Sniff, swirl, sip. “Do you see how this pour is more golden and has longer legs?”
Audrey Formisano, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa’s in-house tequileria was schooling us on the fine art of tequila tasting. Like how authentic champagne must originate from that region of France, real tequila must be produced in the state of Jalisco where the agave plant is cultivated and designated with a registered denomination of origin.
The in-house tequila sommelier helped the resort develop their own proprietary label, CasaMagna, as a way to educate guests on the flavors and produce of the region. They offer guided tequila tastings to introduce patrons to the finer nuances of the spirit, many of whom have no knowledge of the liquor beyond the occasional post-grad hangover or basic margarita.
People joke that knowing the “B” team—bouncers and bartenders—can help you get better service on vacation, but it’s actually the “C” folks, concierges, who have the real hookup. With a name that translates to “Keeper of the Keys,” concierges actually pre-date modern hotels and at one point were the literal right-hand man of the royal court on a mission to fulfill every whim and whimsy of His Highness. Today, a concierge’s job has evolved to focus on you, offering up the inside track to a destination while serving as connoisseurs of all things trending and luxury.
With more accommodation options than ever before, hotels have been forced to get even more creative and personalized to differentiate themselves. Check out what these concierges have to offer and you may just leave with a new hobby.