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25 Years of Moments That Last: The Excellence Collection’s Journey of Luxury

Explore the history behind The Excellence Collection and the exciting foundations of each of its hotels and resorts in your favorite tropical destinations.

Have you ever experienced what it is like to stay in Beloved Hotels, Excellence Resorts, or Finest Resorts? Whether you are a longtime fan of these luxurious hotels and resorts or a newcomer to these All Inclusive escapes, we invite you to journey with us through The Excellence Collection’s 25 years of crafted luxury and unforgettable moments. Get ready to see the beginnings behind each escape, and both the customer and staff satisfaction that it led to. Explore a quarter of a century of hospitality experiences in the Caribbean. 

Where it all began: Punta Cana - 2000

Our story began in 2000, when we — then known as The Excellence Group — opened our very first adults-only escape, pioneering a new standard of All Inclusive luxury in the hospitality industry. Excellence Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic was both the first property to be built in Punta Cana and our first property for Excellence Resorts. 

Construction of Excellence Punta Cana
Las olas restaurant by the beach in Punta Cana

Our first Mexican escape - 2004

With several years of success and customer satisfaction, The Excellence Collection went on to create its first Mexican experience for adults only. This would be set amidst the secluded sands of the Riviera Maya, just a short drive down from Cancun. This is Excellence Riviera Cancun, which opened its doors to guests in 2004.

Excellence Riviera Cancun construction
view from suite in Excellence Riviera Cancun resort

The origins of an iconic escape - 2007

Many guests who have stayed in Excellence Resorts believe Excellence Playa Mujeres to be the most iconic example of the brand’s hospitality and ambiance. Known for its longtime staff and its classic vibes, the resort has been enhanced over the years, but it has retained that warm feeling that it quickly became known for when it opened in 2007. Now Excellence Playa Mujeres is known as one of the most famous resorts in Mexico.

All Inclusive resort by the ocean in Playa Mujeres
Group of friends at a luxury resort in Mexico
Resort gardens at Excellence Playa Mujeres

Love found its perfect retreat: Beloved Hotels - 2009

The only hotel in the brand has become known for its romantic vibes and quiet setting. Yet many are unaware that originally this hotel went by a different name and had a different concept entirely. 

Beloved Playa Mujeres was previously known as “La Amada Hotel” and began as an all-ages getaway in 2009. However, by 2016, it became apparent that this little oasis was much better associated with exclusivity, and thus it became an adults-only escape. A few years later, this concept of romantic exclusivity was embellished even further by becoming a couples-only hotel and the only one of its kind amidst our other properties. 

Whilst the available experiences have changed over the years, from different shows to beachfront bonfires, and more, Beloved Playa Mujeres is now renowned as one of the best hotels in Mexico, and often as one of the most luxurious escapes in the world. 

Bonfire shows at Beloved Playa Mujeres beach

The beginning of Finest Resorts - 2015

Without anywhere to cater to families and guests of all ages, it was time to build something that everyone could enjoy. This was where Finest Playa Mujeres came into play. Welcoming guests since 2015, this all-ages resort became synonymous with both inclusivity and exclusivity, offering family suites, kids clubs, and adults-only hideaways all under the same roof. 

Overview of Finest Resorts first property
Children's play area in Finest Playa Mujeres
People at the beach of Finest Playa Mujeres

 The arrival of modern elegance in Punta Cana - 2016

At this point, we already had four hotels and resorts in Mexico that were thriving and successfully giving our guests the excellence they deserve. However, we only had one resort (Excellence Punta Cana) to cater to all of our clients who wanted to experience the Dominican Republic. It was time to expand our Punta Cana offerings with the lavish suites of Excellence El Carmen, which opened in 2016.

Construction of Excellence El Carmen resort
Main lobby bar at Excellence El Carmen luxury resort

A new All Inclusive experience in Jamaica - 2018

Having acquired a secluded peninsula that stretches out into the open ocean of Montego Bay and lies adjacent to the famed luminous lagoon, The Excellence Collection built its first adults-only resort in Jamaica in 2018 with brand new suite concepts. This was the start of Excellence Oyster Bay and opened the way for guests to explore yet another tropical paradise in the Caribbean.

Overview of a resort on a private peninsula in Jamaica
Casita suites overlooking the ocean in Excellence Oyster Bay
Couple sitting by the beach watching the sun go down

Finest Resorts arrives in Punta Cana - 2021

With years of planning behind its construction, Finest Punta Cana opened its doors in 2021. However, due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, its opening was accompanied by many safety protocols and precautionary measures, giving guests a safe and indulgent escape during turbulent times of uncertainty. 

Construction of Finest Punta Cana resort
Staff welcoming guests to Finest Punta Cana during the pandemic

Once the officials declared an end to this international concern, Finest Punta Cana was able to welcome many more guests to enjoy its warm embrace and has even been awarded for being among the top 10% of All Inclusive resorts. It has since become a shining beacon of comfort for guests of all ages wishing to unwind alongside the turquoise waters and golden sands of Punta Cana. 

The best swim up bar in Punta Cana

Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres 2025

25 years later… from the foundation of The Excellence Collection’s resorts in 2000, arrived a new and exciting contemporary resort neighboring several of our other resorts in Playa Mujeres, Cancun. Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres opened on February 12, 2025, and brought new levels of luxury to the Caribbean. With new experiences, new restaurant and bar concepts, and new types of accommodations, the Innovative Curation of The Excellence Collection continues to create Extraordinary Moments for its guests and a wonderfully working environment for its staff.

View of luxury resort in Playa Mujeres
Swimming pool at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres
Lights at night at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres adults only resort

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