Official Azul Fives Bride

We just got home from Playa. Our wedding was on Feb. 5th at Grand Velas - jawdroppingly gorgeous and service like you can't imagine. Originally we'd booked at Azul Fives but changed the location 2 weeks before the wedding. So we had some time to walk the beach and walk down to Azul Fives the day before our wedding on Feb. 4 to see what we were missing. The resort had under 20 people staying there. The first impression we had was "work in progress" with construction people milling around and wires. The pool was nice but small. The overhead patio bar on the backside is the Sky Bar where we almost made full payment to host our reception, and it was NOT DONE. They said it would be at least another 2 weeks on that bar. Karisma basically lied to us - said all was a-go knowing the whole time they intended to move us to Sensatori.

 

There is a huge gap of land between the Sky Bar and where the rooms are - it's all shrubbery and un-landscaped, not the most pleasant walk down to the pool. One pretty cool thing was that they had these cabana type huts on top of water for one of their restaurants behind the pool which would be nice for candlelit dinners or maybe a reception of 15 people or so?

 

As for the rooms, one of our relatives walked back and toured them - said they were really nice but again did not seem complete.

 

We were put off with the dishonesty of Karisma and the hands off approach with wedding planning.

 

Getting married is a huge ordeal so every bride deserves some attention to detail - we are so thankful we landed where we did. We were the first wedding at Grand Velas but every person on staff waited on us hand and foot saying they were so happy for us and they put all of their effort into planning our wedding. They were so organized and the staff celebrated with us - so very cool.

Mysti,

How were the prices for the Grand Velas wedding? I can't find anything on the internet about the price for a private reception and the wedding coordinator hasn't responded. I'm going to have 50-80 people and noticed that at Grand Velas in PV it cost appr $14,000 for ceremony and private reception for 50 ppl. That seemed crazy to me! Also, how were they about accomdating your guests at the resturants. I would like to have a welcome/reheresal dinner at one of the resturants but find that most have a max of 40.

UH OH - now you spring/ summer/ fall brides can find a better place to do your wedding - sorry some bad news:

 

This just in from our TA:

 

AZUL FIVES HOTEL BY KARISMA TO OPEN IN LATE FALL 2009

 

MIAMI (Feb. 12, 2009)—Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive® properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, today announced that the opening of Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma is delayed until late fall 2009.

 

The financial crisis and economy’s continued decline has adversely affected the official launch of Azul Fives Hotel, as with many other projects of its kind, impacting the availability of funds and subsequently, impeding the property’s completion. As such, after serious consideration and exhaustion of other alternatives, construction on Azul Fives Hotel was promptly halted.

I have called Karisma and confirmed they will not be opening until November 2009. Not a happy camper right now...

Hello Everyone

 

Im actually an Azul Beach Bride and came across this thread - I cant believe the insanity Karisma has been putting you all through. My experience with Azul Beach has been OK but def had some bumps. However the grounds are gorgeous and if you are looking for a more intimate feel for your guests (50 ppl max wedding) and they offer to place you here you should take it. FI and I did a site visit last year and had an amazing time - all the staff have been there for a long time and you really feel taken care of. Ive also heard great things about the onsite wedding coordinator - Carolina. I wish all teh Azul Fives Brides GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh wow, I am so sorry to all who have weddings planned. We got the run around with Azul Sensatori, but never this bad. For those that decide to stick with Karisma, please know that the other resorts are great, the planning just a bit frustrating because they appear to be greatly understaffed in the wedding department.

Good luck to you!

Hello fellow Azul Fives Brides -

 

I just got the news today from my TA. Heartbreaking (and he had a bride with a wedding scheduled there for May too). Anyone found alternatives? My TA is checking on the Sensatori for us since who knows if things will come through for our Nov. 21st date. It's definitely Friday the 13th...ugh.

Hi All I am utterly devestated by this announcment I am due to get married in June.

 

I dont think I want to stay with Karisma after this so we are thinking of moving. We are considering going to Excellence Rivieria Cancun, or Secrets...not sure I need to look into these hotels first. Anyone have any suggestions??

 

I am going down to see my Travel Agent today to see what my options are.

I'm really pissed, I have 14 rooms booked and I don't know what I want to do.

Hi Hoosierfan...Have you figured out if you'll be moving to the Sensatori? I know there is already one other wedding on Nov 21st at AS. Mine is on the 20th and I found out there is a second wedding on the 20th already too (bummer!). Keep in touch and let me know...the thread for the Sensatori is great...the girls are all awesome and really helpful.

Good luck!