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EL DORADO MAROMA FOR ULTRA INCLUSIVE ROMANCE!

11.29.11

Review by Sue Facter

Some wedding planners say Mexico’s Mayan Riviera is the new hot spot for destination weddings, honeymoons or just some old-fashioned romance. After a visit to Riviera Maya’s El Dorado Maroma Resort, we agree that this tropical slice of The Caribbean seems made for ultra-romantic getaways.

Situated 40 minutes from the Cancun airport, El Dorado Maroma sits along a scenic lagoon in Maroma Beach, which was recently named one of the Travel Channel’s Top 10 Beaches in the World. Plus, this Karisma Hotels & Resorts-owned property has a no-children policy and a “gourmet all-inclusive” strategy for maximum relaxation. Yes – with no worries about kids or money – guests at El Dorado Maroma truly revel in the gorgeous scenery of Riviera Maya. Pampering yourself and your partner is a matter of course at this luxurious seaside resort.

Upon arrival, we enjoyed a welcome smile, a cooling towel and a refreshing cocktail. Now, that’s the right way to be greeted at the door! The bright white smooth stucco and clean lines of El Dorado Maroma’s buildings bring a sense of calm and the outdoor spaces are lushly landscaped with sophisticated modern furniture and art. The curvy main pool is surrounded by charming thatched roof buildings while some suites feature contemporary pool areas just steps from a lounge chair-laden outdoor terrasse.

Spacious Suites at El Dorado Maroma

The 74 suites at El Dorado Maroma are quite large and some have oceanfront views. We loved our third-floor suite with its vaulted ceiling, super comfortable (and high) king-sized canopy bed with fluffy white Italian linen duvet. Are you a pillow freak? The Maroma has a pillow menu. Do you need a soft pillow, comfort pillow, smart pillow, gel pillow or memory foam pillow?

We were also impressed when we spied a bottle of Champagne (and some tangy cranberry juice) was iced and at the ready. Do we drink it on the outdoor balcony at the table, on chaise lounges or the outside day bed? Or, perhaps we drink it right before dinner at our dining room table (all set up), on the comfy living room sofas or in a bubble bath?

Our suite’s pièce de resistance, however, was the grand powder room. A sensual invitation for romance, the Jacuzzi bathtub built for overlooked the bedroom area (curtains separate the rooms). And, we had two choices of showers (with handheld nozzle) as well as dual sinks. But what made this bathroom so cool was the door leading to the auguns del amor or outdoor roofless shower. Meow!

With all these sensuous and sensory spaces for hot romance, we were surprised that we never heard our neighbors. The quiet at El Dorado Maroma is exceptional as is the 24-hour room service.

What’s Gourmet Inclusive?

Worried about the resort being “all inclusive”? Don’t be. Karisma Hotels calls it “gourmet inclusive” and the cuisine here is truly gourmand. In fact, El Dorado Maroma boasts some of the best restaurants in the region including Mio Cuccina for Italian, Kiyoko for Japanese and Sabores for Mexican. Guest can also order room service at any time. While an in-suite breakfast is relaxing, we loved starting the day at Pepitos. This open-air beach café has a daily buffet with both Mexican and American breakfast favorites.

Another cool thing about gourmet inclusive getaways is the pool areas. There’s also no extra fees for ordering drinks and meals at the main pool and a hip pool area called 24. Both pools have swim-up bars and we loved chilling here with nothing in our pocket but our room key. Pools are surrounded by canopied beds, which carry no extra fees nor do they need to be reserved in advanced. What could be better for romance than a come-as-you-are and pay nothing extra policy?

While guests don’t need to worry about money decisions on this all-inclusive vacation, they do have lots of options. Do you relax in a beach bed or individual lounger? Do you let your personal butler bring you a margarita or a mai tai? Do you need tanning lotion, reading material or a water vaporizer? Do you indulge in a beachfront sky massage for two in a raised palapa overlooking the turquoise sea?

Recreation at El Dorado Maroma

With warm turquoise water just steps away, guests at El Dorado Maroma can easily rent a kayak, snorkeling equipment or even a motorboat. For more adventurous types, parasailing and zip lining is available. Just a short walk down gorgeous Maroma Beach is a marina. Here, guests can make plans for sports fishing, diving, and sailing. In addition, the hotel offers scuba clinics, which are held in one of the property’s two freshwater pools. A concierge eagerly helps guests register for off-site excursions such as deep-sea fishing, horseback riding or ATV fun. Love yoga? On-the-beach classes are complimentary daily.

In the evening, there’s a live band at the hotel's Rick’s, restaurant and bar as well as karaoke for night owls. But for true romance, reserve a cabana with private butler on the beach for a candlelight dinner. Then, take a moon light stroll along Maroma Beach for the ultimate romantic evening.

Destination Weddings at El Dorado Maroma

Destination weddings are a specialty at El Dorado Maroma as the location is exceptional and the one-price-for-everything policy keeps wedding and honeymoon budgets more simple. On a balmy and gorgeous evening,we attended a beachfront wedding ceremony. Sitting on a chair with the resort’s uber soft white sand between our toes, we enjoyed a heartfelt ceremony along with hundreds of other guests who all wore white. Arranged by [url=http://www.destinationweddings.com]http://www.destinationweddings.com[/url], wedding ceremonies and receptions at El Dorado Maroma are custom designed for each couple.

Sue Facter owns a news agency specializing in the luxury brand. Her entertainment and travel reports have appeared worldwide for clients including USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, and Tolucan Times, as well as on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Extra, and Inside Edition and various sites on the web. Follow her on Twitter at @TheFacter.

Beachside Holiday Parties

11.18.11

Looking for an incredible location for this year’s holiday party? Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific, luxurious accommodations and award-winning cuisine from Executive Chef Jeff Armstrong, featuring 3-course holiday menus starting at just $49 a person. And this year, they’re adding special perks just for booking your November, December or January party at Surf & Sand!

Aside from an exquisite backdrop for a gathering your guests won’t soon forget, booking a holiday party for 30 or more includes one complimentary signature holiday cocktail per guest upon arrival, $250 room rates for your attendees and a gratis room for the event coordinator or VIP of the night.* Whatever your event, it’s always great to have prizes! Surf & Sand will also include a gift certificate for its Night to Remember package, dinner at Splashes for two or a spa day at Aquaterra Spa for two.

*Restrictions apply. Please visit Surf & Sand website or call 800.664.SURF for more information.

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