Victoria Campos, Director of Sales and Marketing of Mahekal Beach Resort

Victoria Campos is the new Director of Sales and Marketing of Mahekal Beach Resort. Having grown up in Mexico City and lived in the United States and Brazil, she brings an international approach and view to her new position. Campos has 25 years in the industry, having worked for Hilton hotels, Four Seasons in Punta Mita and Mandarin Oriental in the Riviera Maya. Her responsibilities will be keeping Mahekal well positioned in the present and emerging tourism market.

Can you tell me a bit of what Mahekal Resort is about and what’s ahead for the future?

Mahekal is about offering an authentic unique Mexican magical experience. For the last 29 years we have provided an environment where visitors can come to disconnect, whether they are couples, families or friends, here they can chill. We keep the rooms free from internet and phones, yet we have Wi-Fi in the lobby when needed. Mahekal provides a forum for socialization, be it family, friends or interacting with our international guests.

How many repeat guests does Mahekal have?

We have guests that have been coming since the 80’s and have become a part of the Mahekal family, even knowing the names of the waiters and staff.  This is part of the family “feel” offered by us. Many of our staff have been with us for 20 plus years and it’s like seeing old family.  Approximately 70 percent of our guests are repeaters, including kids of families who have been with us for years.  

Where do the majority of your guests come from?

Now it’s America and Canada with Europe following then Mexico. Previously Europe prevailed but with the European crisis that has changed. The Europeans come both in the winter and summer, spending on the average of two weeks with us. Mexicans are big with the holidays. As you can see we tend to keep the seasons covered.

What impact will the European crisis have on Mahekal?

There has been a reduction in flights but this will be offset with other markets.

What’s on the horizon with the Latin American and Brazilian markets?

Brazil and Latin America are very important emerging markets, especially Brazil, who has been coming to the Cancun area for the past 5-10 years. With South America having reverse seasons, we pick up the winter travelers from some of those areas.

How are the flights to this area?

We have a few direct flights from Latin America to Cancun, others to Mexico City and Panama.

What other markets are you looking at?

We’re interested in the Russian and Chinese markets. We especially need to prepare for the Chinese, as they have very specific cultural requirements, such as they will only eat at round tables, certain numbers are taboo and their visas require special arrangements.

How has the New Year been for Mahekal?

Definitely it’s coming back, but we’re also looking at the potential impact of the European crisis. We’re optimistic this should be an interesting and fruitful year with the 2012 Mayan events.

Are there any changes or renovations on the horizon for Mahekal?

We’ve recently redone our garden, landscaping, fountain and upgraded four rooms to deluxe, but without losing our original essence.

Mahekal Beach Resort is tucked in between the turquoise blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean and the vibrant, European café scene of Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen.  It palapas-roofed bungalows have spacious rooms and terrazas with hammocks, views of the sea and lush vegetation in a jungle like setting.

With 122 rooms, three restaurants and over six hundred feet of beach front, tranquility and soft sea breezes beckons one to forget the shoes, pick up a book and say adios to society. Night life abounds on Fifth Avenue, whether high end shopping, espresso cafes, wine tastings or swinging to the rhythms of Cuban jazz, infused with aromas of fine Cohibas, here one comes to play and disconnect.  And don’t forget three nights of regional and international jazz (FREE) on the beach, every November, just steps away from the Mahekal.