Resort Review: El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma | Riviera Maya, Mexico

Dining on the beach at El Dorado Seaside Suites

Continuing with our trip in Mexico, we are off now to El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma.  An adults-only resort, El Dorado Seaside Suites promises luxury, privacy, romance, sun, and sand at their Gourmet Inclusive boutique resort named by Forbes.com as one of the most romantic hotels in the world.  Whether you share a picnic lunch overlooking the azure Caribbean, indulge in some champagne under the stars, or enjoy a signature Beachfront Sky Massage, you can do it together and wonderfully at El Dorado Seaside Suites.  Just over an hour from the airport in Cancun, if you are looking for seclusion, this resort definitely delivers.

Located on the secluded beach of Kantenah in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma offers an unrivaled combination of relaxation and sophistication.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  El Dorado Seaside Suites features 378 suites including the Premium section.

Choose from Jacuzzi Junior Suites, Luxury Jacuzzi Junior Suites, Beachfront Jacuzzi Junior Suites, Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suites, or an amazing Royale Suite, Royal Swim Up Suite, or Presidential Studio.

Swim Up Suite

All Junior Suites include a Jacuzzi for two, air conditioning, ceiling fan, king size or double bed, marble or Mexican tiled floors, private shower, satellite TV, DVD player, minibar with beers, water and soft drinks (refilled once a day), coffee maker, hair dryer, safety deposit box, iron and ironing board, umbrella. Every Suite has a terrace or balcony with chairs.

Royal Suites and Royal Swim Up have the following features and amenities:
Features: King Size bed, Jacuzzi, Safety deposit box, Hair Dryer, Private bathroom, Air conditioning, Ceiling fan, Direct dialing telephone, Plasma TV with Satellite service, DVD Player, Coffee Maker, Minibar with beer, water & soft drinks, juices and chocolates, Licour dispensers in each room (Whisky, Vodka, Tequila & Rum), 2 bottles of wine (Red & White), bottle of sparkling white wine, fruit basket, iron & ironing board, umbrella, digital scale, Premium Pillow Menu, Aromatherapy Menu, bathrobes and slippers.

Additional services included for Royale Suite and Royal Swim Up:

• Nightly turn down service
• 24 hour premium room service menu
• Butler service
• A private candle light dinner on the beach (minimum 3 nights stay)
• Reservation at the restaurants
• In-suite Wi-Fi Internet included
• Snorkeling equipment

Presidential Studio (photo courtesy of Karisma Hotels + Resorts)

The Presidential Studio is the epitome of luxury and pampering at this resort.  The romantically designed Presidential Studio features a master bedroom, living room with plasma screen, DVD/CD player, DVD menu, in-suite ocean view Jacuzzi for two, Bvlgari amenities kit, bathrobes and slippers, turn down service every night, pillow menu, aromatherapy, safety deposit box, telephone, daily stocked minibar, coffee and espresso maker, 24 hours room service, bottle of sparkling wine and fresh flowers upon arrival, premium liquors in the room, and free Wi-Fi.

Enjoy the large front patio with either your own private swimming pool or infinity pool and also the designated beach area with chaise lounges, private beach beds, and an ocean view palapa dining area.
Additional amenities for entertainment are also available; such as table games, personal snorkel equipment, iPod docking station, international magazines and daily newspaper. Concierge service is available between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and Personal Butler Service is available for your needs between 7:00am and 11:00pm.

To keep you pampered with Presidential treatment throughout your stay, your private butler will be able to arrange for you the following services: private dinner in-suite or a moonlight beach dinner prepared by a personal world-class chef, in-suite afternoon tea every day at 5:00 pm, in-suite private wine and tequila tasting, an aromatherapy menu and pillow menu, a bath aroma menu, preferred access to all the restaurants & Spa, premium magazines and newspaper provided, limo non-stop transfer to/from the airport*.

Premium Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suite (photo courtesy of Karisma Hotels + Resorts)

The Premium section offers Premium Jacuzzi Junior Suites (80) and Premium Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suites (16).  Designed in contemporary Caribbean style, with dark wood accents, all equipped with air conditioning, king size, 32″ LCD TV, DVD player, iPod docking station radio/alarm, in suite jacuzzi, safety deposit box, minibar restocked once a day with water, sodas, beer, iron and ironing board, coffee and tea maker, direct dialing telephone, deluxe bathrobes, marble bathroom, amenity kit, hair dryer, double sink and vanity mirror. Upgraded amenities and services: Premium pillow menu, DVD lending program with popcorn, private area concierge, exclusive pool area with pool butler service.

