The Mexican Riviera Maya
El Dorado Seaside Suites
The Mexican Riviera Maya continues to be one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. This burgeoning resort area now has a variety of properties for almost any budget. This month I flew to Cancun then drove south to the Riviera Maya area for a Travel Agents Honeymoon Inspection Trip. I visited 12 resorts and found in general, the accommodations plush and the service and food at a high standard.
One of the real highlights was the El Dorado Seaside Suites. This 'adults only' property, owned and built by Karisma Hotels & Resorts, reflects the style of an elegant honeymoon hide-a-way. Three nights were enough to convince me, that any honeymoon couple would be very happy with the food, service and atmosphere, for it is a beach-lovers paradise.
The property is relaxing, yet remains stylish; you may be barefoot and elegant all at once. With four-post beds, hammocks, and hot tubs, each room is a suite - and just a few steps from the beach. In fact, Forbes named El Dorado Seaside Suites one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean.
The 3-hour non-stop flights from St. Louis are operated by charter companies during most of the year. The Cancun airport is modern and well-appointed with an easy flow through customs. Departures can be congested and take a little longer, so give yourself enough time. Passports are required.
The El Dorado Seaside Suites is located about an hour south of the Cancun airport in an area known as the Mexican Riviera Maya. Twenty years ago this was a sparsely populated area, but in the last few years, several upscale resorts have been constructed and the Riviera Maya has become a mecca for travelers, honeymooners and destination weddings. This coastal area of Mexico is blest with all the ingredients for a sun-lover's dream honeymoon; warm climate, powder sandy beaches and turquoise blue water.
Every hotel is well-equipped with shops and boutiques. Additionally, Playa del Carmen located in the middle of the Riviera Maya, boasts shopping streets, night life, restaurants and cantinas. English and the US Dollar are well received.
AT THE EL DORADO - El Dorado Seaside Suites is an all-suite resort, with 196 Jr. Suites available in 5 categories: Garden View, Ocean View, Ocean Front, Jacuzzi and Swim-up Jacuzzi. All suites are just a short stroll to the beach regardless of category.
All Jr. Suites have contemporary Mexican-inspired décor with all the comforts of home, marble or Mexican tile, satellite TV, DVD/CD player, mini-bar, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, safety deposit box, living room and a terrace with hammock and chairs.
A variety of options await - with four restaurants serving a' la Carte. Arrecifes offers international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks throughout the day and a menu which changes daily. LaCarreta serves dinner with authentic Mexican fare. Klay Talay, also open for dinner, blends a variety of Asian styles with Oriental fusion. Mia Casa provides culinary entertainment with genuine Italian flavors. Additionally, the Sandwicherie provides a variety of snacks at intervals throughout the day and night.
Lounges include the famous Las Guacamayas with swings - a perfect place to hang out after a long day of beach activities. Arrecifes has a lively swim-up pool bar great for enjoying drinks while staying cool in the pool. The Guacamayas Lounge is a seaside lounge with great atmosphere, cool music and soothing views of the sea; and also offers tea, coffee & pastries in the afternoon. Los Cotorros, also with swings, is beachfront at the pool, across from the spa.
Beach activities are the central theme of this fine property. Many couples spend the day on the beach beds, lounging near the pool, or playing beach volleyball.
There are romantic walks on the beach and even beachside massages; as well as fish feeding, snorkeling and kayaking.
The location is central, with proximity to many natural and historic attractions, including lovely Playa del Carmen, the unique ruins of Tulum, the natural aquarium of Xel-Ha, Xcaret Nature Park as well as many fresh water Cenotes. And for golfers, the Puerto Aventuras Golf Club is just a few minutes away.
Seldom, do I find a property that is directed towards a romantic setting custom-made for honeymooners.
This property provides everything a couple is looking for in an idyllic honeymoon; an all-inclusive experience - I was smitten by the property. - Gig Gwin
Contact one of Gwin's experienced agents at 314-822-1957 or 618-259-1940.
Send us a web request or just pop in!
In Missouri: 212 N. Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122 314-822-1957 • 888-325-1904
In Illinois: 418 W Bethalto Dr, Bethalto, IL 62010 618-259-1940 • 888-254-1844
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM CST