Who are the Mexican Investors?
Jorge Martínez de Velasco and Andrés Vinay are Mexican entrepreneurs who have made significant strides in the hospitality industry. Their background is primarily in real estate development, but they have recently ventured into the hotel sector with the strategic backing of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
The Beginning of Their Hotel Venture
In 2018, Martínez de Velasco and Vinay initiated their hotel project by transforming a residential real estate development in Tulum into a high-end hotel. This idea took shape during the pandemic, and it led to the opening of the Wyndham Grand Tulum in December 2023.
- Wyndham Grand Tulum: The hotel features 287 rooms, family-friendly amenities, and sophisticated architectural design.
- Unique Offering: The hotel provides a modern alternative to the typical rustic model prevalent in the area, offering amenities such as a restaurant, adult and children’s swimming pools, paddle tennis court, mini-golf, and a kids club.
- Positioning: This positions the hotel as one of the few family-oriented options in a destination traditionally catering to couples’ tourism.
Strategic Partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Andrés Vinay highlighted the importance of Wyndham’s support in their hotel venture. He explained that the partnership provided them with operational experience, a global sales network, and crucial structure, as they were new to the hotel industry coming from real estate development.
Expanding Portfolio
Their hotel portfolio is set to grow with two additional projects:
- Second Tulum Hotel: Under construction, this property will have 100 rooms and will fall under Wyndham’s Trademark Collection brand, focusing on personalized and boutique experiences. The hotel is expected to open by the end of the year, strengthening their presence in the Riviera Maya.
- Los Cabos Project: Their third project is already underway in Los Cabos, also under the Trademark brand. Initially planned for 75 rooms with potential to expand up to 300, this project was formalized during the Wyndham Global Conference 2025 in Las Vegas.
Creating a Boutique Chain: Hideaways
Martínez de Velasco shared their ambition to build their own boutique chain, called Hideaways. He explained that Wyndham’s “soft brand” model allows them to develop a unique identity while benefiting from the international strength of an established brand.
Future Expansion Plans
Their expansion plans extend beyond Mexico, with potential projects in destinations like the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, where they aim to replicate their successful hotel model.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Mexican investors? Jorge Martínez de Velasco and Andrés Vinay, who have a background in real estate development.
- What is their hotel venture about? They transformed a residential real estate project in Tulum into the Wyndham Grand Tulum, a high-end hotel catering to families in a traditionally couples-oriented destination.
- Why is Wyndham Hotels & Resorts important to their success? Wyndham provides operational experience, a global sales network, and crucial structure, enabling the Mexican investors to successfully enter the hotel industry.
- What are their expansion plans? They plan to open a second hotel in Tulum under Wyndham’s Trademark Collection brand and develop a 75-room property in Los Cabos, also under the Trademark brand with potential for future expansion.
- What is their long-term goal? To create a boutique hotel chain called Hideaways, leveraging Wyndham’s international brand recognition.
- Where else do they plan to expand? Potential projects in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, aiming to replicate their successful hotel model in these markets.