A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, at least that’s what agents and media were reassured at an event held by The Fives Hotel and Residence last night in Toronto. As The Fives Hotel branches off from Karisma, VP of Hotels Sandor Winkler assured agents that despite small branding changes the on-resort experience would remain the same.

“We want you to know that the experiences that your clients are going to have will be basically identical,” clarified Mr. Winkler. “… the number of bars and restaurants, the dining experiences, the food displays, the activities, everything else that our company has been supervising with Karisma managing will remain the same.”

Mr Winkler also assured agents that his top priority during this transition was to make it as easy and smooth as possible for agents to continue to deliver high quality trips and packages to their clients. He also revealed The Fives ASSET program, a new travel agent recognition platform which will replace the previous incentive program.

“We are committed to making this as smooth of a transition… the key message we want you to walk away with is whatever it was you were expecting to receive, we are committed to making sure you continue to receive it in some format,” revealed Wrinkler.

The Fives Hotel and Residence are a collection of resorts in the Playa Del Carmen (and soon to open Puerto Morelos, just north of Playa Del Carmen) that aim to deliver a unique style of ‘Sensory Hospitality’ under their ‘All Sense Inclusive’ concept. The brand’s portfolio includes a range of one to three bedroom options, all of which are in residence-style properties that feature immersive, multi sensory experiences.

“Our internal motto is that we want guests to feel beyond what you see and live the essence of what surrounds us. We don’t just want to be another all-inclusive, on the beach, you eat and then you go away [resort]. We want you to get a real sense of the culture of Mexico, the location you are in and of the topography of the destination, Mexico,” expressed Winkler.

The first hotel in The Fives collection, The Fives Beach, is located 35 minutes south of Cancun International Airport and hugs Playa Del Carmen beach. The hotel itself has an all inclusive option and features 663 suites, a private beach club, 14 gourmet specialty restaurants, 7 swimming pools, Vassa - a world class spa, butler service, tennis courts, a fitness centre, a kids club, event and conference centres, as well as 7 bars (4 pool and 3 signature bars).

The second hotel, The Fives Downtown, is a hyper local luxury hotel that offers more of a contemporary retreat for those interested in experiencing the lively city bustle of Playa Del Carmen. Located steps away from the beach and the best restaurants, boutiques, and bars in town, it provides a more intimate yet luxury Riviera Maya experience. The hotel itself features 133 suites, has a rooftop with an infinity pool, a hair salon, world class spa, event and conference venues, two restaurants, and two bars - one of which is dedicated to tequila!

The soon-to-open The Fives Oceanfront in Puerto Morelos will be the smallest of the three properties and will be known as The Fives ‘boutique hotel refuge’. At this property it is all about relaxation and recharging your senses. The hotel will include 115 suites, a private beach club, two infinity pools, an ocean view rooftop, a world class spa, fitness centre, and concierge services. Opening date for this property is set for spring of 2020.

Air Transat is working in tandem with The Fives Hotel and Residence to put together easy and affordable packages for agents to take advantage of. More info on this can be found by contacting a sales agent at The Fives Hotel and Residence.