A Snapshot of the Karisma Resorts – Wow What Great Properties They Have! (all the better to relax and unwind my dear…ok I’m done)

When I was in the Riviera Maya this year for my birthday, staying at the El Dorado Casitas Royale, I had the privilege of checking out all of the other Karisma resorts.  I was really impressed with each of their properties and I think I will be forever ruined for any future “all-inclusive” vacations because it’s going to be pretty hard to top these resorts.  I personally have never stayed at an all-inclusive that is at the calibre of these resorts.  Yes I have stayed at super high luxury hotels, but none that were your “all-inclusive” vacation. 

Generally, when I think of an all-inclusive vacation I think of a care-free, easy, relaxing trip where you really don’t need to use one brain cell if you don’t want to for the whole week.  It’s a great type of vacation to recharge your batteries when you are totally burnt out from work or just your everyday life/routine.  But when it comes to the meals, all I can think of is mediocre food with maybe some pleasant surprises and buffets as the eyes can see.  It still can be satisfying but like I said in a previous blog, I’ve never come away from an all-inclusive meal saying “wow…that was an amazing dinner!”  At the Karisma resorts, you’ll get the care-free, easy, relaxing vacation but in a truly beautiful, luxurious environment with amazing staff & service PLUS gourmet dining!!! 

Yes I said it…all-inclusive gourmet dining!  What?  Is that an oxymoron?!  Nope…I speak the truth!  You definitely get a gourmet meal every time you eat.  Karisma certainly hypes up the, what they call, “Gourmet Inclusive”.  To be honest, I was trying not to get my hopes up about their food prior to getting there as I have been to my fair share of AI’s so I wasn’t expecting the world when it came to their food.  I was pleasantly surprised...the food was AMAZING!!!!  Gourmet Inclusive all the way!

Ok…so the food is AMAZING, the staff are fantastic, the grounds are beautiful and luxurious.  This description of the Karisma resorts definitely rings true for each of the 6 properties but they all have their differences and definitely cater to various types of people and vacationers.  One thing that is for certain, in my opinion, Karisma resorts are definitely a cut above the rest. 

There are two different types of resorts within the Karisma family, El Dorado which is adults only and Azul’s which cater to families (babies all the way up to teens). 

El Dorado Maroma

With only about 75 rooms (currently looking to increase this to around 100), this is the most intimate of the El Dorado resorts and it provides its guests with a beautiful romantic setting.  The Maroma is great for those who love the beach as it has a nice long stretch of beach where you can walk for kilometres on end.  This is an adults only property but the age limit actually starts at 16+ here.  All of the other El Dorado’s are 18+.  Right next door to the resort is a marina so the guests have access to all of the water sports that are offered there.   I see this as a honeymoon resort or couples just looking for a fun romantic getaway.   It also can be great for families with older children looking for a quiet vacation but still want adventurous activities, which the marina can offer.

El Dorado Seaside Suites

Very romantic with little areas around the resort to relax and enjoy an intimate setting.  There are hammocks everywhere!  The resort is called the Seaside suites for a reason…none of the suites are really that far away from the beach.    A great new addition to the resort is an absolutely amazing spa full with a fantastic hydrotherapy spa circuit. They built the new spa in a secluded area of the resort which really gives it an extra special serene feeling.  I would definitely recommend this resort to couples.  In my opinion, this is one of the Karisma resorts that is really geared for couples and couples alone.

The new hydrotherapy circuit (no water yet...but fully open now)

 

 

El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Casitas Royale

This is where I stayed for the week and absolutely loved it (have a look at my previous blog just before this one).  The resort really caters to all different types of people.  I saw everything from couples, girlfriend getaways, honeymooners, people celebrating birthdays to anniversaries to couples getting married and their wedding posse.  This is an 18+ resort so it is for everyone except children.  I definitely recommend the Casitas section as it provides you with what feels like a resort within a resort.  It's a more secluded part of the resort with extra amenities.  For example, you get your own concierge, pool side service, luxurious loungers and each Casitas section has a more private pool setting each with their own pool bartender.  The casitas suites are beautiful, as you can see from the pictures below.

One thing that I thought that was an interesting tid bit of information was that the El Dorado Royale has a greenhouse where they grow their own produce.  This greenhouse actually grows enough produce that they are able to supply all of their resorts with their own veggies, herbs and fruits.    

 

So before I get into the details of each of the Azul resorts, I just want to say how I was soooo blown away with how they cater to babies and children.  I know all you moms and dads out there have a love hate relationship with traveling with the little ones.  The amount of stuff that you need to pack for them is really just ridiculous.  From the bottles, to the strollers, to the bottle warmers, toys, food…the list goes on and on and on!  Now get this…Azul resorts provides you with all of these things!  If you don’t want to bring it you don’t have to.  These guys even carry a full assortment of Gerber baby food…pure genius I say!  So if there is any hesitation on bringing your baby, these are definitely the resorts to think of as THEY have thought of everything when it comes to a relaxing vacation with your little one.
 
Azul Fives

If you are traveling with a large group or family this is definitely a great option.  There are suites that have up to 3 rooms, a full kitchen and roof top terrace which are quite awesome.  These suites would  be perfect for family reunions as well as they can sleep up to 8 guests and a fair amount of the entertaining could be done up on the roof top terrace.  If being close to town is important to you when choosing a hotel, this would also be a good option as the Azul Fives is only about 10 mins from Playa del Carmen.  This property was probably my least favourite out of the Azul’s as I didn’t find the overall feel of the resort as welcoming as the others, but it still has some great features. Remember, this is just my opinion and I'm comparing it to all of the other Azul properties, not the other all-inclusives out there.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Azul Beach

 

This was my favourite of the Azul properties.  They have gone through a lot of renovations recently that have made this hotel stand out from the other Azul resorts.  I would definitely consider it your more boutique style hotel that would be great for couples with infants or small children.  It's also a perfect option for a romantic getaway or a relaxing girlfriend retreat.  The only thing that is missing from this resort is a full service spa.  But…that is the next item on the list for the renos.  They will be adding a spa within the next year or so.  They still do offer massages on the beach or in your room…so still great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Azul Sensatori

This is one of the larger resorts that caters to families but I would say that this resort is best for families with teenagers.  I would also think that this is a good option for groups of friends.  It definitely felt like the resort where the action is.  They have a really cool molecular restaurant that offers a completely different dining experience.  It’s actually an adult’s only restaurant which I think is nice that they give their guests the option of a kid free meal.  There is also an adult section of the hotel for those guests looking to have a slightly quieter vacation experience. 

Teen Lounge

When I was visiting all of these resorts, weddings were happening all around in each property.  They are definitely the "thing to do" at Karisma resorts!  And really…you can’t go wrong with having your wedding at any of the properties.  The resorts just ooze romance!  Beautiful settings, great service, fantastic food…sounds like a good wedding to me! 

If you want to check out some more pics of these resorts, feel free to have a look through my facebook page.  Click here for more photos

So as you can see, all of the Karisma resorts are fantastic in their own way and really provide a wonderful carefree holiday experience in a beautiful atmosphere.  Which one can you picture yourself at???


If My Passport Could Talk...
                                           "Not liking this cold weather!  Take me back to the El Dorado Casitas!!!"