Karisma Hotels’ Charisma

Food and service entice at these four all-inclusive Riviera Maya hotels

On Saturday evenings, Fuentes Restaurant at El Dorado Royale Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is transformed into an epicurean event called the Red Carpet. It is a virtuoso performance by the chef, with ceviches creatively presented in tall shot glasses, and oysters with foam and caviar in martini glasses. The cooking demonstrations displayed on large screens are as entertaining as the acrobatic troupe, Mexican dancers and mariachi band.

This new event epitomizes the unique “Gourmet Inclusive” niche carved out by Karisma Hotels and Resorts, which operates four hotels in the Riviera Maya under the El Dorado (adults-only) and Azul (family-friendly) brands.

Memorable food experiences and attentive service are hallmarks of the Gourmet Inclusive concept. The staff-to-guest ratio is double the industry standard. All properties offer private candlelight dining on the beach or in sky palapas, and sunset or moonlight couples massages in thatched pavilions. There is food and beverage service at the canopied beach beds, and 24-hour room service.

The AAA Four-Diamond El Dorado Royale is Karisma’s flagship. It stretches along 1.5 miles of beachfront and features 639 rooms in nine categories, topped by seven Presidential Suites with private pool and personal butler.

This adults-only property (minimum age 18) appeals to romantic couples with such features as Jacuzzis and canopied beds. For the ultimate in romance, recommend El Dorado Casitas Royale, a resort-within-a-resort at El Dorado Royale. Here there are eight separate enclaves of 26 to 34 suites in a horseshoe shape, which faces a central pool. The ground-floor suites have an in-water terrace with lounge chairs and access to a lazy river leading to the pool. In the newest Casitas enclave, the Swim-Up Infinity Pool Casita Suites also have a private plunge pool, while the upper-level Infinity Pool Casita Suites have a private infinity pool on the balcony facing the sea. Casita guests will love the butler service to their in-water terrace or beach bed.

Foodies will enjoy the seven restaurants, and can attend cooking, cocktail and wine-tasting classes. La Fondue Restaurant rivals the culinary theater at Fuentes Restaurant for most popular eatery.

The travel agent liaison for VIPs, or for special requests, is Flor Rodriguez, sales manager (011-52-998-872-8038, fralcocer@eldorado-resort.com.mx).

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