Toronto Private Schools - Family Cancun Grad Trip 2024

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Introduction

16 Mar 2024 - 23 Mar 2024

***August 4 Update: There is a limited number of rooms that have become available on the 7 and 5 night trips!  If you are interested in learning more, contact us to discuss your requirements and the options available. 

***JUNE 19 UDATE: IF YOU REGISTERED OR CONTACTED G/HARDY TOURS AFTER REGISTRATION CLOSED YOU HAVE BEEN PREEMPTIVELY DESIGNATED A SPOT ON THE TRIP!  DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF REQUESTS, AND MANY INCOMPLETE REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED,  IT HAS TAKEN MUCH LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED TO FOLLOW-UP WITH ALL REGISTRANTS AND CONFIRM GUARDIANS/ROOMMATES/ROOM TYPES.  WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET HEARD FROM G/HARDY TOURS STAFF, PLEASE EMAIL daniela@ghardytours.com FOR AN UPDATE.*** 

***JUNE 5th UPDATE: 5-NIGHT & 7-NIGHT TRIPS ARE SOLD OUT -  WITH A WAITLIST***

Due to the high volume of registrations and interest please be patient as we work to respond to all enquiries and confirm bookings. 

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Celebrate the Class of 2024 with your friends and family this March!  Building on the epic 2023 Grad Trip to Mexico, this year's celebration is going to be even better.  This brochure details the all-inclusive, comprehensive trip package and price exclusively offered to students at Toronto-area private schools. (Price includes: Air Canada flights, accommodation, food & drink, resort transfer, & G/HARDY TOURS 'Activity Package'). Note: for enhanced flexibility, there are TWO versions of the trip that completely overlap and run in conjunction - a 5 night and 7 night option.

This experience is designed to be an inclusive trip open to all students and their parents. Group activities are intended to generate lasting memories, fun, and friendships for graduates across the schools before heading off to university!

Registration: will open Tuesday May 30th, 2023, at 11:00 am. Trip codes to register will be released on Tuesday morning. Please note availability is limited, and reservations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. This trip sold out in record time last year and a waitlist was implemented while we worked to make sure everyone interested could attend.

IMPORTANT: Please note that after you register you will receive an automatic email confirming your REGISTRATION ONLY. We will reach out to you by the end of the week to confirm your spot and we will not process any payment until that time.

Deadline to register: Wednesday, June 7, 2023. 

NOTE: As of June 5th, both 5-night and 7-night trips are sold out. 

Please carefully read all the information in this brochure including:

  • What's Included & Not Included: (if you are reading this on your mobile, this information is located below, desktop version this information is in the right column)
  • Daily Itinerary: (mobile version 'Day-by-Day', desktop version in the 'Your Trip' tab above)
  • FAQs and other important information: (mobile version scroll down to 'Documents', desktop under the 'Details' tab)
  • Terms & Conditions: (mobile version, scroll down, desktop version found under 'Details' tab, and 'About Us')

Location: Playa Mujeres Mexico is a luxury development area along an expansive stretch of white beach safely located 45 minutes north of Cancun's resort area. The area features protected ecological reserves, white sand beaches, views of Isla Mujeres, excellent golf, and world-class tennis at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. This is an ideal destination tucked away on a safe peninsula with limited access available to guests registered at the luxury resorts.

Resort: Planet Hollywood Cancun, Family Section & Adult Scene. Opened in 2021, the 5-star all-inclusive resort is designed to generate a fun-loving vibe, including multiple pools, lazy river, waterpark, private beach, sports courts, FlowRider surf simulator, arcade games, golf & sports simulator, a 'Fast & Furious' car experience and much more.  For those seeking pampering, the on-site spa offers a wide range of à la carte services. Security is tight with a team of professionals closely monitoring all access points. With 11 restaurants, dining choices are varied and offer options for everyone.

Rooms: the package price is based on a Junior Suite, Garden View room category as per the occupancy indicated.  The majority of rooms allocated to G/HARDY TOURS are in this room class, as this is the room class that most easily accommodates triple and quadruple occupancy.  If you want a different type of room, please refer to the document with other rooms and upgrade options. 

