|
by Barbara Penny Angelakis
El Dorado Seaside Suites
Riviera Maya
Mexico
http://www.karismahotels.com
The concept is neither new nor unique but, as in all creative endeavors, it’s the distinctive expression of the idea that makes it stand out from the crowd. Such is the Gourmet Inclusive package concept at the properties that Karisma Hotels manages and operates in Riviera Maya, the Mexican Caribbean coastline running south of Cancun in the Yucatan peninsula. Gourmet Inclusive translates into Karisma style, and sets them way ahead of the competition; it’s what makes Karisma properties a vacation destination extraordinaire!
We recently visited two of the Karisma resorts, El Dorado Seaside Suites and Azul Beach. This review will report on Seaside Suites, and Azul Beach will be covered in  next months magazine hotel review. Also watch for the opening of a new Karisma property being developed in the area that will build on the successful Gourmet Inclusive Karisma style and promises to offer its clientele even greater indulgences.
El Dorado Seaside Suites is roughly an hour’s drive from the modern air conditioned and surprisingly efficiently operated Cancun airport. Our instructions were to exit the airport after we collected our luggage and look for the car service representative that would transport us to the hotel. As experienced world travelers you can imagine our apprehension when we were approached as soon as we exited the baggage area by a young man claiming to want to help us navigate the airport. Yeah right, I thought what’s his hustle? But should you have a similar experience rest easy since the pleasant young man turned out to be a legit representative of the airport. All their members, both male and female, speak clear English, wear an identification tag around their neck and are dressed in dark pants, white shirt and matching ties. They will give you free maps and information on the area and its attractions and direct you to transportation or help you obtain tours or accommodations. This represents a dramatic improvement in the normally chaotic introduction to a foreign destination and although we did not pause long enough to get the name of the sponsoring  agency, kudos goes to the brains behind this enterprise.
El Dorado Seaside Suites has a gated entrance, requiring identification before entering, that gave me a sense of exclusivity and privacy. At the hotel entrance we were greeted warmly, ushered into the open air lobby and handed a glass of Champaign to refresh us while we acclimated to our environment, were registered and given the specifics of the property.
The hotel consists of a series of two story buildings situated in such a way as to maximize sea views. The newest edition to the property is a suite complex that offers a pool-water exit through the balcony so that you can literally climb out of bed and into the pool. Since 24 hour gourmet room service is offered, one of the delights of Gourmet Inclusive, you can dine in style and spend your entire vacation without leaving the comfort of your spacious room, if you wish. But to my thinking that would be a shame, because you would miss the meandering paths through  gardens heavy with blossoms of every hue, leading to the restaurants and bars and the beach and turquoise sea beyond.
El Dorado Seaside Suites is a romantic adult exclusive, age 18 and above property, specializing in wedding and anniversary packages (see my Wedding Vows article in the Destinations segment). In keeping with this ambiance, discreetly scattered throughout the property, along the garden paths and beach, are hammocks, beach beds and lounges for two. The beach beds are a special treat for couples since you can relax in the shade whilst listening to the sound of the waves; enjoy cocktails, lunch or a moonlit dinner, or even sleep on the beach… wherever your desire leads you, the friendly and helpful staff at Seaside Suites is happy to accommodate. Want a massage overlooking the beach by day or a couple’s moonlit massage after dinner… no problem. In fact Seaside Suites is expanding its Spa facility to include all the  latest state-of-the-art treatments.
And speaking of the staff, they are present without being intrusive and do their utmost to enhance the romantic nature of the resort. Everyday our resort-standard king size bed was made-up and decorated with a heart or swan or other charming form fashioned out of hand towels and sprinkled with flower petals. In the afternoon, a bubble bath festooned with rose petals was prepared in the double sized Jacuzzi, romantically situated en suite and strategically placed by the glass balcony doors to afford a sea view. The spacious rooms are what we would consider junior suites with all the usual modern amenities, including lovely size-appropriate bathrobes and slippers, Bvlgari bath products, and are decorated appropriate to a deluxe beach resort. Plus, each room has a generous sized balcony equipped with a hammock and chairs.
Being on a honeymoon or vacation it’s still nice to learn something new and Paulino Emiliano, the gregarious and good natured General Manager, sees to it that you have distractions if you want them. You are invited to hands on cooking classes and cocktail making instruction; massage lessons; dance demonstrations and lessons; exercise classes; evening entertainment; and tequila, Mexico’s national drink, tasting.
And of course there is the food. Chef Efraín Árias Castañeda has created a gourmet menu using a combination of traditional and fusion cooking with overtones of Mexican spices and accompaniments to make his creations a delicious adventure in dining.  His presentations are always accompanied by ohs and ahs followed by eye rolling and big smiles. Two of Chef Efraín’s recipes can be found in the Cook’s Corner section. But for the overall quality and excellence of the kitchen we must compliment Jeroen Hanlo, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Karisma Hotels, and his considerable talents. Having been a Chef of note at top restaurants around the world Jeroen settled in Riviera Maya and brings his  expertise and management excellence to the Karisma properties.
If you are looking for a scenic, romantic hide-a-way where you are pampered and catered to, where you can do what you want, whenever you want to, where you are encouraged to live out your romantic fantasies, then Ed Dorado Seaside Suites is the place for you.
Have a great time, you deserve it!
© August 2006 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
|
