In the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, VidantaWorld a company which owns and operates large beachside vacation destinations embarked on a bold venture to incorporate live performance into their entertainment portfolio. They built a state-of-the-art theater crafted with the singular purpose of hosting Cirque du Soleil’s new show JOYÀ. Vidanta and Cirque collaborated to build a permanent theater to host a show on their property. JOYÀ would introduce Cirque to Latin America with Vidanta building a theater onsite. For the past ten years, the room has filled with fans of Cirque’s unique mix of acrobats, tumblers, strong men and trapeze artists along with the central characters of the JOYÀ story.
This journey began with a partnership between VidantaWorld and Cirque du Soleil, aimed at bringing world-class entertainment to the Riviera Maya. Ivan Chavez, head of Vidanta, and Daniel Lamarre, former CEO of Cirque worked together to create a full Cirque show including a seated dinner prior to the performance. Both men are deeply engaged in pleasing their audience. Lamarre is a charming visionary with extensive experience delighting audiences. Chavez spends his time making sure that the Vidanta properties excel. Lamarre and Chavez both seek to provide their guests with the best possible experience knowing that is how you build a long term successful relationship with your customers. A simple example is the way in which all VidantaWorld employees are trained to place their right hand across their chest to cover their heart each time they interact with guests. This is an endearing signal of Vidanta’s commitment to service.
The Chavez family operates VidantaWorld, in several locations. The JOYÀ theater was built within their large property along the Riviera Maya coast, with numerous hotels, restaurants, a Jack Nicholas designed par three golf course, spas and a beach club. Chavez understands hospitality. His focus on making each guest feel special is the same as the way in which Cirque is attentive to the details of their shows. This is why the partnership between Ivan Chavez and Daniel Lamarre has been so successful.
JOYÀ has played for ten years at Vidanta. Cirque and Vidanta have recently announced they will build another theater at Vidanta’s upcoming Nuevo Vallarta location. This show, LUDÕ, will incorporate an aquarium fully visible to the audience so that Cirque performers whose performances include diving into a pool of water can be seen both above the water line, and below. Imagine watching an acrobat dive from a suspended trapeze into a pool within the stage, and then see how the dive team waiting below helps them exit from beneath the stage. Allowing the audience to witness it all will be ground breaking and original.
Chavez’ leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping Vidanta’s evolution. Vidanta have learned how to build large resorts with varied levels of elegance within. The newest property at Nuevo Vallarta planned to open in late 2025 will have a “luxury” theme park attached so that families can have a stress free experience.
Under Chavez’s direction, Vidanta has expanded. His leadership fostered a culture of creativity and excellence, ensuring Vidanta remains at the forefront of the luxury travel. Chavez’s collaboration with Cirque du Soleil has been pivotal in the success of shows like JOYÀ and the upcoming LUDÕ. Vidanta’s decision to bring Cirque as an option at Riviera Maya is an example of artistic and experiential risk taking succeeding.
The JOYÀ theater is designed like a theme park ride. The audience doesn’t just enter a hotel and turn left into a converted conference room. Instead, they enter via a promenade where the theater is perched on a hill within the Vidanta property. Ticket holders arrive and enter a transitional space as they walk a boardwalk placed alongside a lagoon. There are bars and displays along the way to the elevated theater entrance which made entering the building itself part of the adventure.
Also, unusual for Cirque, this theater serves a seated dinner while musicians perform for the first hour or so prior to when JOYÀ will be performed. There’s just something elegant about having an hour or so to settle in at your table and relax while you are served a multi-course dinner. After dessert is served, the lights dim and the performers take control.
JOYÀ and LUDÕ have a expert team behind them building must see performances in creative performance spaces. Success requires the hard work of many and the vision of a few. In this case, Daniel Lamarre and Ivan Chavez are well partnered. VidantaWorld and Cirque du Soleil together have created a facility dedicated to delivering joy. It’s working.
{ SOURCE: Eric Fuller – Forbes }