'Activity Package': this is your passport to bespoke private parties and events for Grads and Parents, including:  'Welcome to Mexico Kick Off', white beach parties, DJ dance parties, private catamaran tour, celebration-themed prom party, and more!  This is included in the trip package price and is an integral, inclusive element of the trip for all participants. 

"FAQ's": you probably have lots of questions and for this reason we've compiled a comprehensive FAQ document for you to review.  This document can be found in the 'Documents' tab and contains lots of detailed answers to common questions we've received. 

IMPORTANT DETAILS: 

  • "FAQ's": please read the FAQs document found in the 'Documents' tab as it contains many detailed answers to questions you likely have. 
  • Supervision: Designed specifically for graduating students and their parents/families, this trip requires parental or guardian supervision.
  • Guardians: G/HARDY TOURS does NOT provide chaperone services; it is expected parents/guardians will closely monitor children in their care. If you are a Grad travelling and 18 you are still required to have a parent/responsible adult who will be onsite at the resort and who will function as your guardian for the duration.
  • Code of Conduct: please familiarize yourself with the resort's PDF in the 'Documents' tab as it will be strictly enforced.
  • Room categories: in the 'Documents' tab there is a 'Rooming and Upgrade' options document outlining categories available and upgrade options.  When you register, please specify the type of room you prefer. 
  • Star Class Upgrade: like most all-inclusive resorts, Planet Hollywood offers an upgrade experience with butler service, lounge and other select amenities. We have a select number of Star Class rooms available.  Please indicate if you want this upgrade when you register. 
  • Roommates/sharing rooms: G/HARDY TOURS has a group contact in place with the resort and Air Canada Vacations.  People who book through different providers, agents, or online cannot share a room -- if friends want to room together, they need to register through this same group package; we are unable to merge reservations made through different providers (ie: other travel agents, Expedia, online, etc..)  
  • 18 year olds: in order to book a room, technically there must be one adult on each room booking - this is standard law in Mexico and indeed every resort worldwide. So if you are 17, please find a friend who is 18 and see if you can room with them.  Last year, a careful curation of rooms was necessary in order to ensure everyone was compliant with this technicality.  If you can't find an 18 year old friend to room with, then by default you will room with your parent. G/HARDY TOURS does not pick room mates, so please talk amongst your friends and devise a rooming plan. 
  • 'Activity Package': Even though Planet Hollywood is an all-inclusive resort, it's crucial to understand the resort charges extra for all food, drinks, service and entertainment at all special events. For this reason we carefully monitor participant numbers to ensure accuracy and cannot include people booking last minute and/or through alternative channels, other than through TWIL Travel. 
  • Security: Please be aware that all special G/HARDY TOURS events are considered "private" for the group and we arrange extra security to be present, with a wristband policy will in effect. Spring Break is peak season and we want to ensure our events are safely reserved for this special group of friends and family! 
  • Airfare: is included in the trip price.  This is a group package, and the flights are part of a group fare.  As such, the flight schedule is set by Air Canada Vacations and the ticket conditions and regulations are as per the group.  Deviations and individual changes are extremely limited and must be requested at the time of booking, if possible.  Requests are subject to approval by the airline and are not guaranteed. 

**NEW for 2024** 

NEW Adult Scene Rooms: The Planet Hollywood property is divided between two sections: the family (all ages), and the 'Adult Scene' section, reserved for guests 18+.  The sections are closely integrated, but technically two different resorts. The main difference is there are two restaurants and one pool reserved just for 18+.  Room layout and amenities are otherwise identical. Based on 2023 feedback, we have an allotment of rooms in the Adult Scene (with Star Class upgrade) for parents who prefer to be on this side of the resort. Important: your child will have to either be 18 years old, or in a room with an 18 year old friend for you to be in the Adult Scene section. Please indicate this in the 'Special Requests' section when you register. If you do not specifically request Adult Scene you will be registered in the Family Section. 

NEW OPTION: Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre. Located 10 minutes away, G/HARDY TOURS has a relationship with the Head Pro and will set-up clinics, lessons and transportation for those interested. Make a note in the 'Special Requests' section when you register that you would like more information, and based on numbers we will confirm details later this summer. 

