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designed numerous award-winning resorts. HKS was tapped for the
resort’s site design and exteriors. The acclaimed firm’s involvement in
the property’s design had a major positive impact on pre-construction
sales, Velo says.
Now that construction has come to a conclusion, the finished
product sells itself, she adds. “The resort exceeds the expectations
of the average timeshare owner and prospect. The attention to de-
tail, the distinct Mexican flavor in the architecture and finishes, the
spaciousness of all the units, the extraordinary pools and restau-
rants, the world-class spa all come together to offer a truly unique
vacation experience to all our members, and that makes for great
sales. We are very fortunate to have such an incredible property,
and we are proud to be contributing to setting a high standard in
the timeshare industry, not only in Los Cabos, but in all of Mexico.”
Grand Solmar Land’s End’s top-level quality is also echoed in
feedback from members of Interval International and its high ranking
in Interval’s Resort Recognition program. Interval International mem-
bers who have stayed at the resort have rated the property highly,
giving it a total average of five out of five stars on their post-vacation
evaluations. And the property secured an Interval International
Elite ResortSM recognition, an honor bestowed on those resorts
considered the “very best” among Interval’s network of more than
3,000 resorts.
“From its luxurious accommodations and stunning grounds to its
exceptional, personalized service, Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort
& Spa continually goes well above and beyond our affiliation stan-
dards,” says Marcos Agostini, Interval’s executive vice president
of global sales and business development. “We are proud to have
such an exceptional property in an in-demand vacation destination
as part of our Quality Vacation Exchange Network.”
Branching Out
Now that construction of its crown jewel is complete, Solmar Hotels
& Resorts is setting its sights on a new endeavor: the debut of its
first real estate venture. Located on prime Los Cabos beachfront
with Pacific Ocean views, Rancho San Lucas will include two re-
sorts, Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort Golf & Spa and
Grand Solmar The Residences at Rancho San Lucas. The property
will also boast an 18-hole Greg Norman–designed golf course; lux-
ury estates, villas, and condos; and a Mexican shopping village with
dining and entertainment.
Rancho San Lucas will feature one of the few true oceanfront homes
and condominiums in the area. The first phase of construction, which
includes the Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort Golf & Spa, is
expected to be completed late this year. “2017 will be a pivotal year for
the Solmar brand,” Orozco says.
With the two new dining options added as part of the third phase
of construction, Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa now offers
a lineup of nine restaurants, bars, and lounges, plus 24-hour in-villa
service. Among the new additions is a sports bar, which caters
to the popularity of sports among resort guests, Orozco says. In
keeping with the property’s upscale feel, the sports bar maintains
“a posh atmosphere,” he says. Bar-goers can watch their favorite
teams play on HDTVs while enjoying Baja light fare such as fish
tacos, fresh seafood, burgers, and other pub-style food, along
with draft beers, wines, and cocktails.
The second addition, the Deli Café, provides “a great place for
those visiting on business to enjoy the surroundings of the prop-
erty, great coffee, and healthy eating options,” Orozco says. The
cafe is staffed by a barista who can serve up anything from fresh-
brewed Oaxaca coffee to espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. The
menu includes a range of pastries, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads,
and box lunches.
The new fitness center features the latest technology, Orozco
says. The expansive exercise center—which he says is similar to a
sports club—includes stations for cardio, yoga/stretching, boxing,
and strength.
The most dramatic upgrade as part of the third phase of devel-
opment: the introduction of Sea Spa Cabañas at Grand Solmar. A new
spa concept unique to the brand, the spa affords breathtaking views
of the resort’s prime location overlooking the Pacific Ocean from four
individual spa cabanas built directly into the rocky cliffs that surround
the property. “Each experience is tailored and offers guests a treat-
ment,” Orozco says, “plus a menu carefully crafted to complement
the experience. Think a refreshing gazpacho after a massage or a
delightful chocolate dessert post-facial.” Solmar’s spa concept has
been well-received, Orozco says, and has been featured by major
media outlets such as Robb Report and Travel + Leisure.
Generating Buzz
Year after year, Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa secures top
honors based on guests’ feedback. In 2016, the resort was ranked
No. 13 in the Top Resorts in Western Mexico category in the Condé
Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The property also ranked
within the Top 25 Hotels in Mexico category of the 2016 TripAdvisor
Travelers’ Choice awards for hotels, and its on-site ocean-view
restaurant, La Roca, is ranked No. 5 out of more than 450 restau-
rants listed on tripadvisor.com in Cabo San Lucas.
Orozco attributes this positive attention to the high-quality ser-
vice provided by Solmar staff. “It is part of the Solmar culture to
view employees like family, and this transcends to our guests,” he
says. “Our staff is trained to provide personalized service based on
attention to detail, courtesy, and can-do attitude.”
Solmar also makes it a priority to monitor its online reputation,
he says, aiming to educate its employees about what guests are
sharing about their travel experiences on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and
other sites. “We are very involved in social media and have a so-
cial amenity available for guests,” Orozco adds. “We even monitor
guest arrivals based on their social sharing, which helps us create
special memories for them.”
Exceeding Expectations
Vacation ownership sales at Grand Solmar Land’s End have been
excellent from day one, due in large part to the high quality of the
product and the property, says Claudia Velo, director of marketing
for Solmar Hotels & Resort’s upcoming project, Rancho San Lucas.
“The fact that we retained HKS to design the hotel played a very
important role in getting people’s interest during the early stages of
the sales,” she says.
Based in Dallas, Texas, with 24 offices worldwide, HKS, Inc.
is renowned as one of the top architectural firms globally, and has
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas
Developer: Solmar Hotels & Resorts
Location: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Product: Right-to-use
Units: Studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas and suites
Website: solmar.com
FAST FACTS
APRIL – JUNE 2017 RESORTDEVELOPER.COM VACATION INDUSTRY REVIEW GRAND SOLMAR LAND’S END
RESORT & SPA CABO SAN LUCAS