Greenhouse at El Dorado Royale
I finally got to tour the greenhouse at El Dorado Royale. I’d wanted to do it during each of my last several trips to the area and I finally took the time to do it. I am a new gardener, so I was intrigued by the size of the 70,000 square foot facility made up of (I believe) 14 separate buildings. Its a hydroponic greenhouse and the main growing medium is shredded coconut husks. One of the buildings houses an advanced system of pumps and tanks that allows exactly the right amount of moisture and nutrition flow to each of the thousands of plants throughout the greenhouses.
In much of the US, a greenhouse is used to be able to extend the growing season into the cold winter months. In Mexico they have the opposite problem. Rather than using materials to keep the heat in, they use screen material and misting fans to cool the greenhouse off so as not to stress the plants.
Having a greenhouse and growing produce on such a massive scale allows El Dorado to live up to their commitment of preserving the environment. The quality of the home grown product is also superior in keeping with the Gourmet Inclusive concept of the resorts.
The greenhouses now supply all of the El Dorado Resorts and Azul Hotels by Karisma. They also trade some of the vegetables for fruits (which they do not currently grow) and they sell to their staff at a less than market rate.
I highly recommend taking the greenhouse tour during your trip to El Dorado Royale. You will really appreciate the lengths the to which the organization goes to deliver a superior product while protecting the environment and using resources of the earth wisely.
Our Review of Paradise Marina Maroma
Our recent trip included a short stop at Marina Maroma. On previous trips I’ve spent much more time there and done other activities, but this time we did the wave runners (jet skis). WHAT FUN!
Paradise Maroma is a place where you can go to indulge in many types of water and land activities. Visitors from most of the hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya make day trips here to go snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, parasailing, speedboating, and many other activities that I’m just not thinking of at the moment.
On land there is horseback riding as well as ATVs to ride through the jungle. There is also a bar where the patrons swing on swings instead of sit on barstools. Fantastic food is also available at a restaurant there.
From your resort, you can buy a tour from your Lomas Travel representative that includes either a single activity at the marina or multiple activities. The van will come to your hotel and pick you up and bring you to the marina.
Also at Marina Maroma Paradise, is a beautiful wedding chapel. The chapel is right on the beach, so it is really the best of both worlds. You and your guests can be in the beautiful, shady chapel and yet you are right on the beach. Also, if you get married at Marina Maroma your wedding party could be not staying at the same hotel yet you could all attend the wedding easily.
We have had many wedding groups do group activities at Marina Maroma. For instance, I remember standing on the beach and watching a catamaran filled with a whole wedding party taking off over the beautiful Caribbean blue water. They were going out for drinks aboard a beautiful cruise as a prelude to a group beach dinner.
If you’re in Cancun or the Riviera Maya and you’re looking for a fun filled exciting day on the beach, you’ll find paradise at Marina Maroma.
Our Review of El Dorado Maroma
People ask me where my favorite place is, I always answer the same way. My favorite place to go is home at the end of every trip.
If they ask me about my favorite resort though, the answer is always “El Dorado Maroma”. Seriously, if I could be transported to a resort, I would always choose El Dorado Maroma.
Why? What makes El Dorado Maroma so great? Oh, let me count the ways:
1) Size: El Dorado Maroma is a small resort. Currently there are 72 suites. I personally love relaxing at a smaller resort. The feeling that I don’t know how to get somewhere I need to be makes me uneasy. At such a small resort I never feel that way. I can instantly relax. I don’t have to carry around a resort map and look for numbers on buildings to find where I need to be.
Another advantage of vacationing at a small resort is more personal service. The staff have less people to remember and serve.
2) Gourmet Inclusive: Like all of the El Dorado Resorts, El Dorado Maroma is Gourmet Inclusive. This means that the food you’ll enjoy will be far above the normal all inclusive fare. Even the 24 hour room service is to die for. You never have to worry about when restaurants are open (although they usually are). The food is simply amazing.
3) Service: One of the most impressive things you’ll experience at El Dorado Maroma is the amazing way the staff looks after you and really truly wants you to enjoy your time there. If you like bartenders who remember your drink, waiters who remember your name, housekeepers who remember that you need an extra towel and management who really truly goes the extra mile to make sure you’re happy and relaxed, then you’ll want to check out El Dorado Maroma.
If you need lots of noise and activity, then you might want to pick a different place. If you want to really relax and enjoy a slow pace for a while, then the El Dorado Maroma is somewhere you should consider.
Our Review of Barcelo Maya Colonial and Tropical
During our recent stay at the Barcelo Maya complex, we stayed at the Barcelo Maya Palace. As we toured all three properties, we decided that our favorite was the Barcelo Maya Colonial and Tropical. This conclusion has also been borne out by feedback from many clients over the years.