NEW OPTION: Playa Mujeres Golf. One of the top resort courses in Mexico. The club enjoys rave reviews and round-trip transportation will be conveniently arranged to the course, just 15 minutes away.  Please make a note in the 'Special Requests' section that you are interested in golf information as we will liaise closely with the Head Pro and make arrangements.

INSURANCE:  

We strongly stress the importance of travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance provides protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience. We recommend the TIPS TIPS Ultimate Premiere Insurance Policy, and details can be found in the 'DOCUMENTS' tab. 

  • If you have a pre-existing plan, great! Please familiarize yourself with your policy and double check your plan includes emergency medical, trip cancellation and trip interruption. 
  • If you don't have insurance and are interested in TIPS Ultimate Insurance, it MUST be arranged within 48-72 hours after the trip deposit is made.
  • To purchase insurance click on the link. The gold standard is the Ultimate Upgrade:  www.getreliable.com/direct/login.aspx?ag=ONTA150106
  • Are you an athlete?  Do you think hockey playoffs could interfere with the dates of this trip?  If so, book the trip now and be sure to purchase TIPS Ultimate Upgrade Premiere Youth Insurance.  It will cover up to 80% of 'unforeseen' circumstances like your team advancing to the play-offs.  Last year some travellers had to cancel their trip due to play-offs. Likewise, there were other people desperate to sign-up after their team was eliminated, but by leaving it to the last minute they were bitterly disappointed.  Better to book now, have insurance, and then cancel if necessary.  Summary: Don't wait. Buy insurance.  

HOW TO REGISTER on TUESDAY, May 30th:

  1. Click on the 'Register Now' button, (easily visible in the right hand corner of the desktop view) or this link: https://registration.ghardytours.com/AdultTrip.aspx 
  2. Use the specific trip code for either the 7 night or 5 night trip 
  3. Occupancy: in the drop down menu indicate your rooming preference. Single and double occupancy options are available in the menu. If you require triple or quad occupancy, please indicate this in the 'Special Requests' section.
  4. Room mates: please indicate the name(s) of the people you intend to share a room with (friends or parents) in the 'Special Requests' field.  If you're unsure about the roommate situation, you can finalize that later.  
  5. Indicate your home school in the 'Special Requests' field as well please
  6. Indicate your parent/guardian's name as well so we can cross reference
  7. Indicate your method of payment when prompted
  8. The process takes about 8 minutes and must be repeated for every traveller   (grad, mom, dad, sibling, etc..). Just because you indicate a person as a room mate does NOT mean they are officially registered. We recognize this takes extra time, but we need to accurately capture every traveller's necessary details.  
  9. All communication about this trip will be via email to the address you provide at registration.  This includes invoices. Please provide the email you use (and check!) most regularly - or provide your parent's if you don't check email all that often! 

If you have questions please email the trip coordinator Daniela Montenegro at daniela@ghardytours.com or call the office. 

On behalf of the G/HARDY TOURS team, thank you for your interest and excitement.  We look forward to hosting you for an incredible family celebration dedicated to the 2024 graduates.

Bon Voyage! 

Kathleen Hardy
Vice President, Product Development & Luxury Experiences
G/HARDY TOURS Inc. 
www.ghardytours.com

Start

Day

Accommodation

Destination

Duration

Basis

Start

16 Mar 2024

day 0

Planet Hollywood Cancun Isla Blanca

7 nights

AI

16 Mar 2024

Key

AI: All Inclusive - Bed and All Meals

 

Isla Blanca: Planet Hollywood Cancun

Fast Facts

8 Days / 7 Nights

Reference Number: 24-52-CUN7 (7 night trip)

Price

BASE TOUR PRICE INCLUSIVE OF PRIVATE EVENT PACKAGE

7 Nights March 16-23, 2024* 
in Jr. Suite, Garden View room class  (1 King + sofa bed OR 2 Queen + sofa bed) 
$ 4,095.00 per person (double occupancy)
$ 3,995.00 per person (triple occupancy)
$ 3,895.00 per person (quad occupancy)
$ 4,850.00 per person (single occupancy, must be 18+)

