Important News About a New Timeshare Scam

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We would like to share several reports from members about suspicious emails and phone calls that they recently received from companies or individuals regarding their Royal Resorts membership.

The first case concerns false emails purportedly from the Mexican Procuraduria General de Justicia or Justice Department. These emails, and in some cases phone calls, come from an individual who claims to be investigating timeshares and is requesting that the email recipient fills in a complaint form. They are sent from a domain called PROCURADURIAGOB.COM and are clearly an attempt to obtain personal information.

All official Mexican Government website domains and emails sent by different departments and agencies contain the words gob.mx therefore we would urge you to disregard any emails you receive from procuraduriagob.com

The second case involves suspicious telemarketing calls from a company called Cancun Special Promotions. The caller requested information on household income from one of our members to check eligibility for a special package deal. She claimed to be based in Florida but a trace was done on the number 469-521-0648 and it is registered in Texas.

Another member reported someone had called to invite him to an event in Arizona organized by Royal Resorts and asking him for information. We would like to make clear that Royal Resorts has no knowledge of such event.

It is our policy to alert members of possible scams and we urge you to let us know if you are contacted by a person or company that seems suspicious so that we can warn others. Communication is key to protecting our members.

We have a strict privacy policy and have procedures in place to protect our members’ private information. We do not know how these individuals may have acquired phone numbers and emails, but are investigating further.

 

Follow these steps if you receive a suspicious email or phone call

  • Check the source of the email if the company or individual claims to be associated with Royal Resorts. All Royal Resorts communications are sent from an official royalresorts.com email address, if this is not the case, then the email is not from Royal Resorts.
  • Disregard the email or phone call if money is requested in advance for resale or other timeshare-related services.
  • Do not supply personal data or the contact details of friends if referrals are requested.
  • Do an online background check on the company to see if it is legitimate.
  • Ask Royal Resorts if you are in any doubt, we are here to help you.

Above all, do not send any money. When companies contact you via email, the Internet or phone to offer resale, exchange or rental services and ask for cash in advance it is generally a good indication that they may not be genuine and if you pay it is very possible that you will not hear from them again.

 

Royal Resorts Personal Data Protection Policy

Royal Resorts takes your privacy very seriously and is in full compliance with the corresponding privacy laws. The personal details of our members and guests are strictly confidential. Royal Resorts does not sell and has never sold personal information to third parties. You can feel confident that Royal Resorts will continue doing everything possible to protect your personal information.

All member communications, updates, letters and promotions are sent from an official Royal Resorts email address.

We recommend that you avoid disclosing your personal information on forums, blogs and other open media venues and participation in Internet referral schemes that ask you to send the names and details of friends. When you provide your information to others in order to rent, sell or lend your unit please ensure that your information will be protected.

If you have received a phone call or email from a company that you suspect of misrepresentation or that may be engaged in possible fraudulent activity and would like to share the information with us, please feel free to contact us.

 

 

Residual Rights

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Due to the fact that the wording of The Royal Caribbean membership contract is slightly different from that of other resorts in the Royal Resorts family, some Royal Caribbean members are asking for clarification regarding Residual Rights.

Residual Rights will be distributed in accordance with the following definition:

“Residual Rights” is the amount of financial proceeds that a Member would receive at the termination of their Membership Program in accordance to the terms of the Membership Agreement. The amount that they would receive would be distributed from the net proceeds resulting from the liquidation of assets (sale of the resort including buildings, equipment, furniture and fixtures) after payment of liabilities (debts; staff severance payments; municipal, state and federal taxes; legal fees and administrative and brokerage expenses associated with the sale of the resort) plus any cash reserves available at termination.

It is likely that the total amount distributed to members will be less than the total amount of the sales price paid by members, as was the case for The Royal Mayan.

In order to be eligible for Residual Rights distributions, Royal Caribbean members of record must be in good standing on the date of termination of the Membership Program. In other words, in order to be eligible for distributions, members must be current with their annual Club Service Fee payments, or any other debt.

In accordance with the terms of the membership agreement, The Royal Caribbean resort will be sold at a public or private sale for the best obtainable sales price.

The last Interval at The Royal Caribbean is week 43 and the last day of resort operations will be November 3, 2018.

After the resort has been sold, the estimate is that it will take six months until all funds are available for distribution.

We hope that this information is useful. We will be sharing additional details with you about the sales process in the months to come.

 

Important news about a new timeshare scam

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We received a report from one of our members about suspicious phone calls received from a company that was calling her regarding her Royal Resorts membership. The calls from this Michigan number, (414) 720-4730, were repetitive and the person on the other end refused to provide her name.

It is our policy to alert members of possible scams and we urge you to let us know if you are contacted by a person or company that seems suspicious so that we can warn others. Communication is key to protecting our members.

