I have done a couple blog posts about my recent trip to the El Dorado Maroma, but I haven't talked about the resort itself yet.  I have to say that it was my favorite resort yet, so it definitely deserves a post of its own, so here we go.

When choosing a resort for our vacation my wife and I obviously had several choices.  We chose El Dorado Maroma because it's small, intimate, and relaxing - and it turned out to be a perfect choice.  The resort only has 72 suites, so the entire resort is very intimate.  The landscaping is incredible - so many trees!  When you walk around you are walking through a tropical forest of palm trees - it's really amazing.

We stayed in an infinity pool suite, which was amazing.  The patio has a beach bed, two chairs, and an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean.  The pool is only 2-3 feet deep, but it was a great way to cool off and it was nice to have our own little area to ourselves.  More impressive is the way these patios were designed - they are completely private.  There is a wall inbetween you and the person next to you, nd the overall structure is curved, so there is no way to even try to see around the wall.  My friend came to visit for the day and said that the balcony at his resort only had railings seperating other rooms - he was jealous of ours.

Another reason I love this resort is because it's so small - almost every room is basically right on the beach.  Above is the view from our infinity pool.  The room had an in-room hot tub, a huge bathroom, and an outdoor shower.  Most of their suites are larger then some apartments I've had.

But the room was only a small part of why we loved the resort - the biggest one was the staff and food.  Karisma really does an outstanding job and completely lives up to their tagline "gourmet inclusive".  The head chef Efrain is amazing, and his staff - to include head waiter Mauricio and his waitstaff were the most personable I have ever come across.  My wife and I loved the food, but we loved our interaction with the staff even more. 

I am a beach lover, so that's always an important part of my resort choices.  The beach is very calm and shallow - great for relaxing.  The staff is out there every morning and evening raking the beautiful sand so everything is always incredibly smooth - not a rock to be found anywhere.

Overal El Dorado Maroma is an incredible resort, staffed by top-notch employees.  This combination is obviously why our couples love Karisma resorts for their Mexico weddings.  Anybody can have a great hotel on a great stretch of beach, but having employees that you actually consider friends by the end of the week - that is what seperates the best from the rest.

This is a follow-up to my post about deep sea fishing as a great "guys day out" at your Mexico wedding.  While I was fishing, my wife was enjoying the first-class spa at El Dorado Maroma (tough life I know!).  Here is the post below - sounds like a great day for your bridesmaids!

Whenever my husband and I go on vacation we each choose one additional activity we want to do.  The activity I always choose is an experience at the spa.  Having worked in the Spa industry I have certain expectations and visions of how a spa should look and feel to me and hands down, the best spa experience I have ever had was at the Spa at El Dorado Maroma.  The staff at the spa was absolutely outstanding!! When I first walked into the spa I met Alma Cruz, the Manager of the Spa, and instantly felt relaxed and at ease.  She was kind, caring and very knowledgeable.  She asked me a few questions and then suggested the best spa services (or as I call them experiences) to meet my needs.  After chatting with her for 20 minutes, I knew I wanted to do more than my allowance of one spa experience, I wanted to do three and three is what I did! 

The first experience I had was the Dorado Therapeutic Massage at their signature Beachfront Sky Massage in the Ocean Palapa. It was incredible!!  My therapist Magdly Guerra did such an amazing job that I asked Alma if Magdly could be my therapist for the other two spa experiences I had booked and Alma happily made that happen.  The next experience I had was the Delicious Chocolate Exfoliation and Body Wrap which came highly recommended from Alma.  It was amazing and just thinking about it makes we want to go back.  I highly recommend it!!! The third experience I had was the Deep Cleansing Facial.  The facial left me so relaxed I didn't want it to end, Magdly is truly a godsend.

I highly recommend the Spa at El Dorado Maroma.  Their spa services are amazing and their incredible staff at the spa makes it even more enjoyable.  Thank you Alma and Magdly for giving me the best spa experience I have ever had.

One of the best things about destination weddings is that couples get to spend an entire long weekend with their closest friends and family, versus just one day.  Another added bonus is that you are in paradise, so there are all kinds of great chances to do something fun.

