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As a part of a current press journey with TUI, Tom and I spent seven nights at El Dorado Seaside Suites Spa Resort by Karisma on Kantenah Bay close to Tulum in Mexico.
I needed to share my assessment of El Dorado Seaside Suites, though this piece of content material just isn’t a part of my settlement with TUI and all views are my very own.
We stayed on the sister resort, El Dorado Royale, again in January of this yr on our annual vacation, so I’m in a position to examine the 2 resorts.
If you’re making an attempt to resolve which resort to e book, learn till the top of this assessment the place I’ll share an in-detail comparability of El Dorado Royale versus El Dorado Seaside Suites, and weigh up the professionals and cons of the 2 resorts.
Like El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites is an adults-only spa resort with connoisseur all-inclusive eating. It’s a TUI BLUE resort, that means it’s supreme for {couples}.
My assessment of TUI BLUE El Dorado Seaside Suites Hotel
The most essential factor to concentrate on when reserving a keep at this resort is that there are two sides to the resort: Seaside Suites and Palms. Seaside Suites is the newer part, with a extra fashionable room design and up to date really feel.
On the opposite hand, the Palms part has a extra conventional, Mexican vibe which I actually appreciated. It’s a matter of private choice.
If you’re torn between the 2 sides, I’d encourage you to ask your self whether or not you favor to remain in genuine, rustic rooms or if a extra up-to-date aesthetic higher fits your tastes.
The different factor to consider is how essential accessing the seashore is to you.
The Seaside Suites facet doesn’t have a lot of a seashore to talk of and no direct entry to the ocean, whereas the Palms facet has a correct sandy seashore which is painstakingly cleared of seaweed each morning by a body of workers.
The Seaside Suites facet feels extra compact for my part, so it will maybe be higher for travellers with mobility points.
No matter which facet of the resort you select, you possibly can entry all sides’s numerous services, together with the totally different swimming pools and eating places. So realistically, it doesn’t matter that a lot which facet you e book!
We discovered that Palms was the place British TUI vacation prospects stayed, whereas the Seaside Suites was the ‘American side’.
Getting to El Dorado Seaside Suites
The automobile journey between the airport and El Dorado Seaside Suites takes round 60 minutes, relying on visitors.
I’d undoubtedly advocate reserving a personal switch from the airport to the resort. We had one and it was a welcome reduction to not have to attend for everybody else on our flight to get via immigration and refill a coach after such an extended journey.
Premium block suites at El Dorado Seaside Suites
We stayed in room 607 within the premium block. The room consisted of a HUGE mattress (this was one of many issues we liked about our room at EDR too), a cushty sitting space, plus a extra formal desk and chairs.
Our rest room had two sinks and a separate bathe and bathroom. There was additionally an unlimited whirlpool tub. At EDR, we had the identical tub nevertheless it was subsequent to the balcony quite than within the rest room.
Our balcony was furnished with comfy lounge chairs and a big day mattress. We had a sea view overlooking the premium pool, lush palm timber and past, the fantastic Caribbean sea.
Looking straight down, a number of the rooftops of the varied resort buildings beneath us regarded a bit grubby nevertheless it wasn’t one thing that upset us.
Our mini-fridge was totally stocked with beers, mushy drinks, bottled water, crisps and a neighborhood chocolate bar. It was refilled each day.
We have been additionally stunned with extremely intricate edible creations made with native chocolate ready for us in our room after dinner most days.
As a part of the turn-down service, ambient music could be enjoying after we entered our room within the night, which we thought was a beautiful contact.
Because of the excessive warmth and humidity, I did discover our suitcases and belongings had a powerful musty scent after we got here dwelling, however that is widespread whenever you go to humid climates and it simply means airing out your suitcase earlier than you retailer it away.
You can undoubtedly order dehumidifier baggage to take with you in the event you’re visiting at a damp time of yr! I’ve used those I’ve linked earlier than in my damp pupil flat (that was a couple of years again now!) and also you wouldn’t imagine how full they get.
All rooms within the Premium block have a sea view and the corridors overlook miles of inexperienced forest behind the resort.
