Hard Rock International (HRI) has confirmed plans to open three new all-inclusive branded hotels in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya, Mexico, over the course of 2012.

It follows the signing of a new agreement with Palace Resorts LLC for the conversion of the properties into Hard Rock Hotels, commencing with Hard Rock Cancun early next year.

The 601-bedroom Hard Rock Cancun will boast five restaurants; five bars and lounges; and a spa with outdoor palapa-style massage areas, as well as an "expansive poolscape".

Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta is also due to open during the first half of 2012 and is to include two swimming pools; a spa area; four restaurants and four bars; and a Moon Lounge.

Elsewhere, Hard Rock Riviera Maya will combine two Palace Resorts properties - Aventura Cove Palace and Aventura Spa Palace - and is due to open in the second half of 2012.

The 489-bedroom Aventura Cove Palace will be transformed to boast a dinner theatre venue; swimming pools; four bars; and family-friendly facilities such as a teen club.

Meanwhile, the 777-bedroom adults-only Aventura Spa Palace, which will also be rebranded, currently incorporates a spa with a total of 75 treatment rooms and offering the signature Temazcal treatment.

Other spa facilities include two pressure showers; a regular and a herbal steamroom; plunge pools; and a dry sauna, along with four Swiss showers and a foot whirlpool.

The rebranded hotel will offer spa facilities alongside a number of swimming pools, including a grotto pool providing a night-time club experience; four restaurants; and four bars.

HRI executive vice president, hotels and casinos, Michael Shindler said: "Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya are perennially popular Mexican vacation spots and a natural draw for Hard Rock patrons.

"Our growing presence in Latin America, sparked by the upcoming Hard Rock Panama Megapolis, reflects the brand's broader international growth strategy as evidenced across regions such as Europe and the Middle East."

Details: www.hardrockhotels.com