I will be doing a series of posts from my recent visit to Rivera Maya Mexico with Karisma resorts and Lomas Travel Tours.  This first one seemed like a great start, because it's very popular for wedding parties to do exactly what my wife and I planned - she did a day at the spa at El Dorado Maroma, and I went Deep Sea Fishing with a friend.  For Mexico weddings this would be a great time to get all the groomsmen out for a day on the high seas, and give the ladies a day of pampering relaxation.  My wife will do a post later about her wonderful experience with the staff at the El Dorado Maroma Spa, this one is all about the great time we had with Lomas Travel and our Deep Sea Fishing crew (fearless captain and one crew member shown below - we really enjoyed our time with them). 

 

I have had a previous bad experience with Deep Sea Fishing at another tourist destination.  It seemed like the crew was only interested in making the time go by and getting paid, because they didn't seem to be actively trying to find the fish.  Our crew with Lomas Travel out of Maroma Marina was the most professional and friendly I have ever encountered.  The captain and crew were constantly changing lures, chasing schools of fish, following birds, and every other trick in the book to make sure that we caught some fish.  As you can see throughout this post - we had an outstanding day of fishing - 2 baracuda, 1 good size Mahi-Mahi, and 1 large Mahi-Mahi.

The tour I booked was 4 hours, and at Maroma Marina you start fishing almost right off the dock, so you definitely get your money's worth.  Lomas boats were definitely some of the most professional I've seen at any destination.  This would be a great time to get a group of groomsmen together for the afternoon - what is better then the sea, cold cervezas, and catching big fish?

If you are planning on having a Mexico wedding in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area, and have some guests that like fishing, I HIGHLY recommend that you look at deep sea fishing with Lomas.  Our destination wedding specialists are able to book excursions/activities like this, so you can actually have everything all setup before you even get there.  That way everybody can be excited about it even before they get down to Mexico.

Special thanks again to Karisma Resorts and Lomas Travel Tours for this great day out on the open seas!  More to follow about our great time at El Dorado Maroma and their spa.

-Quentin

Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma -- a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties in the Riviera Maya, Mexico -- recently named DestinationWeddings.com, "#1 Worldwide Retail Agency Producer of Destination Weddings."

"DestinationWeddings.com and its Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are an exclusive group of trained specialists who are exceptionally attentive to the needs and wants of their clients and we are honored to present them with this award," said Chomat.  "Demonstrating a dedication to personalized service, DestinationWeddings.com offers couples invaluable insight about the unique innovations, services and amenities that combined, create their dream destination weddings.  This acknowledgment recognizes the impressive ability of these distinguished Certified Destination Wedding Specialists to understand and sell our Gourmet Inclusive product, which is centered on romance and togetherness, allowing couples to savor every detail of their special day."

 

"We are pleased to accept this award from El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, our number one partner and preferred hotel group," said DestinationWeddings.com President Quentin "Bud" Carmichael.  "The vast and unique wedding offerings combined with numerous other Gourmet Inclusive amenities set this collection of luxurious properties apart.  El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels' customized service coupled with our dedicated Destination Wedding Specialists consistently result in unparalleled customer satisfaction."

 

For information regarding planning your dream destination wedding with a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, please visit Destination Weddings.

After your Mexico wedding, enjoy your honeymoon at a separate Karisma Resort

As a premier destination wedding location, we offer couples the advantage of having their wedding ceremony and honeymoon at separate Karisma resorts to enjoy maximum privacy and alone time. Staying in the same region for both occasions also makes it easier on the budget and simplifies the planning process. Specialists at DestinationWeddings.com can suggest which resorts best suit your wedding and honeymoon specifications to get your preparations started right away.

The concept of having your wedding at one resort and then the honeymoon at another is ideal if you will be inviting guests with children. The kid-friendly amenities at Azul Beach and Azul Sensatori (baby supplies, a Kids Club, teen activities and more) ensure that your guests with children will have a comfortable stay and peace of mind. The restaurants on property will provide special kids menus or take requests to accommodate even the smallest child at every meal. Azul Beach and Azul Sensatori provide a relaxed, laid back atmosphere for all your family and friends.

For the honeymoon, move to one of the adults-only El Dorado Spa Resorts (Royale, Maroma, Casitas or Seaside Suites) for a more intimate experience in an ultra romantic setting. Here the amenities have been designed with couples in mind- from private outdoor showers, candlelight dinners and moonlight massages- where our priority is to pamper you in every way. You can also explore the natural wonders of the area together by taking a snorkeling tour or exploring the majestic underground cenotes and ride wave runners or a camel along the beach. It's a one-of-a-kind lover's retreat that's both relaxing and exciting.

You can also switch this around and have your wedding at an El Dorado Resort and your honeymoon at Azul Beach or Azul Sensatori. The honeymoon suites at the Azul resorts are also equipped to provide a high end romantic experience with 24-hour room service, in suite Jacuzzis and other special perks.