GOURMET INCLUSIVE PACKAGE FEATURES:

• Accommodations as selected.
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine.
• All gourmet meals and specialty bites.
• Unlimited local and selection of international premium brands, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Once daily restocked minibar with soft drinks, water and beers (juices & snacks only in Premium section).
• Daily and nightly activity program with live music and night entertainment.
• Use of in-room safety deposit box.
• Non-motorized water sports: kayak and snorkeling gear.
• Beach towel service.
• Bathrobes.
• Scuba clinics in the pool.
• Three fresh water swimming pools (includes two relax pools).
• A hard surface tennis court (not floodlighted). Rackets and balls provided free of charge at the front desk

• Fitness center
• Sauna and steam bath at the Spa
• Activities: Beach volleyball, aquaerobics, salsa lessons, seasonal yoga/stretching sessions
• 24 hour room service

GOURMET INCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS:

Whether you’re looking for a snack, a quick lunch, or an intimate dinner for two, the plentiful options at El Dorado Seaside Suites will more than accommodate your needs.

Entrance to Arrecifes

Arrecifes – Caribbean restaurant: If you’re in the mood for fresh ceviche, curried shrimp, or Jamaican shrimp, Arrecifes will definitely meet your needs.  Enjoy lunch or dinner in air conditioned comfort from 11 am until 11 pm.

Sandwicherie

Sandwicherie – Bites & more: Wood burning oven pizzas served to order and a selection of Angus burgers, gourmet bites among other appetizing Mexican “botana” preparations.

Vida Garden Grill

Vida Garden Grill – Latin Fusion cuisine: Enjoy the colorful presentations from an extensive a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere situated in a spring garden.

Klay Talay – Wok cuisine & Hibachi terrace: Enjoy Asian favorites either indoor or outdoor on the rooftop deck. Featuring a hibachi terrace, guests can have an exceptional dining experience under the
starry Caribbean sky grilling their own yakitori on the charcoal, in addition to a full a la carte menu.

La Carreta

La Carreta – authentic Mexican cuisine: Enjoy a meal of local a la carte authentic Mexican Gourmet cuisine. Dishes include traditional seasonings and garden fresh herbs and vegetables.

Mia Casa

Mia Casa – contemporary Italian cuisine: Enjoy all of your Italian favorites in either indoor, air-conditioned dining as well as al fresco seating overlooking the illuminated tropical gardens.

Limonero – World Cuisine: Guests can enjoy a lavish food display featuring cooking stations for breakfast as well as a full a la carte menu. The a la carte dinner menu features  options to satisfy even the most discerning diners.

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have lunch while touring El Dorado Seaside Suites and imagine my surprise when the server presented me with a special veggie menu.  If you have special dietary needs, the answer is a resounding “Yes,” they can accommodate your needs!

My salad was beautifully presented and was almost too pretty to eat, but don’t worry — I did!

Someone next to me allowed me to take a picture of their lunch, which was a salmon entree with risotto and vegetables.

Nothing beats dinner for two under the stars near the ocean.  Can you think of anything better?

Maybe lounging by the beach comfortably under a palapa?  I could certainly run to one of those right now!

GOURMET INCLUSIVE BARS:  Looking for a drink?  Don’t worry… you won’t have far to go with the many choices available.

Guacamayas

Guacamayas: Come enjoy cold Mexican beers, cheladas, exotic cocktails and aged Tequila while listening to tropical music under a traditional palapa and relaxing on a bar swing.  Open: 9:00 am – 2:00 am

Cotorros – I just LOVE the bar swings!

