Cipriani to refurbish Mantra casino for LatAm's 1st luxury academy
The Cipriani Group continues to expand its footprint in the Punta del Este market with a proposal that combines high-level entertainment with specialized professional training. As construction progresses on the ambitious Cipriani Ocean Resort, Club Residences & Casino Punta del Este, the firm has expressed its intention to create the region's first International Academy of Luxury Hospitality and Gaming. To realize this educational project, the group plans to request authorization from the Uruguayan State to operate a casino room within the facilities of the former Mantra hotel, allowing the space to function as a practical training center under real operating conditions.
The educational proposal seeks to train professionals under ultra-luxury service standards, a category that could position Uruguay as a reference center for students from all over Latin America and abroad. The training would not be limited solely to gaming rooms but would cover critical industry areas such as five-star hospitality, high-end gastronomy, and customer service in international environments. By utilizing the infrastructure of the former Mantra hotel, which already has 110 rooms and the Harry’s Table restaurant, the project aims to integrate theoretical learning with direct experience in an established hospitality setting.
A key aspect for the viability of this initiative is the change in the legal landscape of the area. In a recent statement, the Cipriani Group recalled that in 2020, the contractual protection limiting the installation of new casino rooms near the Enjoy hotel expired. This clause established minimum investment levels that decreased over time, and its expiration opens the door to new ventures seeking to revitalize the gaming offerings in the resort. The rehabilitation of this space would allow for the recovery of an entertainment venue that previously operated under a mixed modality, adding diversity to the eastern market.
In parallel with the infrastructure plans, the human component has already begun to mobilize through local training initiatives. Recently, the Maldonado Municipality reported that more than 600 young people participated in an informational talk about the casino croupier career. This activity, called Talent Development and supported by the Directorate of Childhood, Adolescence, and Youth, was aimed at people between 18 and 26 years old. The massive interest from local youth demonstrates the project's potential to generate qualified employment and offer professional development opportunities within a sector that demands specific high-precision skills.
The profile required for Cipriani's future croupiers combines mental agility with a strong capacity for concentration. As explained by the training coordinators, applicants must possess a high level of arithmetic calculation and a high tolerance for pressure, decisive factors for managing international tables. In addition, traits such as extroversion, tact in dealing with customers, and the ability to maintain a conducive atmosphere during betting are valued. It is expected that in the coming months, applications will be formalized with the relevant authorities to determine the technical and legal viability of this new training and entertainment hub in Punta del Este.
Tags: Uruguay, Punta del Este, Punta del Este casinos, Cipriani Punta del Este, Cipriani casino, Mantra casino