Karisma is one of our favourite destination wedding properties in Mexico and now Nikki, one of our Cyber Maids of Honour, knows why. She just came back from her very first familiarization `Fam’ trip to perform a site inspection of Karisma’s Azul and El Dorado resorts in the Mayan Riviera.
Being a new agent, I was a little nervous about attending my first Fam trip at Karisma properties. I didn’t know what to expect except for the great things I heard at work about these hotels. Before leaving, I researched each property so I’d know a little more. However, once I arrived I realized no one, pictures or descriptions, could have prepared me for the beauty!
Each Karisma property has its own unique and special quality about it. These hotels are Gourmet Inclusive, from the food to the incredible service and this is all included at no extra cost to the guests.
I have been to resorts all over Mexico, Dominican and Cuba but this is the first time I was in complete awe of the entire appeal of this chain and what is has to offer clients. Although this is a five star chain, they have something to offer for anyone, in any age category. You can go there with your loved one for a romantic getaway or go away with the family and stay in one of the many family suites the Azul properties have to offer.
Just a few of the amenities and Gourmet Inclusive that each property has to offer are:
- Personalized check in, no waiting in line and a glass of champagne is awaiting your arrival.
- Beautifully decorated Jacuzzi’s in all suites.
- Spa services.
- Sky massages, massages over the ocean in one of the “Sky” beds.
- Full menu 24 hour room service.
- Turn down service.Aromatherapy menus.
- Pillow menus.
- Personal concierge services.
- All restaurants are “A la Carte” – no buffets and no reservations.
All of this and more is offered at each hotel and is catered to whatever suits you and your individual needs.
EL DORADO PROPERTIES (Adults only)
EL DORADO SEASIDE
This is the hotel that I stayed in while on my Fam trip and I had an entire day to look around the hotel to become familiar with it before the other agents got here.
When I first arrived, I was expecting a huge lobby with a front desk to check me in. But to my surprise, it was a small but welcoming entrance where I was greeted with my glass of champagne and then they checked me in personally at a small desk with my personal concierge. It was different than anything I was used to but it made it a very personal and somewhat romantic welcoming.
My room was nothing like I had stayed in before. The basic rooms are all suites, and where I stayed, it was anything but basic! It had a 4 post canopy bed, a flat screen TV, double sinks for him and her, a large stand up shower, and my favourite, the Jacuzzi tub with curtains all around it. I loved it!
There are 282 suites at this hotel each with a Jacuzzi tub, marble or Mexican tiles, safety deposit boxes, and every suite has a terrace or balcony. The swim up suites were my favourite, I only hope to be able to stay in one someday! Each one has a lazy river that is right outside your hotel room on your balcony. Another first for me!
The property itself is located along a white sandy beach that has a coral reef directly in front of it. The Karisma resorts are going “green” and the reef is protected so no guests are able to swim directly in the coral to destroy it.
There were a few weddings on property while I was there, but unfortunately, I didn’t get to see them. The wedding locations are set on the beach with a beautiful gazebo, set up with whatever colour design you like with as many of your closest family and friends as you like. This hotel caters to couples who want to go away for a romantic vacation or just to get away from it all.
By the way, the El Dorado Seaside has also been awarded by Forbes Magazine as one of the top ten romantic hotels in the world. After my visit, I’m not surprised!
EL DORADO MAROMA
This beachfront boutique hotel is situated on Maroma beach and has been voted one of the best beaches in the world. When I walked into this hotel I didn’t quite know what to think. This quaint tiny hotel has just 72 suites and with the hotel being 94% full, you could hardly tell anyone was there!
Walking around this property and feeling all it has to offer, you quickly fall in love with it. The resort is split into 2 sections. One section is the beachfront suites and the other section is the infinity pool Jacuzzi suites. All suites are ocean view!
They have the “Aguas del Amor” (outdoor showers) that you and your loved one can enjoy and shower together under the stars. The quietness and calmness of this hotel is something that I would recommend to those who want a nice romantic vacation like no other, or those that are looking to travel for their anniversary to rekindle that old magic.
It is the perfect location to get married or to renew your vows, the beach has the softest sand I have ever felt in my life, and the marina next door just adds to the perfect appeal of this hidden gem.
EL DORADO ROYAL
This is the largest of the El Dorado resorts. The resort has 644 suites in 10 categories, even though that seems like a lot it’s set up so you don’t even notice all the people.
This hotel has many services and amenities that the others don’t. For weddings, they have a beachfront wedding chapel; it’s beautiful and perfect for those who wish to have a catholic wedding. They have Casita suites, all with oceanfront views and outdoor showers, high ceilings, full bath and shower, ocean view Jacuzzi and balconies with an exterior double bed!
A couple of the other highlights is the Fuentes restaurant and the Martini bar. Fuentes is an open-concept restaurant with 2 big screen TVs situated above the kitchen where you can watch the chef cook and prepare your dinner live! The Martini bar is classy and elegant and has over 30 different types of vodka to choose from.
The wedding locations at this hotel are just as romantic and beautiful as the others. I recommend any of the El Dorado properties to those who want a true romantic experience for their special day.
One of the most surprising aspects of these properties is how “green” they really are. At the front of the El Dorado Royal they have their very own greenhouse. This greenhouse supplies all the Karisma hotels with fresh vegetables and herbs that they use in all of their restaurants!
Some of the crops are tomatoes, cucumbers, green and yellow peppers, cilantro, basil and spinach. Depending on the time of year they can produce 8 to 16 gallons of crops per month for the hotels!
AZUL PROPERTIES (family hotels)
All Azul properties include:
- Personal concierge service.
- All “A la carte” restaurants, no reservations required.
- Gourmet baby food and kids menus.
- Unique baby products upon request, such as: cribs, high chairs, baby milk heaters, strollers, baby bathrobes and towels, and refrigerators for medicine and milk.
- Suites to suit all guests’ needs.
- Beautiful beaches.
- Exquisite wedding locations.
AZUL BEACH
This hotel is situated on the sands of the Bahia Petempich. It is also a boutique property that only has 98 rooms and an excellent choice for those who have a family or for those who are getting married that have young children attending the wedding.
For instance, the children are greeted with a welcome drink of a chocolate milkshake and a kinder egg!
The hotel has 2 room categories, superior and deluxe, and there are no Jacuzzi’s at this resort. All rooms are beachfront and are just steps away from the Bahia Petempich. This property is personable and a great way to introduce your young ones to the vacation process with the club “Azulitos” that caters to all kids and their needs at any age.
The hotel also has a unique Tequilla lounge with over 40 different types of tequila (for those nights without the young ones). They have culinary activities for all to enjoy such as a picnic, fish market and a beach barbeque.
I recommend this resort to those who want a nice quiet vacation with their children but also want to have a relaxing vacation with their partner.
AZUL SENSATORI
The moment I stepped into the lobby of this hotel I knew it was something special – I was blown away by the design and appeal! This hotel is designed by the suites they offer, the cuisine and the beautiful views.
There are 13 room categories at this property, including luxury Jacuzzi suites with rainforest shower heads. The spa is directly above the lobby area and is 10,000 sq ft, it is one of the most beautiful spas I have ever seen – the pedicure and manicure stations alone are unlike anything else!
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this hotel is the kids and teen clubs:
Azulito club (6mth – 5 yr)
- Sponsored by fisher price
- Themed play groups
- Beach story time
- Nap time beds
Kids club (4- 12 yr)
- Daily activities
- Movie theatre in club
- Gymnastic equipment
- Rock climbing
- Air hockey table
- Spash park playground
Teen club
- Rock climbing
- Billards, air hockey
- Arcade room
- Dance club
- Internet centre
- Play station, X box
The hotel has 438 suites that are located in 4 story buildings. There is an adult-only section, as well as, the family section which has suites that can have up to 3 children and 2 adults with connecting rooms!
The restaurants are so unique, that they even have a “molecular” dining experience at Le Chique, as well as a frozen tequila bar!
The most fascinating part of the Azul Sensorati has to be the “Sky Wedding” experience. Situated on the roof of the hotel, there is a beautiful gazebo overlooking the ocean as you say your vows. This is the perfect place to say “I Do” on your perfect day.
For those who may be scared of heights, they have another location located on the beach right at the ocean where you and your loved one can say “I Do” at sunrise or sunset on this stunning beach.
WHAT KARISMA HAS TO OFFER FOR WEDDINGS
- Affordable wedding packages catered to any couple’s needs.
- Dedicated wedding coordinators at each property.
- Availability to perform catholic ceremonies.
- A variety of wedding locations.
- Variety of private event areas for dinners, cocktails parties and receptions.
- Variety of colour schemes, flowers, décor.
- Beautiful beachfront gazebos.
I highly recommend the Karisma properties to anyone, couples, families, newlyweds or those who are getting married it is an experience that you will never forget and one that you will cherish forever!
Are you considering a Mayan Riviera destination wedding now that you’ve read Nikki’s Karisma report? Stay tuned for some of the upcoming testimonial Tuesday posts, including Anguilla, Jamaica and St. Lucia!
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