The Barcelo Maya Colonial & Tropical Beach has several features that make it a great choice for a vacation. They have a very nice Kids Water Park, a nice selection of restaurants, and a disco / night club on site. They also have a perfect location in the Barcelo Complex along a fantastic beach.
Not only will the kiddos get to play at the cool water park here, but they will also get to switch things up a bit and go play on the splash pad/ water park at the Barcelo Maya Beach. Staying here you and your family will have complete access to all of the restaurants and amenities at the Barcelo Maya Beach in addition to your home resort. That means more restaurants & shows for mom and dad to chose from and more parks, water slides, and kids clubs for the kiddos to chose from.
The Barcelo Maya Colonial & Tropical Beach boasts a great location. It sits directly between the Barcelo Maya Beach and the Barcelo Maya Palace. This resort has the best location to the Fitness Center, the Spa, and the Disco at the Complex. The resort overall has a great location. I would suggest that you upgrade to the premiere section to guarantee the shortest walk to water 
The Premiere Club also includes free internet and use of the Premiere Club lounge.
Again one of my absolute favorite things about this resort is the beach. They have one of the longest stretches of beaches in the Riviera Maya. Their beach is not only nice and long, but there are gorgeous streches with no rocks, or coral; they are just beautiful.
Six Secrets of a Smooth Arrival at Cancun International Airport
Welcome to Cancun!
Are you planning your first trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya? Or has it maybe been a while since you’ve been? Here are some things you should know to make the beginning of your trip as smooth as possible.
1) Bring a pen on the plane. The flight attendants will be passing out a form commonly referred to as a “tourist card”. You’ll need to fill it out. You’ll be the most popular one on your row if you have a pen. You’ll need your passport open to fill it out. Be sure you carefully keep track of your passport because if you misplace it or leave it on the plane you will have a big problem. Possession of your passport is really the only deal breaker in the whole process. You can make up for anything else, but if you lose your passport you have issues.
2) Properly fill out your tourist card. Hopefully it will be printed in English, but it may not. It could go either way. Read it carefully and fill it out correctly. If you’re arriving into Cancun, the name of the state is “Quintana Roo”. It can be abbreviated “Q. Roo”. Also remember that the format for writing a date everywhere but the US is day/month/year rather than the month/day/year format we use.
There will be a guy checking your tourist card right when you get off the plane to make sure it is filled out correctly. If it is not, you’ll have to stop right there and lean up against the wall and make your corrections. This will upset your evil plan of rushing down to passport control and being first in line.
3) Speaking of the line in passport control, it goes pretty fast. Don’t despair if you see a long snake-like line. It’s pretty much like Walt Disney World in that it moves fairly continuously. If you get bored, look down at the floor. Ninety nine percent of the women in the line have fresh pedicures. I roll my eyes at them in my head while I wait. Oops, you have a fresh pedicure too? Compare yours to theirs and see whose is better.
4) The next line you’ll encounter is customs. This is the line you wait in after you’ve claimed your luggage. Sometimes this line can move rather slowly. If you notice a substantial line when you enter the baggage claim area, make a deal with your traveling companion that one of you gets the bags, and one of you goes ahead and takes a place in line. You may encounter sniffing dogs while in this area. They are looking for drugs and/or unpackaged food.
5) After you leave the customs area you go through sliding glass doors and will go to your right (the only option). You’ll walk past a bunch of people who are trying to get your attention. Ignore them. They are timeshare people. They may say they are your transfer, or that they are representatives of your hotel. They are not. They are lying. Ignore them, and walk outside. Your transfer is waiting for you outside. If transfers were not included in your package, you’ll find the legitimate taxi drivers out there too.
6) Relax. Even if the lines are long, or the airport is a complete mad house, relax. You’ve just arrived into one of the most beautiful places on earth. You’re on vacation. Relax.
Nicki’s First Trip to Mexico
I recently had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun, Mexico. It’s only a little over a 2 hour flight from Dallas… I love, love, love short, direct flights : ) I stayed 3 nights at The El Dorado Seaside Suites which is a little over an hour transfer from the airport, but definitely worth the drive. I stayed in a Beachfront Jacuzzi Junior Suite- Beautiful view, location, setting, everything. I knew it was going to be nice from what other agents in the office had told me, but their pictures and stories just didn’t do the resort justice. I’m already anticipating my next trip back.
The El Dorado boutique chain continued to impress me every time I turned around. I am so excited that they’re going green. The El Dorado Maroma already heats all of it’s water with solar panels and the El Dorado Royale has a huge green house on site where they grow all of their own vegetables.
I’m trying really hard to think of one thing that stood out above all the rest… The beach was beautiful. The rooms were excellent. The layout of the properties were perfect- None of the resorts felt too crowed or spread out and everything you could possibly want and/or need is always just a few steps away. Restaurants are spread out through out the properties and there is a concierge desk for every 35 rooms.