The swimming pools at El Dorado Seaside Suites
There are 4 swimming swimming pools at this resort.
On the Palms facet of El Dorado Seaside Suites, there’s a stunning quiet pool lined with Bali beds. I liked to learn there within the mornings, and it’s deep sufficient to do laps.
The important pool on the Palms facet is a bit of on the small facet and it may very well be difficult to get beds round it in the event you don’t get there early.
The important pool is the place the water-based actions happen so it might get loud there. My tip is to not nab a mattress close to the audio system in the event you’re planning to sleep or learn!
The swim-up bar on the important pool is a hole-in-the-wall connected to a restaurant and there isn’t lots of room for friends to sit down on the bar itself.
As premium friends, we had entry to the unique pool connected to that block. We didn’t actually hassle with it as we didn’t really feel there was something particular about it.
It does have a swim-up bar and I feel lounge-chair service is extra widespread at this pool, however we most popular the vibe on the important pool.
There is a big shaded space with Bali beds and so forth close to the Premium pool which might undoubtedly be of use to you in the event you endure within the solar.
There are additionally smaller blocks on the Palms facet of the resort which I imagine are for members, and the bottom ground suites have swim-up swimming pools.
In the Palms facet, there are additionally suites unfold across the lovely backyard areas which have extra intimate swim-up swimming pools. They range of their stage of privateness.
We sauntered over to the Seaside Suites, ‘American’ facet of the resort a handful of occasions.
The Seaside Suites pool runs the size of the Seaside Suites constructing. It has a big swim-up bar and the pool occasion will get fairly lairy. I wouldn’t have appreciated to have been staying in a swim-up room on that facet, as a result of there isn’t a lot privateness!
There are additionally scorching tubs on the Seaside Suites facet.
The seashore at El Dorado Seaside Suites
The Palms facet of the resort is the place to be for beach-goers. There are loads of sunloungers and you may wade out into knee-deep, heat water for what seems like miles.
Seaweed is an issue on this a part of Mexico however an enormous crew of males works tirelessly every morning to clear a big part of the seashore on the Palms facet so resort friends can swim within the shallows.
We made certain we popped the chilly mushy drinks from the fridge in our room right into a bag and gave them to the employees, which they appreciated.
They’re often completed working by noon after which the seashore is evident. However, there are some elements I’d keep away from!
On the newer facet of the resort, there’s a strip of sand with loungers which is separated from the water with a low wall.
Hotel bars at El Dorado Seaside Suites
There are 11 bars at El Dorado Seaside Suites, and regardless of our greatest efforts we didn’t fairly handle to go to all of them throughout our seven-day keep!
Our favorite bar for sundowners was Cotorros. It’s the bar nearest the seashore, subsequent to La Carreta. It has a relaxed vibe and is among the extra romantic spots at this resort.
The Guacamayas bar had simply reopened after a facelift after we visited. It tends to be the late-night bar the place the events occur, and the place everybody on the seashore takes cowl if the rain begins.
I struggled to discover a good espresso martini till our last night time, once I spied the barista machine on the Gourmet Pub and ordered one earlier than our meal. It was scrumptious.
Dining at El Dorado Seaside Suites
There are 10 eating places at El Dorado Seaside Suites. Many are open for multiple meal every day, however I’ve damaged them down as finest I can beneath.
Breakfast
For the primary meal of the day you possibly can select from the buffet restaurant which is Aricifes, the outside buffet on the Beach BBQ the place you eat at picnic benches together with your toes within the sand, or the Culinarium, which is a la carte.
We additionally walked over to the Seaside Suites facet for breakfast one morning and ate at Seaside Market, the place there was a formidable choice. They even have their very own peanut butter machine, which I’d by no means seen earlier than!
Lunch
We have been stunned to seek out that we loved the buffet restaurant immensely at lunchtime.
We sometimes e book all-inclusive accommodations that supply a wide range of a a la carte eating choices as a result of we desire a sit-down meal, however the cooked-to-order steaks, fish and array of different contemporary meals on the buffet received us over.
Most of the lunch choices are casual. There’s the Beach BBQ, which is buffet-style, and a burger and pizza joint outdoors the buffet the place our standout dish was the deep-fried burrito.
Dinner
The Culinarium is a Latin American fusion restaurant, although we didn’t assume that was instantly apparent from the menu. We did take pleasure in our meals there although. My sea bass with mole sauce was glorious.
The Asian restaurant, Klay Talay, was considered one of our favourites. The octopus sushi was implausible they usually even serve Asian beers and sake.
La Carreta is the Mexican restaurant, the place we opted for a number of small plates as an alternative of a important dish every. The waiter did attempt to encourage us to order extra although! We totally loved our tacos there.
The Gourmet Pub is right for fussy eaters or those that like a global menu the place they’ll depend on discovering one thing they’ll like. The french onion soup and burger sliders there are significantly good.
We discovered the meals on this restaurant very wealthy, however completely delicious!
There are two Italian eating places at this resort, serving related menus. I order seafood pasta from each menu I can discover it on, and it didn’t disappoint.
If you’re celebrating a special day or planning to suggest at El Dorado Seaside Suites, you possibly can e book a non-public candlelit dinner expertise on the seashore.
I imagine the candlelit dinners beforehand occurred on a picket pier, nevertheless it was sadly destroyed throughout a storm. The pier was being rebuilt throughout our journey and it must be prepared quickly.
There can also be a restaurant referred to as Driftwood on the American facet of the resort, however we didn’t eat there throughout our keep.
Entertainment and actions at El Dorado Seaside Suites
There’s lots to do apart from lounging by the pool at El Dorado Seaside Suites. Every day, we’d verify the TUI app to pick out our actions.
You don’t need to e book something, and in the event you don’t need to obtain the app you’ll discover paper indicators hanging within the resort which present the exercise timetable.
From arts and crafts like coconut portray and clay mug portray to gastronomical delights akin to a cacao expertise (significantly, the chocolate there’s unimaginable!), there’s one thing for everybody.
Sporty actions embody seashore and pool volleyball, aquarobics, circuits, dance courses and Kubb. These periods are all overseen by an brisk leisure crew, who do a stellar job.
You can be part of yoga courses on the seashore some mornings, and there’s even a ‘partner yoga’ session on Wednesdays within the studio, which we actually loved!
As nicely as deliberate tournaments, you may as well make use of the varied sport services everytime you like.
If none of that takes your fancy, you could be extra taken in by the blackjack tournaments, bingo, Spanish classes and ‘Question of the day’, which takes place across the pool.
During our week-long go to there have been two pool events, one on all sides of the resort. At the Palms ‘colour pool party’, the pool was stuffed with inflatables and the leisure crew led the dancing. They had a bit of Aperol pop-up bar, which I assumed was cool.
The ‘other’ / American facet’s occasion was a bit wilder, with some girls selecting to go topless within the pool. Think Spring break!
Nighttime leisure at El Dorado Seaside Suites contains stay singers, DJs, a silent disco, saxophonists and extra.
There are additionally common theme nights, like a Mexican Fiesta and Beach BBQ. On these nights, a number of the eating places shut and you may as an alternative get into the occasion spirit with gala-style dinners.
We thought the seashore BBQ was sensible, and the fireplace present leisure was thrilling.
Unfortunately throughout the Mexican Fiesta it rained fairly closely and we have been left consuming our soggy dinner whereas the Mariachi band packed up within the downpour as a result of there was no shelter over the set-up. This put a little bit of a dampener on the night time, excuse the pun!
We additionally discovered the buffet set-up for the Mexican Fiesta meant lengthy queues. We a lot most popular the a la carte eating places, nevertheless it was enjoyable to do one thing totally different for dinner that night time.
I observed an indoor theatre too, nevertheless it didn’t appear to be in use. Perhaps it’s reserved for rainier months.
The Náay Spa at El Dorado Seaside Suites
We have been fortunate sufficient to have a spa expertise organized for us by the resort supervisor, who had heard from TUI that I used to be visiting and that I’d be sharing my journey on my social media channels.
My husband and I had a journey via the spa’s thermal suite, adopted by a {couples}’ therapeutic massage.
The spa itself is a complete oasis, with a serene courtyard and softly-spoken workers able to cater to your each whim.
The thermal suite journey consists of a collection of cold and warm rooms, a dip within the giant jacuzzi pool and timed periods within the chilly plunge pool and jacuzzis.
There have been only a handful of different friends within the suites throughout our go to so though we had loads of area, I clearly couldn’t {photograph} the general public spa areas.
After the thermal journey, I showered in a stunning bathe with a view to a bit of backyard space, then have been have been proven to our therapeutic massage suite.
The {couples} therapeutic massage was implausible. My therapeutic massage therapist even braided my hair for me!
Afterwards, we have been urged to slide into the massive bubble tub they’d drawn for us and left to take pleasure in some glowing wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. It felt so indulgent and was one thing we’ll bear in mind perpetually.
On the seashore on the Palms facet of the resort, sheltered from the noise of the primary pool in a quiet zone, there’s an open construction the place you possibly can have a therapeutic massage overlooking the ocean.
Things to do close to El Dorado Seaside Suites
Some of the must-sees in Riviera Maya embody Chichen Itza, Xochimilco and the Xaret parks.
We did the TUI tour to Holbox which was simply heaven on earth.
You can e book excursions and actions by way of GetYourGuide right here.
El Dorado Royale / El Dorado Casitas versus El Dorado Seaside Suites: which one must you e book?
Aesthetically, the Palms facet of the El Dorado Seaside Suites resort is nearly indistinguishable from El Dorado Royale. Well-tended gardens with swaying palm timber, luxurious lounge areas and hammocks abound.
The majority of the constructions on the seashore and gardens respect the native architectural fashion, as does the inside decor.
The Seaside Suites facet of EDSS is, as I discussed above, extra fashionable.
Overall, the El Dorado Seaside Suites resort is far smaller than El Dorado Royale. There are golf buggies that can assist you get round in the event you want them, however we discovered these have been a lot much less needed (and subsequently much less widespread) at EDSS than EDR.
Customer service
We usually are not members and we felt the customer support was to a excessive customary at each resorts. However, we did discover extra ‘special touches’ at EDSS.
I used to be celebrating my thirtieth birthday at El Dorado Royale in January they usually didn’t do something to make sure we had a memorable day, whereas at EDSS the supervisor appeared much more on the ball and communication was higher.
Based on conversations with different friends, I don’t assume this was merely right down to the actual fact I used to be there as a visitor of TUI.
Beach and swimming pools
The seashore at El Dorado Royale is sadly closely impacted by the seaweed subject and the big concrete bolders have washed up on the seashore, spoiling the view. There aren’t any boulders on the seashore at EDSS.
When it involves swimming swimming pools, the EDR swimming pools are a lot bigger than the swimming pools at EDSS. We struggled with the chilly water at EDR in January however fortunately, the swimming pools at EDSS have been a pleasing temperature in August.
Food
The one factor I’d change about eating at El Dorado Seaside Suites is the lunch providing. At EDR, you possibly can go to the Asian restaurant for sushi and noodle dishes at lunchtime, however sadly the Asian restaurant at EDSS isn’t open throughout the day.
I additionally liked the well being bar for grab-and-go smoothies, salads and sandwiches throughout the day at EDR. There was a well being bar at EDSS, nevertheless it gave the impression to be mixed with the seashore BBQ and it wasn’t clear if there was a separate menu, or order from it.
I can’t examine the 2 spas sadly, as I solely had a therapy at EDSS and never EDR.
Overall, had we not already visited EDR, we most likely would have been far more impressed with EDSS. El Dorado Royale had extra of the wow issue for us, and I feel in the event you’re planning an extended trip it’s price selecting this resort just because it’s bigger.
That’s to not say I wouldn’t advocate El Dorado Seaside Suites. It’s a greater choice in case your price range is decrease and there’s no compromise on general high quality. We had an excellent week there!
That was a mammoth resort assessment, so nicely completed in the event you bought this far! If you’d prefer to see extra of my journey, check out my ‘TUI Blue’ spotlight on Instagram – my username is @danniellelily.
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