Keep in mind that Mexico weddings and honeymoons in the same destination will save you money and make planning easier. Whichever Karisma Resort you choose to spend your "happily ever after" moments at, it's guaranteed to be magical.

Paula Negrete,

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Picking "the dress" and choosing an experienced, artistic photographer are probably two of the biggest challenges that come up in wedding planning- and both are the most important elements of a fun ‘Trash the Dress' photo shoot! Our professional wedding coordinators have noticed that more brides are requesting suggestions for ‘Trash the Dress' photo shoot locations at El Dorado Resorts and Azul Hotels. From the individual swim-up pools to the beach, there are tons of scenic spots on our properties to ‘Trash the Dress'.

Depending on the bride's budget, the wedding dress can be a hefty expense. Often brides purchase an extra, less expensive option that's still photographs well for the trash the dress session. Shoes and accessories are not needed, makeup can be minimal (since it's likely wash off when splashing in the water) and natural, loose hair give the photos a more romantic look. Throwing the groom into the mix for some tender poses makes the photos more intimate and it's a great moment to release the stress of the event and just be silly and kick up your feet up together. For him- a simple white shirt and a rolled up pair of chinos is always the easiest option.

Combining a good dose of creativity with a carefree spirit helps to produce the most lively ‘trash the dress' images. The natural beauty surrounding El Dorado Resorts and Azul Hotels offers endless charming places to get the perfect shot.  Poses can include taking a dip in one of the private swim-up pools with a bright tropical cocktail in hand, or rolling in the sand with big smiles and without a care in the world. At Azul Sensatori, couples can run around in the kiddie water park and at El Dorado Casitas they can hang their feet from a palapa and have the breeze create the ‘windblown hair' effect. Every spot is more stunning than the next and with a sharp artistic eye behind the lens, the ‘trash the dress' photos are guaranteed to get endless compliments when sharing your wedding album.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Media Photography http://www.elizabethmedinaphotography.com/

In our experience as destination wedding experts in the Riviera Maya, we have had the opportunity to create some very different and special events. Many couples have come up with creative wedding themes that have been memorable and fun and our wedding coordinators have always accepted the challenge to execute their visions to a tee.

Wedding themes:

This past fall our team put together a ‘Day of the Dead' wedding for a bride of Mexican descent. The chapel at El Dorado Maroma was decorated in bright orange flowers and at the reception skulls and other authentic Mexican decorations gave the party a traditional but still very modern and cool ambiance. We'd like to inspire your wedding planning imagination with this list of wedding themes for a dazzling reception.

• - Eco- Friendly: If you choose to have your wedding at El Dorado Royale or Casitas, select a menu that includes dishes using vegetables from the hotel's greenhouse. Print invitations on recycled paper and give guests reusable water bottles as wedding favors.
• - Vintage: Pick antique gold as the main color for your decorations and combine with white and pastel flowers. Style hair in glamorous curls -a lá Grace Kelly - and choose a wedding dress with lace details. Add table cloths with a retro print.
• - Peacock: Colors to create this theme should be a combination of royal purples, fuchsias, blues and greens. Instead of flowers, use a peacock feathers for the groom and groomsmen's' boutonnieres and add them to the bridal bouquet.
• - Geek-Chic: Print table cards with your guests' Twitter handles instead of their formal names and create a #hashtag (i.e. #chrisandjulie) so they can share photos and updates of the party with friends and relatives back home. Put a Flip Camera on each table and encourage guests to take short videos to be instantly uploaded on Youtube (and if your new spouse doesn't mind, change your Facebook relationship status at the altar!)

Hope these ideas have sparked your creativity to plan a special reception for your Mexico wedding. Whatever your image for your wedding day is, at El Dorado Resorts and Azul Hotels we are excited turn it into a reality.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

 

Thanks to our friends at Karisma for continuing to share some great insider tips on Mexico Weddings.  After reading their advice it's no surprise why our specialists love planning Mexico weddings for our couples with them!

Adding to the convenience of a destination wedding at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels or Azul Hotels, by Karisma is the opportunity to have your bachelor/bachelorette party in the Riviera Maya. Typically, we ask couples to arrive three days prior to their wedding day, so it's the perfect amount of time to plan one last hoorah before becoming Mr. and Mrs. From golf to bar hopping to massages by the beach, there are endless options for you and your wedding party to hang out and toast to your last days as a single gal/guy.