We have a strict privacy policy and have procedures in place to protect our members’ private information. We do not know how this person may have acquired the phone number, but are investigating further.

Follow these steps if you receive a suspicious email or phone call

  • Check the source of the email if the company or individual claims to be associated with Royal Resorts. All Royal Resorts communications are sent from an official royalresorts.com email address, if this is not the case, then the email is not from Royal Resorts.
  • Disregard the email or phone call if money is requested in advance for resale or other timeshare-related services.
  • Do not supply personal data or the contact details of friends if referrals are requested.
  • Do an online background check on the company to see if it is legitimate.
  • Ask Royal Resorts if you are in any doubt, we are here to help you.

 

Above all, do not send any money. When companies contact you via email, the Internet or phone to offer resale, exchange or rental services and ask for cash in advance it is generally a good indication that they may not be genuine and if you pay it is very possible that you will not hear from them again.

Royal Resorts Personal Data Protection Policy

Royal Resorts takes your privacy very seriously and is in full compliance with the corresponding privacy laws. The personal details of our members and guests are strictly confidential. Royal Resorts does not sell and has never sold personal information to third parties. You can feel confident that Royal Resorts will continue doing everything possible to protect your personal information.

All member communications, updates, letters and promotions are sent from an official Royal Resorts email address.

We recommend that you avoid disclosing your personal information on forums, blogs and other open media venues and participation in Internet referral schemes that ask you to send the names and details of friends. When you provide your information to others in order to rent, sell or lend your unit please ensure that your information will be protected.

If you have received a phone call or email from a company that you suspect of misrepresentation or that may be engaged in possible fraudulent activity and would like to share the information with us, please feel free to contact us.

 

A Message To Our Royal Resorts Members

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On September 19, a strong earthquake hit Mexico City and the states of Puebla, Morelos, Mexico, Oaxaca and Guerrero causing serious damage and loss of life. Our hearts go out to all the people affected by this tragedy and to those who have lost loved ones. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

The earthquake struck on the anniversary of the 1985 earthquakes that killed 10,000 people in Mexico City and neighboring states and just weeks after a powerful 8.1 magnitude earthquake hit the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.

Today, just as they did 32 years ago and as they always do, the Mexican people have come together to help others. Emergency workers are desperately trying to reach people still trapped in collapsed buildings. They have been joined by search and rescue teams from other parts of Mexico, including one from Cancun, and specialists from other countries. Across the country, Red Cross centers are operating round the clock to receive and dispatch emergency relief.

Royal Resorts employees and management have joined the many millions of people across the country that are donating food and other supplies, medicines and money to rebuild the homes and lives of quake victims.

Mexico and its incredible people have a special place in all our hearts and we ask you to keep them in your prayers at this difficult time. If you would like to help quake victims, you can donate to:

Mexican Red Cross

Cruz Roja Mexicana»

Save the Children

Save Children Mexico »

Oxfam Mexico

Oxfam Mexico»

UNICEF Mexico

UNICEF Mexico»

 

The Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean are not affected

The earthquakes did not affect the Yucatan Peninsula and Cancun, Riviera Maya and all your favorite places are more beautiful than ever. This is also the case for major visitor destinations in other parts of the country.

One of the ways in which you can help Mexico and its people is by traveling to this wonderful country.

We hope to welcome you back to Royal Resorts very soon.

New Government Environmental Fee for all Resort Guests in the Riviera Maya

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Members soon to travel to The Royal Haciendas should be aware of a new municipal tax in the Riviera Maya that comes into effect on October 1, 2017. As part of its work to preserve the extraordinary natural beauty of the area, the Solidaridad Municipal Government will begin charging an Environmental Sanitation Fee to all hotel and resort guests in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

This new initiative includes members and guests staying at The Royal Haciendas. In accordance with Municipal Finance Law, the Environmental Sanitation Fee that will be charged to your account is as follows:

Room/One-bedroom Suite   $10 pesos per night

Two-bedroom Villa               $20 pesos per night

As of January 1, 2018, $20 pesos per night will be charged for the Room/One-bedroom Suite and $40 pesos per night for the Two-bedroom Villa.

What will the tax be used for?

The proceeds from this new green tax charged to all hotel and resort guests in the Riviera Maya will be used to contribute to environmental protection and sanitation initiatives such as:

  • Beach conservation and upkeep
  • Implementation of an integral Waste Management program in urban areas
  • Elimination of open-air garbage dumps
  • Reduction of carbon emissions by installing LED lighting systems in public areas
  • Other programs geared towards making the Riviera Maya a sustainable destination

 

Why is it needed?

The Riviera Maya is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its white sand beaches are legendary and the world’s second longest coral reef is just offshore, its jungles and wetlands are home to rare species and it boasts the world’s longest underground rivers discovered to date. Yet increasing visitor numbers and population growth are outpacing public services and more action is needed to improve waste management and other services for the health of the environment and area ecosystems. The new Green Fee charged by the Solidaridad Municipal Government will be used for such programs.

