Karisma Resorts Provides “Gourmet Inclusive” Romantic Caribbean Getaways

Last Thursday I attended a Breakfast Seminar where I learned a lot about El Dorado Spa Resorts & Azul Resorts by Karisma.  I feel that you should know what it seems few other people do… These are some amazing resorts!  El Dorado is Karisma’s adults-only product, geared towards romantic all-inclusive getaways.  Azul is their family resort, which I had discounted until I learned a little more.  I believe it may have some secret amenities that make Azul worthy of another look.  But today I will focus on introducing you to the brand, and the amazing concept of  “Gourmet Inclusive“.  Here is an overview, and I think you’ll like it:

Beach Beds

“Gourmet Inclusive” services included for all guests no additional charge:

• Beautiful luxury beach-front resorts with plenty of cabanas on the beach
• Personal check-in, complete with a glass of champagne and a warm cloth
• Gourmet local ingredients, many grown organically in the greenhouse at El Dorado Royale
• 24-hour full-menu room service , complete with signature dishes


Greenhouse at El Dorado Royale

• Use of the Sauna & Steamroom in the Spa
• There are no reservations needed at any restaurants, with 1 exception.  (I won’t make you wait like I had to, but will tell you the exception is Le Chique at Azul Sensatori.  I will make you wait to learn why, because it’s worth the wait.)
• There are no buffets.  All on-site restaurants are à la carte, meaning there is a waiter serving you from a menu.  This is exciting if you have ever been to an all-inclusive  resort that forces you to eat most meals at their buffet, or charges you if you want a sit-down dinner.
• There are 10 choices of house wine at each resort, not just the standard “red” or “white”.


24-Hour Full-Menu Room Service

• Don’t worry, the lack of buffet doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck if you need something quick.  They do have “Grab & Go” stations for breakfast & lunch, where guests can get something quick.  This is especially nice if you’re off to do an excursion.
• Each resort has what they call “Culinary Activities”.  Not all are available at all resorts, but here is a little sample:
  

  Tequila Tastings

  • Tequila Tastings
  • Wine Tasting
  • Fish Market –
    

    Sky Massage

    You can accompany the chef to the beach and select your dinner from what the local fishermen caught that morning, before they go off to sell it at the local market. (I’m sorry, this sounds gross to me, but Johanna has assured me this is something she would love… so it will be her job to select all of our dinners.)

  

  Beach Butler

“Gourmet Inclusive” options that depend on booking categories or incur an additional cost:

• Depending on the resort, there are suites that have Infinity Pools (your own private pool), Swim-up access to the lazy river, & both


Sky Wedding

• “Sky Massage” Spa services can be on beach
• Beach & Pool butler service at each resort, depending on category booked
• Destination Weddings (3 Free Wedding packages + others you can customize) can be held in a beachfront chapel or other beautiful locations, one of which is called a “Sky Wedding”
• Complementary Honeymoon & Anniversary Package if staying in certain room categories

Here are a few of the Family amenities included at Azul Resorts:

Little People

• While parents are checking in, there is a separate check-in with the little ones to discuss they toy borrowing arrangement
• Family Suites (for family of 5) at certain resorts
• Guaranteed Connecting Rooms for families, which can be requested, but usually not guaranteed elsewhere.
• Family & Friend Vacation Planner to help organize groups if you have 5 rooms of family & friends traveling together
• Strong partnership with Fisher-Price and Little People, with characters at the resorts and all toys provided & recommended by Fisher-Price
• Toys to occupy kids at all the restaurants.
• “My gym” fitness equipment for kids at some resorts

These are some reasons to consider Karisma’s El Dorado or Azul Resorts for romantic all-inclusive getaways.  Gourmet Inclusive goes above & beyond what we have come to expect from typical resorts.  All their resorts are located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, about an hour or so from Cancun airport.  7 nights with air from Pittsburgh typically start at about $3,500 per couple, but there are seasons when this is as low as $2,700 per couple.  Continue to Part II to learn about each resort.