A tour of destination weddings at Karisma Resorts.

El Dorado Royale and Casita Suites

I have just returned from a Destination Wedding trip for travel agents hosted by Karisma Resorts.  Here is my expereince of these Gourmet Inclusive resorts; I hope you find it helpful when planning your Destination Weddings.

View from Infinity Casita Suite

I was greeted at the airport by a Lomas Representative in a blue shirt, white pants and a white tie, very easy to spot.  There was a private SUV waiting to take me to the resort, once we arrived at the lobby the driver said to me “welcome to heaven” and these resorts sure feel heavenly!

Casita Lobby

The lobby was beautiful with gorgeous arrangements of fresh tropical flowers and the wonderful smell of the aromatherapy they use in the pillow menu bar.  The lobby bathroom is very nice with freshly rolled towels and more tropical flower arrangements.  I was greeted with a cold towel and an ice cold glass of sparkling champagne.  Jesus in the Casitas Lobby checked me in and then greeted me by name for the entire week, the staff here make every effort to make you feel like a VIP.

The Casita suites are very large, there was a table set up with a flower arrangement and fresh fruit plate.  The bathroom is also quite spacious and there is an indoor tub/shower and outdoor shower as well as a Jacuzzi in the main room where you can have a romantic tub drawn with flowers, bubbles and champagne on ice when they do turn down service.  Housekeeping did a fabulous job, I had new towel art with fresh flowers on the bed every morning.  In the evening when they do the turn down service they will put fresh flowers on the bed, use aromatherapy in the room, put your slippers out and turn on classical music on the TV, creating a very relaxing environment to get ready for bed!  The air conditioning unit is very quite and the controls to turn the temperature up or down is mounted on the bed post, very convenient.  The bed was quite comfortable with lots of pillows; make sure you see your concierge for your pillow menu and to pick your aromatherapy scent.  The room service is included 24 hours and the food is truly gourmet, even the room service is delicious so take advantage.

Infinity Casita Suite

The food at Karisma resorts is by far the best of any resort I have visited.  If you are interested, take the greenhouse tour departing Tuesdays and Thursdays from the lobby at 9:00am (confirm the times when you check-in) and see why the fruit and vegetables are of such high quality and served to you perfectly fresh.  Whether you are enjoying the fresh seafood and cerviche at Jo-Jo’s, the sushi at Kumpai or the lobster lasagna at D’Italia, you're in for a real treat.  All of the restaurants serve gluten free bread options for dinner, I enjoyed Quinoa bread at D’Italia and nice warm potato bread at La Isla.  I recommend the martini bar in the main lobby for pre-dinner drinks, this is also a great place to meet and organize as your groups.  Kumpai is located in the casita section and they serve a la carte breakfast, so if buffet breakfast is not your thing, I would suggest this restaurant for breakfast, try the coconut macadamia nut pancakes, they were very good.  I ordered a coffee and Baileys at breakfast but they didn’t have Baileys in the restaurant at that time and before I knew it, there was a server running out the door to the bar, fetching me Baileys for my coffee.  The staff will really go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need and have a wonderful stay.

D’Italia Restuarant

They have some beautiful wedding locations to choose from, there is a beautiful beach front gazebo right beside the natural saltwater swimming pool which is beautiful and very quiet during the day, as most guests are at the swim up bars throughout the resort.  There is another beachfront wedding location right outside the beachfront catholic chapel called the Chapel of Peace.  The decorations and locations are really beautiful, please see the pictures for a better idea.  The wedding cakes a gorgeous and delicious, the chef takes great pride in his cakes.  If you don't want to use an outside vendor for your wedding cake, I would rest assured that Karisma resorts will do a fabulos job of your wedding cake.

Beachfront wedding gazebo beside the natural saltwater swimming pool closer to the Casita section of the resort.

A wedding set up at the gazebo located in front of the beachfront chapel.

Beachfront catholic chapel called the Chapel of Peace.

El Dorado Maroma

Listed as one of Travel Channel’s Top Ten Beaches in the World, El Dorado Maroma was my favorite for the beach, the sand was so fine and such a beautiful colour, if you are thinking of a beach wedding, Moroma Beach is a great choice.

El Dorado Maroma provides a secluded, enchanting setting for those looking to escape.  This intimate resort with just 99 suites, is perfect for destination weddings!

Whether you plan for an beautiful outdoor wedding, an intimate wedding in their beachfront chapel, time off with your loved one, or just to relax, El Dorado Maroma will cater to all of your needs.  When you’ve had your fill of sunbathing you’ll discover a stimulating array of activities at El Dorado Maroma; sport fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and sailing are all offered within steps of the resort at Marina Maroma Paradise. And with weekly events, like their authentic fish market where guests select their own fish and have it grilled right at the Papitos Restaurant, El Dorado Maroma offers plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.

Sky Massage Palapas

El Dorado Maroma Beach Wedding

Beachfront Chapel

Azul Beach

I loved this resort, everything about it was perfect, the service was outstanding, the lobby was very modern and chic with swinging beds to relax on.  The grounds are beautiful and I liked the small pools throughout the resort.  If you are looking for a boutique family hotel to host your destination wedding this is a perfect option.  

I would also check out Azul Villa Carola, this is a 6 bedroom villa located next door to Azul Beach.  If you want to have a private wedding this is a great option.  I started a thread on this villa.  Here is the link- http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/79668/azul-villa-carola-by-karisma-a-privare-villa-with-access-to-azul-beach-hotel-next-door-perfect-for-a-small-intimate-wedding

Newly renovated lobby.

A wedding set up at Azul Beach.  Please keep in mind that this is not a very private location, you are right

in the middle of the resort. If you want a private ceremony I would look into the Sky Weddings.

Sky Weddings at Azul Beach.

Azul Beach especially caters to families with young children providing loaner baby equipment, a kid's club and parent support.  They have Gerber baby food available at the resturants and snack bars plus they have a partnership with Fisher Price and offer a toy lending program so the children will have lots of toys to keep them busy without you having to worry about packing any. 

My Gym Play Area

Family suite.

Fisher Price Toy Room

A beach ceremony set up at Azul Sensatori.  I thought this beach location was very beautiful with the pier in the background.  It is a bit more private then Azul Beach because the walkway that the hotel guests will be walking along is about 10-15 feet above the beach.  The wedding coordinators work very hard to keep other guests out of the way.  One coordinator will stand on each side of the ceremony and make sure that no one walks in front so there will not be strange guests in your wedding pictures.

Sky Weddings at Azul Sensatori.

The Honeymoon Suites have the best ocean views at the hotel. Enjoy the view from the wicker lounging beds for two on the wrap around balcony. They also have an in-room Jacuzzi for two and king size bed.

Upgraded amenities and services:  Pre-arrival concierge services, champagne, and fruit basket in room on arrival, pillow menu, private area concierge and aromatherapy menu, exclusive pool area with pool butler service.

Honeymoon suite

View from wrap around balcony.

This is a popular area for ceremonies at Azul Sensatori.  They set up the dance floor under the natural wooden gazebo and have round tables set up around the outside.  The wedding coordinator says it looks very nice once the lights are added.  To the left there is a swimming pool where they set up the Bride and Groom's table.

Azul Fives Hotel

Located just 10 minutes from charming Playa del Carmen, Azul Fives Hotel is noted for enormous suites designed for families and friends with up to three bedrooms and rooftop decks.

One of many beautiful pools at Azul Fives.

A beach ceremony at Azul Fives.  The main pool is located behind the area where they set up the beach ceremony.

A garden ceremony at Azul Fives, the main pool is in front of the gazebo but this area is off to the side and is more private than the beach location.

Bridal Spa Suite.  A beautiful private room in the spa for the bride to get ready in.

Penthouse Suites

This amazing rooftop lounge deck penthouse was created to satisfy even the most demanding guests’ needs and is available in two or three bedroom options. In addition to the above mentioned amenities of the two and three bedroom suites, the Penthouse suites are located on the third floor and feature an exclusive and unique rooftop lounge deck where guests can enjoy private gatherings with family and friends. The rooftop lounge deck doubles the living space of the suite and has special glass panels to block the wind as well as a deluxe whirlpool tub for six that is elevated to allow for spectacular views. The rooftop deck also features a large lounge area which includes a sofa and coffee table, chaise lounges ideal for sun bathing, pergola, a barbeque grill, a marble half-bathroom with sink and shower and also a patio dining table for six with pergola. This lounge is perfect for entertaining, sharing an afternoon barbecue or room service delivery.

Living Dining Kitchen Area

Rooftop Deck Lounge on Penthouse Suites

Get married with a new perspective on the world atop your penthouse roof! The expansive, private rooftop deck offers stunning views of the Caribbean, jungle and pools.

Zky lounge is a popular location for receptions and ceremonies set up on the outside terrace overlooking the ocean.

Zky Bar

Enjoy live music, entertainment and dancing every night of the week at this sophisticated bar and lounge. Grab one of the king-size lounge beds lining the outside terrace edge with cocktail service. See the twinkling lights of Cozumel across the water.

I hope this tour of Karisma Resorts was informative and helps you decide if El Dorado or Azul Hotels are a good choice for your destination wedding.  I have posted more pictures of these resorts on my showcase page, here is the link-

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/crystal-water

If you have questions or if you would like some rates for your wedding please contact us, we look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers,

Victoria

Crystal Water Weddings.