How Rio Mar Repositioned a 607-Acre Resort Around Experiences

Glenn: [00:00:00] Hey, everybody. It’s your hospitality. Friend Glenn here in Puerto Rico. I’m at the Wyndham Rio Mar rainforest. Brand new name to it. Got the rainforest behind me, but I got here with me. How are you doing, Chris? Great. How are you? Great. Sariego, and he’s with LionGrove. And he’s the COO. They’re the owners of this particular property. And I wanted to take some time to talk to you. Because what’s really interesting to me is we’re seeing so much of a shift in travel to experiences, particularly amongst the more affluent traveler or travelers that are aspiring to have these kind of experiences. And here, with the $70 million reinvention of this property, you’re really tying it into this gorgeous rainforest on one side, this ocean on the other side. That’s pretty amazing. How did you think through this whole concept from that loving the environment point of view?

Chris: [00:00:49] Yes. Well, we’re thank you and great to to be here and great to meet you all through the camera. Yeah I know.

Glenn: [00:00:57] Look at look at look at this. I don’t know if you all know about how this amazing rainforest here in Puerto Rico, a lot of people just don’t. And you don’t have to go to the Amazon for it. You don’t even need a passport if you’re in the United States.

Chris: [00:01:06] That’s right, that’s right. You know, we are in a really privileged place here. We are where the. It’s called Rio Mar because river and the ocean and the mountain. Right. So we have the whole it’s really from the rainforest, the rain, the whole flora and fauna. And this even though technically is not part of the El Yunque rainforest, we are still in the ecosystem of the rainforest. Right? So we have two miles of beach. The background is this the rainforest and everything in between. We have a river that comes from the rainforest into our property. Our property is 607 acres, you know, so we have plenty of playground here. We have 15 restaurants. We have a casino, we have spa, we have five different distinctive pools. We have a country club, two golf courses, racquet center. So a lot to do.

Glenn: [00:02:00] So it’s like. Yeah. So it’s a, you know, full scale resort. And that kind of goes back to it’s a 30 year history. And now when you’ve when you’re reopening it and I should say I’m here for the ribbon cutting of the the grand re-opening of this property here. I’m really seeing though, that connection, especially with the design and all really bringing in bringing in that natural environment. So how did you think through creating a plan for people to really want to come here specifically for that aspect?

Chris: [00:02:27] Yes. When we acquire the property, when we bought it, it was really just a big hotel and we said, well, it’s in this amazing ecosystem. How what do we how we can turn it around and reposition this hotel and say, well, let’s turn it into a really a destination resort where you don’t have to leave, right? But also, let’s bring the environment, the ecosystem, the eco adventure and ecotourism into it. And let’s bring, you know, everything that is around that. That is so beautiful. So first and foremost, we said, well, let’s hire scientists from here and environmentalists that help us to create different programs.

Glenn: [00:03:04] They have three different types of endangered turtle species.

Chris: [00:03:08] That’s right. So then we said, well, let’s for example, since you’re mentioning let’s say the government was running that program. And with our scientists, we were able to get the approval to run that program. That’s great. And now we protect the three different species that come and nest here.

Glenn: [00:03:24] And that’s not something that you had to do, which I really like as well. And it also, it also folds in very nicely into the way that you’re able to brand the property as well and connect with those particular types of consumers. And for you out there, if you’re watching this video, I survived kayaking, which I’m doing tomorrow morning. So that’s really cool because it’s such a it’s such a beautiful, gorgeous environment. I can’t wait to go out and be part of nature and then come back here and hang by the pool and have a really good meal.

Chris: [00:03:53] Wow. I took a group today. This morning, 630 in the morning sunrise. We went up river, you know, inside the property. Never left the property. So we walked there. We took the kayaks, we went up river. Then we went back to the ocean. We went to the reef and came back. All that in two hour span, you know, inside the property with our kayaks, you know. So, hey, where else can you do that? Right.

Glenn: [00:04:15] Oh, yeah. Then you can go then you can go to the craps table right afterwards.

Chris: [00:04:19] Yeah. That’s right.

Glenn: [00:04:19] Perfect combination to me, Chris. It was great talking with you. I really appreciate it.

Chris: [00:04:24] Well, let me just add, we have a brand new casino. Beautiful. The latest technology. But inside the casino, we have a secret. It’s called speakeasy. And we have an amazing cabaret show. I think you’re going there tonight.

Glenn: [00:04:37] Yes.

Chris: [00:04:37] Yeah. So? So not only do you have a lot of eco tourism, but you also have adult entertainment as well. If you want to leave your kids in the Explorers Club or babysitting, you can go to the spa, the casino, to the Explorers Club. We also have aura adults only swimming pool, right with butler service DJ’s and so on. But also we have a lot of things for the kids. You know, a pool with water slides and pool. Toddler splash area. A lot to.

Glenn: [00:05:03] Do. And we got a whole interview with all that kind of stuff. You know what? I’ll throw the link down below over here. So go check that out. Chris, great talking to you today. I appreciate it. Great talking to all of you guys. And I would like to make fun of you that you’re not here with me in the rainforest, but I’m back. Not here anymore. See you guys later. Thanks so much. Bye.