Click here to read the Solidaridad Municipal Government press release on the new Environmental Sanitation Fee

This new Environmental Fee will only be charged to hotel guests in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. It does not apply to Cancun or Puerto Morelos.

A message to the Royal Resorts community

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Our hearts go out to all those who have been caught up in the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma on St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barths, Anguilla, Barbuda and other Caribbean islands and for those who continue to be impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana. We hope and pray for a speedy recovery for all the communities affected.
To our members, staff and the people of Florida and the Caribbean who are in the path of Hurricane Irma, please stay safe.
Simpson Bay Resort & Marina on St. Maarten We are happy to report that Royal Resorts Caribbean members, guests and staff at Simpson Bay Resort & Marina are all safe in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
Sadly, this monster storm has left a trail of destruction on St. Martin/St. Maarten.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the community and we pray that reconstruction will soon begin and that your island will bounce back, better and more beautiful than ever.
Royal Resorts Caribbean members due to travel to Simpson Bay Resort & Marina soon should check the Hurricane Irma Update section on the Simpson Bay Resort website for the latest information. Click here:
www.simpsonbayresort.com/hurricane-updates.html
ISCO office to close for Hurricane Irma Due to the impact of Hurricane Irma on the state of Florida, the Interval Servicing office in Fort Lauderdale will be closed today, September 8 and Saturday,
September 9.
Service will resume after the hurricane has moved away from the area and the building has been inspected.

Restaurant Renovations

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Restaurant renovations at The Royal Sands during the fall

We would like to inform you about some important restaurant renovations that are due to take place at The Royal Sands during the fall and which will be in progress during your upcoming vacation.

The renovations affect La Veranda Restaurant and Sidelines Sports Bar and are intended to modernize both spaces and enhance the dining experience for members and guests. Work has been carefully planned and scheduled so as to keep noise, disruption and inconvenience to a minimum.

It is important to note that the restaurant and bar will be open as usual during this time and will be offering their full menu service.

Renovation work begins in Week 35

The renovation project is scheduled to start on September 4 (Week 35) at both locations and will continue through October and November with the brand new designs finally being unveiled on December 22.

Work will take place in phases, during which specific areas will be partitioned off. The bulk of the demolition work is scheduled for Week 35 and during Week 40, which is The Royal Sands Maintenance Week, October 7-14.

Week 35 members and guests staying in units on the floors above La Veranda and Sidelines will be relocated

We want all our members and guests to have a relaxing and enjoyable fall vacation at The Royal Sands while these renovations are being carried out. We realize that you may have concerns about possible noise disruption and we would like to reassure you that every arrangement is being made for your comfort. Week 35 members who are due to stay in a unit directly above La Veranda or Sidelines will be assigned a different unit in the resort. Relocation may also occur in other weeks when the possibility of noise disruption is greater due to the nature of the work being carried out. The Guest Services team will contact members prior to their vacation if this is likely to occur.

 

What do the renovations consist of?

La Veranda

A new ceiling, ceramic floor tiles, new lighting and artwork, white décor with accents of wood and pale green will give La Veranda a bright, contemporary look. Furniture will be reupholstered and the seating plan will be a mix of independent tables and booths. The buffet area, main entrance and outdoor terrace will also be renovated.

The show kitchen and grill, the back wall and the main entrance will be the first areas to be cordoned off. During this time access to the restaurant will be via the pool deck door.

Diners can also look forward to tempting new dishes on the menu in addition to their favorite choices when work is complete on December 11.

Sidelines Bar

Sidelines Sports Bar will also be remodeled in a modern industrial design. The kitchen will be expanded for more efficient and speedier food delivery. There will be a separate games area and a private lounge will be added for meetings, classes and other activities.

Other Fall Restaurant Renovations

The Gran Salon at Hacienda Sisal is being renovated to transform it into a brighter, more contemporary venue for weddings, parties, convention gatherings and other corporate and social events.

This renovation is taking place in the inner courtyard where the stage is, not in the restaurant. Hacienda Sisal Restaurant will be open daily as usual, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

It is safe to travel to the Mexican Caribbean

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If you have concerns about traveling to Mexico because of recent media reports about violence associated with organized crime, our advice is to continue with your vacation plans to visit this beautiful country. It is safe to travel to Cancun, the Riviera Maya, the Yucatan Peninsula and many other parts of Mexico.

On August 22, the US State Department updated its travel alert for Mexico, as it does periodically for more than 100 countries around the world. On this occasion, it included a reference to the state of Quintana Roo, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, mentioning that there has been an increase in homicides in the state when compared to the same period in 2016 and that there have been several shootings involving criminal groups. Other changes in the advisory refer to an upsurge in crime in parts of Baja California Sur, Baja California, Colima, Guerrero and Veracruz, among others.

