Written By: Geoff Millar, Owner – Ultimate All Inclusive Travel
Continuing our tour of AM Resorts we are going to take a look at the NOW Resorts. NOW Resorts were developed as resorts catering to multigenerational families with something for every member of the family regardless of age. They are great for family reunions, Destination Weddings, multigenerational vacations, group vacations, business meetings. They are located in Mexico, and Dominican Republic with more resorts and destinations in the works. This month we will look at the NOW Resorts in Mexico and next month take a look at the NOW resorts in the Dominican Republic.
NOW Resorts are very similar to Dreams Resorts, but they really cater to multigenerational families with interests for all age levels.
MEXICO
Four of the seven NOW Resorts are located in Mexico, three in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area and one on the West Coast in Puerto Vallarta.
Let’s start with the NOW Amber Resort located in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. The resort sits on the beach overlooking Banderas Bay. The beach is nice but a little smaller and somewhat rocky.This resort is built as a high-rise resort with fantastic views. It sits in the same compound as the Secrets Vallarta Bay but is a totally separate resort with its own grounds. It is located within walking distance of downtown Puerto Vallarta with the Malecon, shopping and dining venues. The resort has 327 suites and 7 dining options as well as 24 hour room service.
Accommodations range from Jr suites to 1 bedroom Master Suites. All Suites face the ocean, but the lower level suites are Garden Suites, they face the ocean but are on the lower levels, so they overlook the gardens of the resort. Suites on the higher levels have unobstructed views of the ocean. Suites contain the following amenities. Mini bar refreshed daily, unlimited connectivity, free international calling, 24 hour room service, hair dryer, scale, nightly turndown service, bathrobe and slippers, and accessible by elevator.
As far as dining there are 7 options at the NOW Amber. 4 A La Carte Dining options, a grill, a buffet, and a Coffee bar with Coffee and snacks. There is a wine cellar five course tasting menu available at an additional cost. A La Carte choices are, Italian, Seafood, Pan Asian Fusion, and Mexican. The Buffet serves International dishes and the Coffee Bar serves a wide variety of coffees and both sweet and savory snacks. Don’t forget the 24 hour room service. NOW Amber has five bars and lounges serving top shelf alcohol, including a swim-up bar. Don’t forget that guests staying at the Secrets Vallarta Bay also have access to the NOW Resort amenities.
Looking at activities their Kids club offers a wide variety of activities for kids 3 to 12. They include Arts and Crafts, beach activities, treasure hunts, Cooking lessons with the resort chef, and Weekly campout adventures. Beepers are provided for parental control. The Explorer Club personnel are Red Cross certified in first Aid and CPR.
There is also a teen club for kids 13 to 17 with adult supervised activities such as nightly social events, video games, water activities, plus a snack bar providing snacks and nonalcoholic drinks.
Activities for adults include a family friendly turtle release program available seasonably. Enjoy 3 heated pools, Kayaking and snorkeling are also available. Complimentary greens fees at two of the local golf courses, and after a day of activities use the facilities of their world class spa. Also remember that the resort is close to the downtown area for shopping and nightlife. They are also in the process of opening a small casino on the property. There is also great nightly family friendly entertainment.
This resort is great for families, family reunions, multi-generational families, Destination Weddings, honeymoons or groups of any nature.
Now we will move to the Caribbean Coast of Mexico and look at the other Mexican NOW resorts.
The first resort we will look at is the beautiful NOW Jade, located in the Riviera Maya close to the town of Puerto Morales. This resort sits on a beautiful beach and is the perfect balance of sophistication, luxury, and just plain fun. Food is very good and a wide variety of activities.
The accommodations consist of 550 suites ranging from Garden View Jr. Suites, Ocean View Jr. Suites, Ocean Front Jr Suites, and 1 bedroom Ocean View and Ocean Front Suites. They also have Family Suite category which consists of 2 connecting Jr. Suites, one with a King bed and One with 2 double beds. They also have, what they call “Preferred Club” level which is their Concierge Level providing, personal check-in and out, upgraded mini-bar, up-graded room service menu, up-graded bath amenities, pillow menu, whirlpool tub on the balcony, private lounge, and private areas throughout the resort.
Dining offers 6 A La Carte options, a International Buffet, and a Café. The A LA Carte options consist of, A Grill serving Grill meals poolside, Italian, Sandwiches and other light fare, Mediterranean fare, French, Asian, Mexican, and, as mentioned an International Buffet and a Coffee Shop serving a variety of coffees and a selection of sweet and savory snacks. There is something for everyone’s taste. The resort has 7 bars and lounges including a swim-up bar, all serving top shelf alcohol.
Activities are the name of the game at this resort with a huge selection for every member of the family. They range from nightly shows, tequila tasting, a baby turtle release program that the whole family can participate in, a fantastic kid’s club with arts and crafts, weekly campout adventures, large screen movies, beach activities including sand castle building, scavenger hunts, swimming, and dinners to give mom and dad some alone time. As wit all NOW Resort Kid’s Clubs, the staff is red cross certified in CPR and first aid. Beepers are provided for the parents ease of mind.
For the teens there are organized mixers, movies, football and soccer, Video games, and pool tournaments.
For the adults there are beach activities including kayaks, snorkeling, swimming. Movies on the beach, and theme parties. There is golf with greens fees included. The resort has a top notch spa with a wide variety of treatments. Participate in everything or just lie back, relax and reconnect.
This resort is great for families, groups especially family reunion groups, and multi-generation family groups. It is great for destination Weddings and honeymoons.
Now let’s move down the coast and look at the next NOW Resort, the NOW Sapphire. The NOW Sapphire used to be the Paradisus Sapphire. It was totally remodeled by AM Resorts before reopening as the NOW Sapphire. This is a great AAA 4 Diamond rated resort that offers a lot for families and family groups. It sits on a beautiful beach. It is an open-aired resort with an almost Balinese style.
As far as accommodations, it is a mid-sized resort with 496 suites with everything from Garden View, Ocean View, and Ocean Front. You can take your vacation to the next level with the Preferred Club section. This is their concierge level providing extra amenities such as Ocean Front Suites, up-graded mini bar, pillow menu, preferred club lounge, and private pool.
Dining is wide and varied. There are 5 A La Carte Restaurants, a grill, an International Buffet, and a Coffee Shop serving a variety of Coffees and sweet or savory snacks. For A La Carte dining clients have a choice of Seafood Specialties, Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian, and French. There is the Grill serving Casual Grilled fare. The International Buffet serves a variety of options from all over the world.
Activities abound at this resort from land and sea. On the Ocean go kayaking, sailing, or snorkeling or just enjoy relaxing on the beach. On land try your hand at tennis, go golfing, greens fees are included, go shopping, take advantage of the top quality spa, or do nothing qt all. The choice is yours. There is always family friendly nightly entertainment.
Children ages 3 to 12 can take advantage of the Children’s Explorer Club with arts and crafts, supervised beach activities, such as scavenger hunts, sand castle building, big screen movies on the beach, games, and even dinner to allow the adults some private evening time. All Explorer Club employees are Red Cross certified, trained in First Aid and CPR.
The Teen Club provides supervised activities for teens 13 -17, There are weekly mixers and beach bonfires, water activities, video games, pool, air hockey, ping pong, and foosball.
This resort is ideal for families, family groups such as reunions, and multi-generational family groups. It is also great for Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.
The last NOW resort, opening in 2019. It is the NOW Natura Riviera Cancun.
As AM Resorts describes it:
Opening late 2019
Inspired by the surrounding Mayan jungle, the all-new Now Natura Riviera Cancun will offer a unique luxury experience. Facing the Caribbean Sea on a white sand beach, the 534-room resort is a short 10-mile drive from the Cancun International Airport. Enjoy the best of both worlds with modern design and luxury accommodations infused with elements of nature including a lazy river, waterfalls and a grotto bar. Rest and relax at the Now Spa by Pevonia® – designed to look like the region’s remarkable cenotes. Or play at the infinity pool complete with a waterslide.
More information on the newest Now Resort & Spa coming soon!
This is our look at the NOW Resorts located in Mexico. Next month w will loom at the NOW Resorts located in the Dominican Republic.
Until then safe travels and good selling.