Cotorros: Enjoy the breeze of the ocean while sitting in the outdoor lounge and enjoying your favorite drink. Located at the relaxing pool, beside La Carreta. Open: 9:00am – 11:00 pm

SWIM UP BARS:
Arrecifes Swim-Up Bar: Swim-up pool bar offering a wide variety of drinks. Located in the main pool.
Open: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Colibri Swim-Up Bar: Swim-up pool bar offering a wide variety of cocktails  and drinks. Located next to villa 35.  Open: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Gaviotas Swim-Up Bar and Lounge: This swim up bar and relax area is located in the  heart of the hotel where one can enjoy the sounds of the waterfall as well as singing birds. Open: 10:00 am-6:00 pm

La Cantina (photo courtesy of Karisma Hotels + Resorts)

La Cantina: This tequila bar features a wide selection of Tequilas and creative Tequila cocktails, located under the thatched roof inside of La Carreta Restaurant. Open: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Garcita – Swim up bar, bar, and gourmet corner: Enjoy gourmet bites at Garcitas located in the Premium Section pool, access reserved to guests staying at the Premium Section only.
Open: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Gourmet bite service from 12:00noon to 3:00 pm

Mezcalito – Lobby bar: Located at the main lobby, Mezcalito Bar honors Mezcal, a traditional Mexican liquor. Choose from a variety of top shelf liquors, including Mezcal, as well as virgin cocktails. Enjoy a lazy afternoon or after dinner drink while listening to soft tones of Mexican & Latin music. Open: 12:00 pm to 2:00 am

POOLS AND BEACH:  El Dorado Seaside Suites won’t let you down when it comes to their pools. However, some people might not especially like the artificial reef constructed off the beach.  But it’s there for a reason and that is to preserve the beach.  Without it, well, there wouldn’t be one and I’m sure they want to have a resort that is operational over time.  You can walk on the sand, but you can see the rocks immediately upon entry.  Can you swim in it?  Yes, you can although it is probably best to pack swim shoes and don’t expect it to be deep as it isn’t.

Don’t forget to jump in one of the pools sometime during the day to relax and cool off from the ever present and hot Mexican sun.

Something that stuck out to me was the thoughtfulness of the amenity baskets by the pool bar.  You can help yourself not only to books or magazines, but also suntan lotion.  Not cheap lotion, but the good stuff so you don’t end up burning and ruining an otherwise amazing vacation.

The pool is surrounded by comfortable cabanas.  So comfortable, you might not want to leave.  That is, unless you decide to pay a visit to the Spa.

Naay Spa

NÂAY SPA: Inspired by Mayan and worldwide traditions, philosophies, and modern techniques, the spa has created a selection of treatments that restore one’s inner, natural state of balance.  The Nâay Spa was designed around the Mayan principles of the balance of the four elements, Fire, Earth, Water and Wind.

Nâay Spa lobby area

All of the treatments, the spa facilities, the individual massage rooms, and even the lobby represent these elements, from the trees that are at the entrance, to the colors and materials used to decorate to the beauty products they use.

Signature Treatment: Try a relaxing Kukulcan massage created to pamper your body with different massage techniques using natural oils derived from the benefits of Mexican herbal therapy and “Guajes”, a traditional massage accessory. Lomi-Lomi, Reflexology, Shiatsu and Swedish techniques are the perfect combination for your relaxation.

Temazcal

Temazcal: This ancient Mexican traditional steam bath symbolizes Mother Earth and the power of the elements of water, fire, air and earth uniting to purify the body, mind and spirit in one of the most ancient rituals on earth.

One of the many Nâay Spa treatment rooms

Massages: Relaxing and anti-stress, Swedish, sports, reflexology, shiatsu and Beachfront Sky Massages.

Relax inside…

or outside in one of the relaxation areas at Nâay Spa

Facials: Deep cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing, revitalizing and oxygenating.
Special body treatments: Exfoliating body scrub, milk bath, thermal mud massage, Royale deluxe.
Beauty salon: Manicure, pedicure, braiding, makeup, nails, waxing.

If you’re looking to get away from it all with your significant other and spend a few days or a few weeks relaxing, consider a trip to El Dorado Seaside Suites.  Although a distance from the airport and major tourist sites (Chichen-Itza is 169 miles away, Playa del Carmen is 17 miles away, Tulum is 22 miles away, Xcaret is 13 miles away, and Xel-Ha is 17 miles away), if you are not looking to be so much of a tourist, but instead want to spend some quality time with that special person in your life while also working on your tan, this might be the resort for you.

El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma
Address: Km 95 Carretera Cancún – Tulum Kantenah
Riviera Maya, Q.Roo 77710, México
Website: El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma