“You’re now in paradise.”
That’s what the sign says as you walk off the plane in Mexico. For those of us who work 60+ hours a week, a quick trip down south is a very tempting idea. It’s close, often affordable, and there’s no shortage of resorts waiting to entertain us. Still, it seems, most places we’ve come to know across the border often feel too “touristy.” After all, San Antonio is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. We know what “touristy” looks like, and it’s not what we want to see while on vacation. With this in mind, I set out to find an extraordinary getaway for those seeking to take some time off from work, trying to relax, or just looking to find the perfect romantic spot.
Enter El Dorado Seaside Suites in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
The plane lands, and within five minutes the radiant Mexican sun warms my face. A stretch Navigator limo pulls up to the curb. Waiting for me in the back: beer and champagne on ice. This is not your ordinary trip to Mexico. The ride south to the resort was a short 45 minutes away from Cancun and full of great views. Away from the main tourist area, El Dorado Seaside Suites is situated on a secluded beach just past Playa del Carmen. It’s a flourishing area of Mexico where the air seems fresh and more primitive. As you arrive to EDSS (what the locals call it), you can’t help but feel instantly relaxed. There are smiling faces everywhere, amazingly manicured gardens, and well–dressed employees ready to hand you a cold glass of champagne and a moist towel to freshen up. And this is just the beginning.
Seaside Suites prides itself on treating all of their guests like VIP’s. All of their 280 rooms are suites with easy access to the beach. From swim–up Jacuzzi suites where you can float to a private bar, to ocean–front Premium suites with a private pool, there’s a great room to meet everyone’s wants and needs. The surroundings are just as luxurious. Aside from gorgeous views of the sea at every turn, flowing palm trees, beautiful native flowers, and a mixture of modern and traditional Mexican architecture paint the majestic landscape. Their use of local wood in much of their design stood out as a unique touch. The cozy, oversized beach beds by the ocean and the great wooden swings, which hug the outdoor bars, are also picture perfect. So, now that you’re in paradise, what are you going to eat? For guests with a discerning palate, you’re in for a real treat. Karisma, the parent company of the resort, has coined the phrase “Gourmet–Inclusive” and Seaside Suites is just the latest addition in their family of growing properties to uphold this mantra. The “Gourmet Inclusive” concept means that you will not find a buffet line anywhere in sight. Instead, you will find five beautiful restaurants serving some of the most delicious gourmet food and beverages in the world of fine dining. From Mexican to an award–winning Italian restaurant, the cuisine is extraordinary and the presentation is superb. Speaking of extraordinary, how about a candle–lit lobster dinner by the ocean with the soothing sounds of crashing waves as your personal soundtrack? The experience is one of the most unique and intimate dining events you’ll ever find.
Seaside Suites is also the absolute perfect place for couples. The adults–only resort presents a timeless setting for love and romance. It’s no surprise that so many newlyweds choose it as their honeymoon destination. In fact, Seaside Suites offers great wedding packages as well. But it’s not just newlyweds that travel to the secluded getaway. While there, I met many couples who have made EDSS their regular getaway spot. One of the comments I often heard was about the immaculate attention to detail guests enjoyed. Everyone raved about the serenity of the area and the excellent service provided by the entire staff. I have to agree. Having visited another one of their locations, I can tell you that “quality service” is a priority at each and every one of their resorts. From the gracious management team to the pleasant bartenders and pool attendants, the service was beyond remarkable. Did I mention their wonderful room service staff? Yes, they have 24–hour room service available! I would easily recommend this to my friends and colleagues alike.
If you’re looking for a truly different travel experience and one of the most romantic resorts in all of Mexico, El Dorado Seaside Suites will not disappoint you; rather, it will impress you. Go ahead, take some time off from work and take a trip down to paradise; it’s closer than you think.
Luis Munoz is an executive television producer for KENS–TV and a partner in METRO Downtown. He is a freelance writer and photographer as well as a member of NARAS, the GRAMMYS association.
