30 DAYS LOCK DOWN VACATION BLOGS. DAY 4: EL DORADO ROYALE

EL DORADO ROYALE: ADULT ONLY GOURMET ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT (5*)

El Dorado Royale, a Karisma Resort. in Riviera Maya, Mexico is a premier adult only gourmet all inclusive resort for those who want the best in all categories: accommodations, cuisine, premium beer, wine and spirits, service, activities, and entertainment.

El Dorado Royale lobby

While we represent many brands in this exclusive all inclusive category, we have proven favorites. And for me El Dorado Royale is at the top of the list. We first visited this resort in 2002 and have returned numerous times every year since, observing and experiencing the continual evolution under the watchful eyes of Sr. Jose Martinez and Dolores Lopez Lira.

A sample of the gourmet cuisine at El Dorado Royale

In the interest of accuracy there are two sections at El Dorado Royale. Today we will focus on the original Junior Suite section. We will visit the Casita Section before our 30 days on lock down conclude, which will not be soon enough.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS

476 luxury Junior Suites are divided into four major categories. Each have the same general size and amenities. Only the view and location vary. Each Junior Suite features: a 2-person Jacuzzi, sitting area with couch, table and chairs perfect for a work area or room service, mini-fridge stocked with complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, beer, juice and snacks - replaced daily, a balcony or patio, and 24-hour room service (very important).

Junior Suite interior

The bathrooms feature much appreciated double sinks, a separate water closet, and large walk-in rain shower. Also included are premium soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Junior Suite bathroom with double sinks

The lead-in priced Luxury Junior Suites face lovely manicured gardens and fountains, not parking lots or jungles. The Swim-up Junior Suites are ground floor units with furnished patios that step directly into a lazy river pool. These can be garden view or ocean front. We are able to secure ocean front locations for our clients. Even though you enjoy the convenience of your room with these you still receive bar service from the wait staff from your pool.

Swim Up Suites

The category we recommend most are the Beachfront Junior Suites, located in the most central location of the resort, facing the ocean. The ground floor suites here are all swim-up. 2nd and 3rd floor rooms have balconies. Beware: Theses are great rooms but if you need to see the ocean - these have some obstruction from trees, bars, snack shops, etc. Still a nice view though. The Beachfront Honeymoon Suites, also on 2nd and 3rd floors, have been selected for their exceptional unobstructed ocean front views.

Beachfront Suite balcony view

GOURMET CUISINE

We kid you not, food quality, presentation and delivery are outstanding in all 12 El Dorado Royale eateries. To start your vacation we recommend you visit JoJo's beachside Caribbean Grill as soon as you check-in. This is why you come to the Caribbean. Ask for their fresh catch of the day, or try the ceviche, extensive hamburger menu, and vast range of superior appetizers and salads. An outdoor pizzeria is just across the way as well.

Extensive burger menu at JoJo's; El Dorado Royale

The extensive burger menu at Jojo's.

While the buffet at Cocotal is excellent, we highly recommend the a la carte (order from a menu) specialty restaurants that feature Asian, Mexican, Italian (2), Mediterranean, New Mexico style and of course for foodies - Fuentes Culinary Theater. Reservations are only required at two of these specialty restaurants. You will be delighted with the Gourmet Corner locations which feature varieties from healthy to tacos.

Santa Fe restaurant

PREMIUM BEVERAGES

There are bars and bars galore at El Dorado Royale, each featuring premium top shelf liquor and wine brands, as well as Heineken and Coors Light in addition to Mexican brands. It all starts at Martini's Lobby Bar with an extensive selection of ... you guessed, martini's. There are open air beachside bars, relaxing before and after dinner drink bars, multiple swim-up bars, and their show lounge bar Las Guacamayas, which pulsates with nightly entertainment until 2 am.

Premium brand liquors

Samantha at the swing bar, El Dorado Royale

SPA

Spa options are at additional cost as usual but they are so important at El Dorado Royale that there are two Naay Spa facilities in addition to beachfront open bungalows for couples or individual treatments. Brides will love the Bridal Suites to help them and their bridesmaids relax and prepare for the big day.

Couples spa cabin

ENTERTAINMENT

One o the great features of an upscale adult only resort like El Dorado Royale is the entertainment, designed for adults, from cirque-type performances to fire shows you will find an unique different show every night, along with live bands and various entertainers.

ACTIVITIES

In addition to the 12 pools throughout the expansive resort you will have a plethora of activities to chose from if you are inclined, which include a natural salt water pool; daily activities and entertainment program, including beach volleyball, aqua-aerobics, salsa lessons, low impact aerobics, meditation, Tai-Chi classes, and yoga; non-motorized water sports including the gear for paddle boats, kayaks and snorkeling; Scuba clinics in the pool; bicycles and tennis; two hard surface lighted tennis courts - rackets and balls included; fitness center including sauna and Turkish baths; complimentary shopping tours to Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

One of 12 pools at El Dorado Royale

Plenty of non-motorized water activities such as paddle boats, kayaks, and snorkeling are included. Motorized water activities are available for an additional fee. Two highly recommended complimentary on-site activities are: The escorted bike ride around the property by stables, cenotes, waterfalls, the Greenhouse and much more. And a tour of the 700,000 sq-foot Greenhouse, which produces organic vegetables and herbs, including cucumbers, bell peppers, chilies, basil, cilantro and mint - enough to accommodate El Dorado and Generations Resorts, many employees and area hospitals.

Greenhouse at El Dorado Royale

BEACH

The beach at El Dorado Royale has been much discussed. It is not the greatest for lovers of the perfect beach. There are sections which can be rocky and sections that are marvelous. There are plenty of loungers and even a generous number of Bali beds for two. And of course there is wait service for your drink order along the beach. TIP. While many people demand the perfect beach during the planning stages of a vacation we find they will eventually spend the majority of the daytime at the pools which pulsate with music, entertainment, activities, socializing and swim-up bars. Enough said.

The beach and Bali beds

DESTINATION WEDDINGS, HONEYMOON & ANNIVERSARY

We can not stress enough the quality and variety of destination wedding designs and options El Dorado Royale has to offer. Our wedding couple love their wedding products and service.

One of many wedding locations

We know of no resort which delivers and more romantic, value-filled, generous complimentary honeymoon and anniversary package that most of our guests qualify for than at El Dorado Resorts. Just let us know if yo are celebrating a special occasion and we will make sure you are spoiled at El Dorado Royale.

Birthday celebration at El Dorado Royale

ULTIMATE VACATIONS is one of the leading top producers worldwide for El Dorado Royale. As such we have access to Free Room Upgrades, Exclusive pricing, Upgraded Private Transfers, Celebration packages, and much more.