For a bachelor party we suggest a round of golf- or two - at the lush Mayakoba golf course where you experience 18 holes set in three distinct ecosystems. The course is situated among a mangrove forest with stunning views of the beach and natural obstacles that test the skills of players at every level.  Schedule an early tee time and leave the afternoon open for dinner at one of the lively restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Good food, live music and tequila shots are guaranteed to get the right party started.

Bachelorettes might prefer to indulge in a pampering session with the bridesmaids at one of the state-of-the-art spas on the El Dorado or Azul properties. A wedding coordinator can reserve a spa suite for beauty and massage treatments and have it specially catered with a gourmet lunch and champagne. Everyone is treated like royalty by our staff, so it won't be difficult to disconnect and release some pre-wedding stress here. Girl talk, margaritas and manicures- this is exactly what bachelorette parties were invented for!

Couples can also opt for a combined bachelor/bachelorette celebration and invite the entire wedding party to a private fiesta on the beach. Pick from a menu of gourmet specialties prepared by the chef, and add the music of a steel drum player or a mariachi quartet - we can even have Pancho the tequila donkey make a cameo appearance just for you.

Forget the bachelor/bachelorette party mishaps you see in the movies, at El Dorado Resorts and Azul Hotels your party will be tailored to your specific idea of fun. We promise that saying goodbye to your single days will be exactly how you imagined- unforgettable and exciting!

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Our priority is having our guests enjoy each other in the luxurious settings of El Dorado Royale and Azul Hotels complemented by the beautiful Riviera Maya beaches.  Many couples that visit- in particular, newlyweds enjoying a honeymoon and couples celebrating a special occasion like a Mexico wedding or an anniversary-are impressed by the small surprises and the warm ambiance that we create with subtle romantic touches.

 

The romantic experience begins with smiles from the helpful staff and a glass of champagne at check-in and  when our guests settle into their suites that have been specially prepared with anticipation of their arrival. At El Dorado Royale and Casitas, the Jacuzzi is filled with a warm bubble bath and sprinkled with fragrant rose petals and a bottle of champagne is chilled for an impromptu toast and instant enjoyment. More fresh flower petals are spread on the bed along with an amusing ‘towel sculpture' of two kissing swans that form the shape of a heart inside the canopy. If requested, we can also prepare a basket of fruit and other favorite snacks for the room.

El Dorado Maroma and El Dorado Casitas share a special amenity, the "Aguas del Amor" private, outdoor showers. "Aguas del Amor" translates to "waters of love", which is ideal to share an intimate moment under the stars or the sun. At Azul Sensatori, the large honeymoon suite has a wrap-around balcony set up with lounge chairs and tables to share a quiet, gourmet room service meal with a view of the sunset or the sunrise in complete privacy. For Mexico weddings at Azul Beach, the suite is decked out with aromatherapy candles, flower petals, champagne and dim lights on the wedding night. Complimentary turn down service is provided at every resort so that guests return to a comfortable room and appreciate a deep night's sleep.

 

A stay at any of our properties always helps reconnect couples in a stress- free oasis and we have made romance our forte to pamper every star-crossed lover.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Not only is the Riviera Maya sprawling with miles of stunning beaches perfect for Mexico weddings, it is also a region rich with history and culture. Aside from taking in the tropical climate and landscape as well as the amazing food, visitors flock to this part of Mexico to explore the legacies and architectural treasures of the ancient Mayan civilization.

As part of your Mexico wedding celebration, have your coordinator help you plan a day trip for you and your guests to Chichen Itza-the monumental ruins of the Mayan people and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Dating back 1,000 years, Chichen Itza was the bustling epicenter of the Mayan Indians who are recognized for their sophisticated crafts, metal works, and scientific discoveries. Chichen Itza spans over a large area of land and buildings that served as temples and homes still stand. The step pyramid of the Temple of Kukulkan is the largest structure, and was once a sacred ceremonial site with an impressive 90 feet in height. Taking a day to explore this exciting landmark is always an enlightening experience and with the help of the staff at El Dorado Resorts and Azul Hotels, a group excursion to Chichen Itza is easy to coordinate. You have the option to plan half or full day excursions that include transportation and tours with expert guides as well as other activities.

After a day of taking in the beauty of the ancient Yucatan villages, you and your guests can unwind in the luxury of our hotels and enjoy a gourmet meal, or a quiet walk on the beach. We really can't think of a better history lesson...  

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels