Karisma Resorts Update (EDR, EDSS & AZUL)

**Shammy** · 03-02-2005

For those of you poking around for news on the El Dorado Royale, the El Dorado Seaside Suites and the Azul, I just received a fax with some detailed information and thought I would share:

COMPANY NEWS

We decided to “Kick It Up A Notch” with a new level of all-inclusive vacation experience. That’s why we developed the Gourmet Inclusive concept, a signature culinary concept that combines the convenience of all-inclusive vacations with a high level of food quality and sophistication. The philosophy behind Gourmet Inclusive is an understanding that an exceptional travel experience must include consistent, high-level cuisine 7 days a week. The program includes in-depth training program for all chefs, has been successfully implemented in all of our properties and is closely overseen by the company’s Corporate Food & Beverage Director. At Karisma, we see ourselves as “culinary entertainers,” we don’t want to just provide good food but exceptional dining experiences that will help define each guest’s vacation.

EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Following a $6 million dollar transformation (dubbed “Extreme makeover”), we have opened our newest boutique resort, El Dorado Seaside Suites. We took the old favorite El Dorado Resort property and completely transformed, refurbished and upgraded it to a 133 all-suite, upscale boutique resort with a five-star staff ratio of 1.4 employees per room and staff trained for a demanding clientele. The Seaside Suites is a gourmet inclusive boutique resort catering to adults only. The makeover included a room redecoration in a Western Caribbean influenced contemporary style and included new bathrooms and new furniture.

The main objective was to achieve a harmony between comfort, romance and intimacy, so all rooms have dreamy four post beds with drapes and deluxe-quality mattresses. For guests’ convenience, a new cable TV system with 21 different channels was also installed as well as a new telephone system and air-conditioning units.

The number of Jacuzzi Suites, all of which feature either interior or exterior hot tubs and have direct beach access, was increased to 85 due to guest interest. Additionally, 3 categories of Junior Suite will be available, including 25 Garden View Jr. Suites; 14 Ocean View Jr. Suites; and 9 Ocean Front Jr. Suites, which directly face the beach.

A lot of effort and attention was given to the development of the new restaurants. The property features three gourmet a’ la Carte restaurants, including fine international cuisine, authentic Mexican, and gourmet Asian fusion. Another culinary amenity is the 24-hour room service which is also part of the gourmet inclusive program.

The various bars were completely redesigned and recreated to reflect the romantic boutique ambiance of the property. The Mexican restaurant also features a new, beautifully decorated Tequila bar and lounge, La Cantina. A new beach front relaxation lounge, Guacamayas, was created complete with cool wooden furniture, romantic outdoor beds and hip lounge music. The resort’s nightly entertainment program features international performers twice weekly with live music six times per week.

Seaside Suites also received a new air-conditioned lobby and lobby bar. Both pools were completely renovated and received luxurious marble flooring. All outdoor furniture was replaced with hardwood furniture and wooden chaise lounges. The entire property received completely new landscaping and the beach was lined with outdoor beach beds and a new gazebo for outdoor beachfront massages and events. The property, specializes in romantic vacations for couples, honeymooners, and destination weddings.

Klay Talay in Thai means “by the seaside.” This is quite fitting for Seaside Suites’ gourmet Asian restaurant and sushi bar that serves creative Asian fusion cuisine and offers grand views of the ocean as well as a spectacular terrace. Klay Talay operates under the concept of Author’s cuisine, which is a culinary experience where many of the dishes are original creations of the chefs. And while the restaurant also serves all time favorites, most are new creations which focus on the experience and the purity of each flavor. The flavors are carefully introduced through enhancements such as scented napkins, whose aromas enhance the dining experience.

EL DORADO ROYALE

Not just popular on this side of the pond! El Dorado Royale won the Marque Of Excellence award for Thomas Cook’s Best All-inclusive Hotel for Long Haul. Yes, we’re proud!

Be pampered like royalty at the recently remodeled Spa Royale.

And yes, the incredible new Swim Up Junior Suites are ready. The New Swim Up Junior Suites feature a relaxing lazy river just out of your patio.

Great news for brides and honeymooners: The wedding and honeymoon packages are very attractive. They start with the “Free Honeymoon and Wedding Anniversary Package", which includes a private romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, chilled bottle of champagne on arrival, couples 1/2 hr massage lesson, Bath robes for use during stay, Special towel arrangement daily, all this when booking an Ocean Front, Swim up Jr. Suite or Casita room category.

AZUL

We're full of hotel openings…another property we opened in November of last year is AZUL Hotel + Beach Resort. This is a cool gourmet inclusive boutique resort with a clean contemporary décor and creative details in the rooms and public areas to reflect a hip overall look and feel. Besides the design, the identity of the property is defined by the many special details and services that will all be part of the gourmet inclusive program. Some of those services are:

-Beach Butlers: a whole new concept in our gourmet inclusive vacation experience – the hugely popular Beach Butlers provide ongoing services, refreshments, towels and sun products for the guests on the beach
-Beach Cabanas: the beach is lined with four-post beach cabanas with privacy curtains for secluded sunbathing or star gazing.
-Swinging Beds: the pool bar has swinging beds, for guest to lounge and relax.
-24-hour room service
-Parent Amenities: for parents with young children, we have bottle warmers, strollers, cribs, toys, coloring books and even kid’s bath robes.
-Tequila Lounge: the first on the Riviera Maya with more than 30 types of Tequila; it has a frozen top to maintain drinks chilled
-No reservations required: The Blue restaurant features a large variety of menus, including low carb/low fat, an all-lobster menu, and theme menus, while the Tainan restaurant features a variety of unique gourmet experiences through its Asian-inspired cuisine.
-We’ve built a new ocean front terrace in front of Blue restaurant, which is great for al fresco dining

cpfstich · 03-03-2005

Thanks for the update Shammy. We'll be at EDSS in 39 days and will let everyone know how the renovation is.

Big Kahuna · 03-03-2005

Thanks Shammy! I loved the EDSS and plan to go back. Just can't beat the relaxation and quaint atmosphere.

cuffedlinks · 03-03-2005

I knew the EDR took its dining experience seriously, and now they're "kickin' it up a notch"....

TnJ · 03-03-2005

well, maybe that'll bring em closer 2 par with the big guns. their food needed a serious makeover imo... Tj

cpfstich · 03-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuffedlinks

I knew the EDR took its dining experience seriously, and now they're "kickin' it up a notch"....

"BAM!"

03-03-2005

has anyone been to this Azul?!?!!? how new is it?

Of all the resorts, are Capri and RH the only adult only places in the hood? Or is Excellence adult only also

**Shammy** · 03-03-2005

Secrets Excellence and the Adventura Spa Palace are the other two adults only resorts "in the hood"

I had clients go to the Azul. They were not totally unhappy, they did enjoy certain things (like the beach butlers!) but they said it just wasn't the place for them. Mostly because it was very far from everything. It had also just opened at the time so whatever problems might have also gone on then have probably been smoothed over by now.

03-03-2005

thanks shammy - so El Dorado SS isn't adult only? sorry for the stupid question - my previous one wasn't well phrased.

oh and hey - I am in Philly! Been an LBI girl all my life

03-03-2005

Thank you Shammy for the news. My wife and I will be checking into the EDR in three days. We're celebrating 20 years together. I found it very nice that we could actually go ahead and set reservations in advance (I did this last week) for these gourmet restuarants.

**Shammy** · 03-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumdrinks

thanks shammy - so El Dorado SS isn't adult only? sorry for the stupid question - my previous one wasn't well phrased.

oh and hey - I am in Philly! Been an LBI girl all my life

Oh hey Philly! Hubby's familia is from there too! I'm a Joisey girl, not too far from LBI either.