I was also really impressed by how the Azuls have combined Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive concept with their family friendly concept. They have contracts with Fisher Price toys and they have absolutely everything you could possibly think of for babies and kids of all ages. From kid’s clubs, kid’s activities and programs, play equipment and arcade rooms, to bottle warmers, and play pins- They have it! I really enjoyed the nightly shows at the resort, but out of all the things that I made me do a double take my favorite thing has to be the food!
I had the opportunity to meet the Head Chef for the El Dorado Royale and I was so EXCITED to hear him talk about his job with such enthusiasm. He has worked/cooked in over 22 countries and he said that there is no request that he cannot fulfill either on his own or with the help of his Sous Chef and staff. A fellow travel agent said that she was currently making arrangements for a bride and her guests that will be coming down in October and asked if he could possibly make a Hindu menu for her and her guests and he said of course he could. I love the idea of sending clients to a resort where I know that they are going to be completely taken care of. Below is a picture of just one of the many desserts that I was lucky enough to indulge in while I was at The El Dorado Maroma.
This was served in the Sabores restaurant.
When I arrived I was greeted with this welcoming sign : )
Trying to catch some sun…
This is the view from one of the Jacuzzi Suites at the El Dorado Royale.
When you go to The El Dorado Seaside Suites you have to order a Sombrero!
This is the only adult’s only restaurant at Azul Sensatori.
Serves 8 courses that takes about 2-2 1/2 hours to enjoy 
You can upgrade to a 14 course meal that takes about 3 1/2 hours to enjoy!
The next time you’re at The El Dorado Seaside Suites
You have to try the Tequila Tasting they offer- Very informative and delicious!
GIVC Awards
GIVCs in Mexico! Plus new amenities for Legacy Travel brides!
It was nothing short of amazing.
We zip lined in the jungle and even rode on snuggly camels! Yes, camels are in Mexico now and they will be coming up in the world you just wait and see. 
During our stay we were also able to visit the adventurous Selvatica! If you haven’t been yet, we strongly suggest it!
Karisma resorts now have a certification for qualifying travel agents to be a Gourmet Inclusive Wedding Consultant. I was quite surpised when they announced my name along with a handful of other agents who were rewarded with this new certification.
Legacy Travel was honored to receive awards of recognition at the GIVC ceremony during our last night there. All in all, we are happy to be back home and the experience just inspired me to have an even more prosperous year in 2010!
We received a nice, warm welcome to the El Dorado Royale.
We had a carnival right on one of my most favorite spots, Maroma Beach! We won Monopoly money to cash in for authentic Mexican toys.
The El Dorado Royale now have a camel tour along with their traditional horseback tour. Everyone who tried this walked away with a new love and passion for camels. ♥
The ceremony was beautiful and the entertainment was absolutely amazing.
Rafaela, the Karisma wedding director, was there as well! It is always lovely being able to spend time with this destination wedding guru. Stay tuned for an enticing interview with Ms Rafaela!
We miss it there already. ♥
Wishing you all a wonderful 2010!
Cathi and Philip at El Dorado Royale
Wonderful friends toasting a wonderful trip
Philip and Cathi were honored to be a part of the Gold and Above 500 Club Trip November 7-11 at El Dorado Casitas Royale. Attending the trip were 28 of the highest producing travel agencies in the country.
One focus on this trip was the experiences available in the Riviera Maya and Cancun. In the past we have so focused on the resort experience and knowing the resorts that we have passed right on by the amazing off resort experiences that are available in the destination.
Cathi enjoyed a day at Selvatica where she zip-lined through the jungle, then boarded a jeep and went to a cenote in the jungle and swam in the cold water. They even have a cenote where you can take a Segway to the cenote to swim.
Our group ready to take off underground to explore caves
After the cenote, the group was transported to Rio Secreto where we put on wetsuits and explored underground caves. Simply amazing. There were lights on the helmets, but when the lights were turned off it was the darkest dark you can imagine.
Cathi Inside the Underground Caves
At the same time, Philip went to Xcaret to swim with the dolphins. He reports that the dolphins were “cute”. In groups of 5 or 6 they went onto the submerged platform and first they brought them out one by one and had the dolphin interact. The dolphins allowed them to pet them, then they danced, then they jumped over their heads. The grand finale was a foot push where the dolphins took each participant and pushed their feet until the swimmer was sailing above the water.
One night we all ate at John Grey’s Place in Playa del Carmen. We had a tasting menu with so many courses I lost count. No one could tell how much wine they’d consumed because you never got to the end of a glass. It was just filled up over and over again.
The El Dorado Royale was fabulous, as always. We were in a casita. We used our jacuzzi all but one day and Philip slept out on the bed on the balcony so he could hear the ocean.
Philip and I each got a “four hands massage”. There are not words to describe the wonderfulness. No.Words.
That pretty much sums up the trip. Wonderfulness!
