MIAMI, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort's two newest five-star all-inclusive hotels, The Barcelo Maya Colonial Beach and The Barcelo Maya Tropical Beach Hotels were recently honored with the distinguished rating of The Golden Apple Award by Apple Vacations. Apple Vacations is the leading tour operator in Mexico. It awards a select group of hotels with the Golden Apple Award -- its highest rating that recognizes exceptional standards of quality, service and value. These hotels are listed in Apple Vacations collateral with a Gold Apple symbol next to their name as an indication of superior service and facilities.

"We are very proud of our two new beautiful hotels at The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort," said Oscar Serrano, Contracting Director, USA and Canada, Barcelo Hotels & Resorts. "These properties are architecturally stunning but also deliver the finest luxury services and amenities for our guests. This recognition by Apple Vacations reconfirms our vision of offering the best guest experiences in Mexico through our Premium Barcelo Brand at The Barcelo Maya Colonial Beach and The Barcelo Maya Tropical Beach Hotels," added Serrano.

About the Hotels

The new Barcelo Maya Tropical Beach & Maya Colonial Beach Hotels include spacious guest rooms inspired and influenced by classic Mexican architecture. Guest rooms feature a private terrace or balcony, air conditioning with individual climate control, in-room safes, ceiling fans, a coffeemaker, bathrobes, a complimentary mini bar, and satellite TV.

The new Barcelo Maya Tropical Beach & Maya Colonial Beach Hotels offer a selection of 10 continental style restaurants, four gourmet restaurants and ten bars. Guests may choose from casual buffet style dining or one of four specialty restaurants: Mare Nostrum for fresh seafood; Bali-Hai for Oriental, inspired cuisine; Capri for Mediterranean-Italian food; or Santa Fe for grilled specials and steaks. For relaxation there are two expansive beachside swimming pools with a whirlpool and swim-in bars. For children there is a separate pool with water games. Guest may also enjoy the fitness center complete with separate men's and women's steam rooms and saunas. The new hotels have a special Kid's Club as well as babysitting services, video games and movies on-demand. There is a shopping gallery and a beauty salon. The spectacular night club features its own live orchestra and nightly entertainment, and disco dancing.

The Barcelo Maya Tropical Beach & Maya Colonial Beach Hotels join the popular Barcelo Maya Beach & Caribe Hotels to create one of the area's most beautiful and comprehensive all-inclusive resort destination properties. The resort complex is surrounded by a 500,000 square meter natural park and located on a beautiful and serene beach with a natural coral reef. It is less than 50 miles from the Cancun International Airport and is connected by highway.

About Barcelo Hotels & Resorts

Barcelo Hotels and Resorts is among the world's top 30 hospitality and travel companies, and it is renowned for its well-established European tradition of excellence in service and amenities. Barcelo was established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1931 first as a transportation company, and then as a hotel and travel company. It is a family owned, privately held hospitality company renowned for 75 years of service excellence and innovative spirit in the tourism industry.

The Company owns, manages or franchises hotels in 14 countries with more than 30,000 rooms worldwide. Barcelo Hotels and Resorts are located in key European cities and resorts, in North America, Africa, and in Latin America and the Caribbean. Barcelo Hotels & Resorts enjoys an excellent reputation with the travel and tourism industry. It is ranked among the top 10 hotel brands in Latin America. For more information on Barcelo Hotels and Resorts visit http://www.barcelo.com/.

Contact: Gayle MacIntyre Barcelo Hotels & Resorts g.macintyre@barcelo.com 404-643-8222

CONTACT: Gayle MacIntyre of Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, +1-404-643-8222,
g.macintyre@barcelo.com

Web site: http://www.barcelo.com/