But yes, EDSS is also adults only. Sorry, I thought I had that one covered!

03-02-2005	#1 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,268	Karisma Resorts Update (EDR, EDSS & AZUL) For those of you poking around for news on the El Dorado Royale, the El Dorado Seaside Suites and the Azul, I just received a fax with some detailed information and thought I would share: COMPANY NEWS We decided to “Kick It Up A Notch” with a new level of all-inclusive vacation experience. That’s why we developed the Gourmet Inclusive concept, a signature culinary concept that combines the convenience of all-inclusive vacations with a high level of food quality and sophistication. The philosophy behind Gourmet Inclusive is an understanding that an exceptional travel experience must include consistent, high-level cuisine 7 days a week. The program includes in-depth training program for all chefs, has been successfully implemented in all of our properties and is closely overseen by the company’s Corporate Food & Beverage Director. At Karisma, we see ourselves as “culinary entertainers,” we don’t want to just provide good food but exceptional dining experiences that will help define each guest’s vacation. EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES Following a $6 million dollar transformation (dubbed “Extreme makeover”), we have opened our newest boutique resort, El Dorado Seaside Suites. We took the old favorite El Dorado Resort property and completely transformed, refurbished and upgraded it to a 133 all-suite, upscale boutique resort with a five-star staff ratio of 1.4 employees per room and staff trained for a demanding clientele. The Seaside Suites is a gourmet inclusive boutique resort catering to adults only. The makeover included a room redecoration in a Western Caribbean influenced contemporary style and included new bathrooms and new furniture. The main objective was to achieve a harmony between comfort, romance and intimacy, so all rooms have dreamy four post beds with drapes and deluxe-quality mattresses. For guests’ convenience, a new cable TV system with 21 different channels was also installed as well as a new telephone system and air-conditioning units. The number of Jacuzzi Suites, all of which feature either interior or exterior hot tubs and have direct beach access, was increased to 85 due to guest interest. Additionally, 3 categories of Junior Suite will be available, including 25 Garden View Jr. Suites; 14 Ocean View Jr. Suites; and 9 Ocean Front Jr. Suites, which directly face the beach. A lot of effort and attention was given to the development of the new restaurants. The property features three gourmet a’ la Carte restaurants, including fine international cuisine, authentic Mexican, and gourmet Asian fusion. Another culinary amenity is the 24-hour room service which is also part of the gourmet inclusive program. The various bars were completely redesigned and recreated to reflect the romantic boutique ambiance of the property. The Mexican restaurant also features a new, beautifully decorated Tequila bar and lounge, La Cantina. A new beach front relaxation lounge, Guacamayas, was created complete with cool wooden furniture, romantic outdoor beds and hip lounge music. The resort’s nightly entertainment program features international performers twice weekly with live music six times per week. Seaside Suites also received a new air-conditioned lobby and lobby bar. Both pools were completely renovated and received luxurious marble flooring. All outdoor furniture was replaced with hardwood furniture and wooden chaise lounges. The entire property received completely new landscaping and the beach was lined with outdoor beach beds and a new gazebo for outdoor beachfront massages and events. The property, specializes in romantic vacations for couples, honeymooners, and destination weddings. Klay Talay in Thai means “by the seaside.” This is quite fitting for Seaside Suites’ gourmet Asian restaurant and sushi bar that serves creative Asian fusion cuisine and offers grand views of the ocean as well as a spectacular terrace. Klay Talay operates under the concept of Author’s cuisine, which is a culinary experience where many of the dishes are original creations of the chefs. And while the restaurant also serves all time favorites, most are new creations which focus on the experience and the purity of each flavor. The flavors are carefully introduced through enhancements such as scented napkins, whose aromas enhance the dining experience. EL DORADO ROYALE Not just popular on this side of the pond! El Dorado Royale won the Marque Of Excellence award for Thomas Cook’s Best All-inclusive Hotel for Long Haul. Yes, we’re proud! Be pampered like royalty at the recently remodeled Spa Royale. And yes, the incredible new Swim Up Junior Suites are ready. The New Swim Up Junior Suites feature a relaxing lazy river just out of your patio. Great news for brides and honeymooners: The wedding and honeymoon packages are very attractive. They start with the “Free Honeymoon and Wedding Anniversary Package", which includes a private romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, chilled bottle of champagne on arrival, couples 1/2 hr massage lesson, Bath robes for use during stay, Special towel arrangement daily, all this when booking an Ocean Front, Swim up Jr. Suite or Casita room category. AZUL We're full of hotel openings…another property we opened in November of last year is AZUL Hotel + Beach Resort. This is a cool gourmet inclusive boutique resort with a clean contemporary décor and creative details in the rooms and public areas to reflect a hip overall look and feel. Besides the design, the identity of the property is defined by the many special details and services that will all be part of the gourmet inclusive program. Some of those services are: -Beach Butlers: a whole new concept in our gourmet inclusive vacation experience – the hugely popular Beach Butlers provide ongoing services, refreshments, towels and sun products for the guests on the beach -Beach Cabanas: the beach is lined with four-post beach cabanas with privacy curtains for secluded sunbathing or star gazing. -Swinging Beds: the pool bar has swinging beds, for guest to lounge and relax. -24-hour room service -Parent Amenities: for parents with young children, we have bottle warmers, strollers, cribs, toys, coloring books and even kid’s bath robes. -Tequila Lounge: the first on the Riviera Maya with more than 30 types of Tequila; it has a frozen top to maintain drinks chilled -No reservations required: The Blue restaurant features a large variety of menus, including low carb/low fat, an all-lobster menu, and theme menus, while the Tainan restaurant features a variety of unique gourmet experiences through its Asian-inspired cuisine. -We’ve built a new ocean front terrace in front of Blue restaurant, which is great for al fresco dining __________________ ....till IB* Grand!

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03-03-2005	#2 (permalink)
cpfstich el poli Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 10,662	Thanks for the update Shammy. We'll be at EDSS in 39 days and will let everyone know how the renovation is.

03-03-2005	#3 (permalink)
Big Kahuna añejo Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In a land far far away Posts: 1,590	Thanks Shammy! I loved the EDSS and plan to go back. Just can't beat the relaxation and quaint atmosphere.

03-03-2005	#4 (permalink)
cuffedlinks añejo Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The City of Presidents Posts: 16,003	I knew the EDR took its dining experience seriously, and now they're "kickin' it up a notch"....

03-03-2005	#5 (permalink)
TnJ añejo Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: vuelo corto al PDC Posts: 2,044	well, maybe that'll bring em closer 2 par with the big guns. their food needed a serious makeover imo... Tj

03-03-2005	#7 (permalink)
rumdrinks Posts: n/a	has anyone been to this Azul?!?!!? how new is it? Of all the resorts, are Capri and RH the only adult only places in the hood? Or is Excellence adult only also

03-03-2005	#8 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,268	Secrets Excellence and the Adventura Spa Palace are the other two adults only resorts "in the hood" I had clients go to the Azul. They were not totally unhappy, they did enjoy certain things (like the beach butlers!) but they said it just wasn't the place for them. Mostly because it was very far from everything. It had also just opened at the time so whatever problems might have also gone on then have probably been smoothed over by now.

03-03-2005	#9 (permalink)
rumdrinks Posts: n/a	thanks shammy - so El Dorado SS isn't adult only? sorry for the stupid question - my previous one wasn't well phrased. oh and hey - I am in Philly! Been an LBI girl all my life

03-03-2005	#10 (permalink)
JollyMon Posts: n/a	Thank you Shammy for the news. My wife and I will be checking into the EDR in three days. We're celebrating 20 years together. I found it very nice that we could actually go ahead and set reservations in advance (I did this last week) for these gourmet restuarants.

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