Hotel News: The ocean is the star at the new Villa del Palmar Cancun, where every room will have a balcony and a view of the sparkling indigo waters. This luxury beach hotel, the most recent addition to The Villa Group Resorts collection, will open Phase One December 24, 2010 with 150 rooms and suites, just in time for the holidays.

Guests can expect contemporary-styled rooms with a relaxing atmosphere and Mexican flair. So “homey” in fact are the spacious accommodations that many guests will be inclined to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign and call it a day (and not just the honeymooners!). All rooms will feature private terraces with ocean views, and will be furnished with kitchenettes, sofa beds, desks, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access and spa tubs. One and two-bedroom suites will also offer distinct living rooms, separate bathtubs and showers, fully-equipped kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves and utensils, plus washer/dryer. And, of course, there’s that exceptional ocean view with its turquoise waters and promise of sun-kissed days. There will also be three ultra-luxurious 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom penthouses…think oversized terraces with patio whirlpools, exterior living rooms under trellis, and extensive areas for sunbathing.

Mexican and international cuisine is currently available at the resort’s two full-service restaurants, La Casona and Zamá. In addition, there will be casual dining options at the Palmita Market (a grab-and-go marketplace), convenience store, and an outdoor lounge serving sushi in the evenings, as well as a Tiki beach bar opening in February 2011. Guests can take advantage of two pools, one for adults only, with a pool butler to cater to their every whim, four Jacuzzis and an activities center. For spa-lovers, two massage huts will be located in the pool area.

The Mexican-based privately-owned Villa Group Resorts also has locations in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, Cabo San Lucas and Sierra Madre. The four- and five-star award-winning hotels have a simple philosophy: Build a resort with uncommon beauty and world-class luxury on Mexico’s most dramatic beachside locations. Founded 26 years ago with the launch of Villa del Mar in Puerto Vallarta, the company is one of Mexico’s leading privately owned hotel, resort and real estate development companies, with continued expansion plans. Villa del Palmar is the company’s first foray into Cancun.

“We are excited about this new venture,” says Fernando González, co-owner of The Villa Group Resorts. “Cancun is among Mexico’s most popular destinations and we are thrilled to finally have a presence. We believe this new property with its ‘home away from home’ ambiance will familiarize guests with the luxury offerings of The Villa Group family and keep them returning again and again.”

As with all of the properties in the collection, Villa del Palmar Cancun offers a wide range of premier services and activities amidst a Shangri-La setting, making it ideal for luxury travelers, families, honeymooners, spa-goers, adventure seekers, and golfers. Travelers should expect top-notch personalized service including distinct check-in conveniences, 24-hour room service, babysitting, a courteous and accommodating multi-lingual staff, currency exchange, secure parking and grocery/convenience items on-site.

The multi-phase project has a target date of August 2011 for completion of Phase Two, which will add an additional 136 rooms. When its phases are complete in December 2011, the oceanfront resort, part of the Playa Mujeres complex eight miles north of Cancun’s hotel zone, will feature a total of 415 rooms, three pools, as well as four outdoor Jacuzzis, fitness room, world-class spa, and full-service water activities center.

Nearby activities include whale-watching, kayaking, surfing, sailing, horseback riding, fishing, eco-tours, bike rentals and tennis. The Playa Mujeres Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, is next door. Also close-by: El Meco Archaeological Site, Mayan ruins dating to the 13th century, making the resort a solid base for exploring without the mega-crowds.