BASE TOUR PRICE INCLUSIVE OF PRIVATE EVENT PACKAGE

5 Nights March 17-22, 2024*  SOLD OUT
in Jr. Suite, Garden view room class (1 King + sofa bed OR 2 Queen + sofa bed)
$ 3,895.00 per person (double occupancy)
$ 3,795.00 per person (triple occupancy)
$ 3,695.00 per person (quad occupancy)
$ 4,650.00 per person (single occupancy, must be 18+)

**Additional Room Classes Available: Please refer to the 'Room Options and Upgrades' document in the 'Documents' tab. There are two pages with tables for the 5 or 7 night trip.  Or click this link: https://wetu.com/Resources//Itineraries/16AA4984-FF2E-46E0-B308-74FC2E75376D/planet_hollywood_2024_room_upgrade_options5.pdf 

**Please indicate in the 'Special Requests' section of Step 1 on the registration form if you would like a suite or upgrade to Star Class. 

*Space is limited. When the allotment is filled, a waitlist will be implemented and availability will be on a request basis*

TO REGISTER:

1) Select the 'Book Now' button at the top right side of page or click this link https://registration.ghardytours.com/AdultTrip.aspx 
2) Enter trip code: 

  • 7 night trip: 24-52-CUN7

3) Complete one registration per traveller and submit

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 

  1. Non-refundable deposit: $700.00 due at the time registration 
  2. Final payment due November 17, 2023  (120 days before departure)

PAYMENT METHODS:

  • Payments can be made by cheque, or credit card including Visa and MasterCard
  • All payments are non-refundable

Includes:

  • Round trip economy airfare on Air Canada including departure taxes and fuel surcharges* (group ticket fare and conditions) 
  • 1 checked piece of luggage
  • Round-trip transportation Cancun airport-Resort
  • Accommodation at Planet Hollywood Resort (5 star) in Junior Suite, Garden View class
  • All Inclusive Meal & Drink Plan (AI)
  • Resort activities 
  • Activity Package for special G/HARDY TOURS private events organized exclusively for the group (value of $975.00)
  • Kathleen Hardy and staff onsite at Planet Hollywood to manage logistics, group activities, and host special events

Excludes:

  • Optional 'Ultimate' Premiere All Inclusive Insurance Plan: 
    • Click on 'Documents' tab for Youth and Adult Policy plans 
    • Insurance is STRONGLY recommended
    • Gold standard is the Ultimate Upgrade:  www.getreliable.com/direct/login.aspx?ag=ONTA150106
  • Motorized Water Sports at the resort 
  • Optional Upgrade to 'Star Class' at Planet Hollywood (enhanced lounge access, better premium alcohol, butler for dinner reservations, etc..) and different room classes
  • Optional activities:  golf, kitesurfing, dolphin swim, zipline canopy tour, etc..
  • Any activities at the resort with additional fees: Flowrider surf, video arcades, spa, etc.. 
  • Optional Rafa Nadal Tennis or Playa Mujeres Golf 
  • Gratuities: tips are greatly appreciated in Mexico.  US$1 and $5 bills are useful to have for tipping service people during the week
  • Mexico exit tax: as of 2021, Mexico added an exit tax at the Cancun airport.  Approx price: US$10 per person and is collected online via credit card or at an airport kiosk. More details on this tax to follow. 
  • Environmental tax (paid to the hotel at check-in)

Notes: 

  1. Group price is based on a minimum of 220 travellers. 
  2. Price increase is permitted if the minimum number of travellers is not reached. No price increases are permitted after the customer has paid in full. If the price increase is more than 7% the customer has the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund. 
  3. 'Activity Package' Price: if you book through a different travel provider, we reserve the right to increase the package fee as necessary. 
  4. Bed configuration: the resort has a limited number of rooms with two queen beds. The resort is responsible for allocating rooms based on overall resort occupancy levels and requirements. Due to the high number of triple and quad occupancy rooms in this group, the double queen bedded rooms will likely be reserved for rooms with more than two people. This means if you are two in a room, you can expect to share a King bed and/or use the pull-out bed that is standard in every room.  If you do NOT want to share a bed with your friend we suggest you book your room 'single occupancy'. 
  5. Living standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions there with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found in Canada. 
  6. Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel
    documents are complete. If you are a Canadian citizen, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico.  
  7. *Flight schedule and departure time is subject to change based on capacity and the airline

Isla Blanca: Planet Hollywood Cancun

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