Smart Stay: El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma

by  Anne Roderique-Jones | Dec 22, 2017
El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma
El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma

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There's no shortage of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, many of which have endless buffets and weak, bottomless cocktails. But then there's an entirely different concept called the Gourmet Inclusive — like the El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma in the Riviera Maya — that will change the way you think of all-inclusive resorts. Located on 450 acres of lush jungle, along more than a mile of Punta Brava Beach, it has everything from private butlers to high-end dining. Here's a peek into the luxury property.

THE BASICS

Budget Level: Luxury, all-inclusive ($450+/night)

Lodging Type: Larger Hotel (205 all-suite casitas)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Look

Situated on a sprawling piece of land that's tucked far behind the main strip of resorts, El Dorado Casitas Royale is an all-suite hotel, with 205 small thatched-roof bungalows called casitas spread throughout the property. In between the cluster of suites, you'll find small, secluded swimming pools, beach bars, pool bars, high-end restaurants, and a handful of areas for beachside massages. Within the casitas, there are a handful of room categories, such as the regular casita suite, a swim-up casita suite, the private pool casita suite, and the studio presidential casita suite. Every suite includes a Jacuzzi tub, a daybed on the balcony, a signature Aguas del Amor outdoor shower, and 24-hour room service.

The Vibe

El Dorado Casitas Royale is an all-suite hotel, with a maximum of two guests, so--as you can imagine--there are a ton of couples. And there's a reason for that: The casitas are seriously romantic. Each have the signature open-air outdoor shower, along with a massive Jacuzzi, indoor shower for two, and a patio where you can take your breakfast via room service. That said, we did see a handful of groups on our trip, too, so you wouldn't feel out of place with friends. 

Who Will Love It

Honeymooners seeking romance or those celebrating an anniversary cannot go wrong here. The resort does everything it can to make the experience feel special for couples, from placing rose petals and swan towels on the bed to drawing aromatic baths in the room’s Jacuzzi tub.

Who Might Not

Singles looking for a tranquil escape might feel out of place.

Best Amenity

The service. This is a want-for-nothing kind of property, where every need is met, a drink is never empty, and each name is memorized upon arrival. One is truly made to feel special here.  

MONEY MATTERS

What’s Included

This rate ($477 for a Casita Suite to $1,496 for a one-bedroom Presidential Casita, per person, per night based on double occupancy) includes all gourmet meals served a la carte, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, and full service concierge.

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About

Spa treatments and a higher-end wine list come at an additional cost. 

How to Get a Deal

Stay in the standard casita. You'll still get the same amenities, but at a much lower price. Also, repeat guests often get perks at this property.

GETTING THERE

In the Neighborhood

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, the resort is built on 450 acres of tropical jungle, along more than a mile of unspoiled Punta Brava Beach, facing the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. It's 10 minutes away from Mayakoba championship golf course, 20 minutes away from the “Playacar Golf Club” and numerous cenotes (natural cavelike sinkholes where you can dive or swim), five minutes south from Puerto Morelos and 35 minutes south of downtown Cancun.

Nearest Airport

The hotel is an easy 25-minute ride south of Cancun International Airport, and 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Abandon standard all-inclusive hotels to try this gourmet all-inclusive property with want-for-nothing service and a seriously romantic vibe.

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