Grupo Brisas expands to Mérida with acquisition of Wayam Mundo Imperial hotel

Grupo Brisas, a Mexican luxury hotel chain, has expanded its portfolio to include Mérida with the purchase of the Wayam Mundo Imperial hotel on Avenida Colón, according to industry sources. The hotel is now called Las Brisas de Mérida.

Originally from Acapulco, the hotel group acquired the property from Grupo Mundo Imperial and the late Verena Gerber Stump, creator of the ecological hotel concept Xixim Unique in Celestún. Gerber, who passed away two years ago, was known for her innovative approach to luxury hospitality with strong environmental conservation principles. Following her death, her partners and son decided to sell the Wayam property while keeping the award-winning Xixim Unique hotel closed and listed for sale.

Grupo Brisas was initially offered both Wayam and Xixim Unique properties as a package deal. However, due to financial and administrative complications, the hotel chain opted to purchase only the Wayam hotel, primarily due to its strategic location in Mérida’s growing hospitality sector.

The new owners maintained continuous operations at Wayam during the ownership transition, which was completed in recent months.

“Grupo Brisas is a very powerful hotel group in Mexico, it has high-end hotels in Acapulco (Guerrero), where it is an icon and in other beach destinations in the country. Its arrival will benefit Yucatecan tourism because it is a well-known brand nationally and internationally,” said a source close to the tourism industry in Yucatán.

The five-star property features 52 suites overlooking a garden, a linear pool, a fitness center, and sustainable urban design. The boutique hotel combines business amenities with luxury accommodations, making it suitable for both corporate travelers and tourists seeking upscale accommodations in Mérida.

Its strategic location near the International Convention Center and proximity to Paseo de Montejo and downtown Mérida reportedly influenced Grupo Brisas’ investment decision. This positioning allows guests easy access to the city’s central business district as well as its historic center and cultural attractions.

The hotel was originally inaugurated by then-Gov. Mauricio Vila Dosal and Tourism Development Secretary Michelle Fridman Hirsch on July 23, 2021, though it had already been operating since July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brisas’ backstory

Grupo Brisas, directed by Antonio Cosío Pando, has a storied history in Mexican hospitality. The company was founded in 1991 when the Cosío family separated from Camino Real and Westin hotel groups. The origins of the brand date back to 1954 with the concept of luxury “casitas” in Acapulco, which had become an iconic destination for international travelers and celebrities visiting Mexico.

Over the decades, Grupo Brisas has carefully expanded its footprint across Mexico’s most important tourist and business destinations. The company now operates luxury hotels across Mexico, including properties in Acapulco, Ixtapa, Cancun, Huatulco, Irapuato, Manzanillo, Mexico City, Querétaro, Veracruz, and now Mérida.

This move into Mérida aligns with broader trends in Mexico’s tourism industry, as the capital of Yucatán has seen significant growth in recent years. The city has become increasingly attractive to both domestic and international travelers seeking cultural experiences, historical exploration, and luxury accommodations in a safe environment.