spaces, including a living area, dining table and connecting guest rooms, while the oceanfront one-bedroom presidential suite offers a dining area with seating for 10, a pool table, a library and screening room, multiple balconies and two plunge pools. A selection of nine guest rooms and one of the suites also feature unique swim-up patios allowing guests direct access to a private outdoor swimming pool.  

Culinary Bounty

With menus crafted by consummate connoisseurs, guests can indulge and imbibe in a wide variety of dining options across five food and beverage venues. From the chic Peacock Alley Lounge to signature restaurant Malpeque, Waldorf Astoria Cancun’s dining experiences range from light fare to expertly prepared regional and global dishes that showcase premier local ingredients. Options include the Malpeque, the resort’s signature restaurant specializing in exquisite seafood dishes; Chaya, an all-day brasserie; JA’O, featuring traditional Mexican dishes; the Pool Bar, offering light, healthy fare.  

Wellness Haven

The 40,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa features 21 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a salon, sauna, extensive thermal area, outdoor spa pool and garden, and relaxation lounges. The spa design is defined by an indoor-outdoor connection, with a lobby space featuring a circular sunken lounge area leading out to a lush outdoor landscape. 

Combining innovation with the tradition of the Mayan culture, a locally driven spa menu integrates a holistic approach to healing that focuses on both the spiritual and physical aspects of well-being. A spiritual menu offers a selection of ancestral ceremonies and therapies based on Mayan traditions carried out by the resort’s shaman. 

Aside from the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, in the last year, Hilton has opened Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort and Motto by Hilton Tulum. Hilton welcomes guests at nearly 90 properties across Mexico. 

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