It is important to note that the travel alert does not advise people against visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya, two of the world’s most popular vacation spots.

 

Cancun, the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula are safe to visit

Cancun, the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula as a whole have always been, and remain, among the safest places in the world for visitors. Violent incidents are isolated. There is no cause for increased concern or for cancelling a trip.

A statement issued by the Mexican Tourism Board on August 23 about the US State Department travel alert says “The overwhelming majority of the crimes mentioned in the travel alert have taken place in locations not frequented by international tourists (such as inner-city areas or private properties) and incidents such as these are rare in popular tourist areas.” Click here to read a statement (PDF) from the Quintana Roo Tourism Board.

In keeping with many other tourist destinations around the world, security has been upgraded in Quintana Roo in recent years and police patrols in Cancun and Playa del Carmen will be further increased.

Mexico is one of the World’s most Popular Travel Destinations

Millions of people vacation in Mexico every year and enjoy their stay. More than one million US citizens also make their home here on a fulltime or part-time basis.

The country welcomed 35 million international visitors in 2016 and climbed to No. 8 in the World’s Top 10 Travel Destinations. Visitor numbers continue to rise in 2017. Figures released by the Mexico Tourism Board indicate that from January – July, visitors from the U.S. have increased by 9.6 percent (6.2 million visitors), in comparison to the same period in 2016. Overall, international visitors to Mexico

have increased by more than 9 percent. During 2016, 94 percent of U.S. visitors reported an experience that exceeded their expectations and 86 percent said they would like to come back again in the next six months.

Mexico is the world’s 14th largest country with a territory measuring 758,774 square miles and a population of 119,530,753 (2015 estimate, INEGI). It offers a world of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Its beautiful Caribbean and Pacific beaches, natural wonders and wildlife, ancient cultures, colonial cities, rich traditions, cuisine and the warm hospitality of its people have an enduring appeal.

The safety of visitors wherever they are in the country is a priority for the Mexican government and the authorities are extremely vigilant in all tourist destinations and major cities.

The Key to Safe Travel, Common Sense

Major cities in the US and around the world have neighborhoods with a reputation for crime and gang violence. Common sense is the key to safety wherever you travel, whether at home or abroad, and may we suggest that you take certain precautions, just as you would if you were going to a new city in your own country or elsewhere.

Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, stick to reputable restaurants, bars and other establishments in well-known tourist areas of the city and drink responsibly. Take care when visiting unfamiliar areas and avoid walking alone at night through poorly lit neighborhoods or isolated areas. The possession of drugs is a federal offence in Mexico.

Security at Royal Resorts

Royal Resorts has the security and comfort of its members and guests as its top priority. Security guards patrol the resorts and the beaches 24 hours a day. There are closed circuit cameras in public areas and other key locations. Electronic safes are provided in all the suites and rooms for members and guests to store money, jewelry and travel documents.

Go ahead with your Mexico vacation plans. You’ll enjoy your stay in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and discovering the wonders of the Yucatan.

For those of you who are longtime visitors to the Mexican Caribbean with strong ties to the community, there is no reason for you to change your travel plans. We look forward to seeing you soon in your resort home.

 

 

Commemorating 40 Years Of Royal Resorts

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Royal Resorts is offering a unique, limited edition opportunity to commemorate 40 years of excellence in Quintana Roo.  This memento will help you to remember the fun, relaxation and enjoyment of your experiences in Cancun and Riviera Maya.  A beautiful aerial photo of your favorite resort with the Royal Resorts 40 Years logo is captured in stunning

fashion on a ceramic tile and is available online at www.teddytrays.com.

 

The tiles have two measurements: 6” x 6” or a 6” x 8” and come with a display stand. The aerial images are also available in an 11-ounce tea/coffee cup that is dishwasher and microwave safe.  Check out these limited edition items today at www.teddytrays.com.

Changes in the Grand Residences Management Team

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We would like to share some news from Royal Resorts President and CEO Dr. Kemil Rizk about recent changes in the Grand Residences management team.

Dear Members,

I would like to inform you about some recent changes in the Grand Residences management team. Due to ill health, Mr. Carlo Bicaci has had to step down as General Manager and is no longer working for Royal Resorts.

We are sure that you will want to join us in wishing Carlo all the best and a speedy recovery.

Daniela Trava has been appointed Onsite Manager and going forward she and her team will be looking after Grand Residences owners and guests with the attention to detail and high levels of service and quality that are the Grand Residences hallmark. They will go above and beyond to make each vacation exceptional and full of special memories for them.

Daniela has been at Grand Residences since it opened and many Grand Residences owners already know her.

Warm regards,

Dr. Kemil Rizk

President & CEO, Royal Resorts