All-Inclusive Escapes
December 5, 2008 By: Lindsay Lambert Luxury Travel AdvisorFor
a romantic all-inclusive experience, consider El Dorado Casitas
Royalewww.karismahotels.com)
in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. The “Gourmet Inclusive”
resort, part of El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort, by Karisma, is open
only to adults and comprises 130 oceanview suites with infinity-edge
plunge pools, Aguas del Amo (outdoor showers) and in-room
Jacuzzis.
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Guests
staying in Swim-Up Infinity Pool Casita Suites can float right up to
the resort’s main pool via a lazy river that connects to each
suite’s plunge pool. Casita Suites accommodate two people with
a king-size bed and are located such that groups booking multiple
units might feel they’ve taken over the entire place. The top
accommodation here is the Presidential One-bedroom Casita. It has a
private pool, oceanfront terrace, outdoor bed and a Jacuzzi with
Caribbean views. All guests enjoy service by a dedicated concierge
team. Too relaxed to reach for the SPF? Just ask a beach butler to
fetch it—he’ll also provide reading materials, mineral
water vaporizers and other beach-ready treats. Contact Sales Manager
Flor Rodriguez (fralcocer@eldorado-resort.com.mx;
011-52-998-872-8030) to
book.
For
breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests have their pick of restaurants,
including D’Italia and the Mexican-themed Fuentes, whose
theater-style seating allows guests to peek in on food preparation in
its five open kitchens. Guests are guaranteed seating at resort
restaurants, but reservations can be made the day of or prior to
dining.
In
November, the resort unveiled its second spa, Casitas Spa, a
20,000-square-foot sanctuary with a full-service salon. Ask concierge
Paula Negrete (pnegrete@eldorado-resort.com.mx;
011-52-998-872-8030) to set up your clients’ visit at least one
day in advance. We hear the Signature Beachfront Sky Massage is a
must, as guests enjoy their treatment on the beach on a raised
palapa. (Spa treatments are not included in the cost of
room reservations.) Negrete and her staff also can arrange a number
of activities and excursions, from a personalized shopping tour of La
Quinta Avenida to a special dinner a deux by the sea.
On
the shores of the Caribbean Sea in Cancun’s hotel zone, Le
Blanc Spa Resort
(www.leblancsparesort.com)
offers couples an all-inclusive escape just minutes from the buzz of
downtown. The 260-room resort comprises lagoon- and oceanview Royale
Deluxe rooms and Royale Honeymoon suites. All boast double Jacuzzis,
balconies and flat-screen LCD TVs. Book the Presidential or Governor
Suites for high-profile clients. In fact, we wonder if President
George W. Bush, Mexican President Vicente Fox and Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper talked politics in one of these suites during
their stay at the resort for the Mexican Summit in 2006.
Elizabeth
Acosta (eacosta@palaceresorts.com)
ably assists with securing the perfect suite.
For
leisure, guests can play a round of golf on one of two 18-hole
championship golf courses or sample the resort’s activity
offerings. Suggest that clients ask their floor’s designated
butler to arrange a tour to the Caribbean’s famous Isla
Mujeres, complete with a picnic and private boat transportation, or
to Tulum, where they can explore Mayan ruins. Afterward, they can
unwind in Le Blanc’s 31,000-square-foot spa, which pampers
guests’ complexions with products by Phytomer, Decleor and
Natura Bisse. Suggest the signature 4 Elements Stone Massage, which
uses hot river stones to melt away muscle tension. Tip: Reserve an
outdoor couple’s pavilions for added romance. Book spa
treatments when room reservations are made, as the spa typically is
in high demand.
Tip: Advise clients that a “casual elegance” dress code
is in place for dining during evenings.
For
clients who want to enjoy the ease of an all-inclusive in a more
exclusive setting or plan to bring the whole family along, look to
Hawaii Hideaways
(www.hawaiihideaways.com),
whose portfolio includes privately owned mansions throughout the
Hawaiian islands. (See Luxury Travel Advisor’s June 2007
issue to learn about our own experience with Hawaii Hideaways.)
Hawaii Hideaways’ well-connected staff can tailor-make a
vacation package that includes everything from accommodations and
concierge services, to private chefs and transportation.
Although
the selection is vast, insiders say Sun Kissed and Grand Pavilion are
among client favorites for their villa-style composition and ability
to accommodate large groups. We also hear that Villa Kumulani,
Kapalua Crest and the Paul Mitchell Estate are among clients’
favorites for their outright luxurious offerings. Tip: While many
properties offer daily cleaning service, the services of a personal
assistant, private concierge or butler can easily be arranged.
Luxury
travel advisors should contact Director of Sales Denise Pancurak
(denise@hawaiihideaways.com;
866-962-5642, ext. 104) to pick out and reserve the perfect home.
Then, ask Director of Guest Services Autumn Quintero
(autumn@hawaiihideaways.com;
866-962-5642, ext. 103) to assist if your clients would like to
commission the services of a personal spa therapist, yoga teacher,
surf instructor or other staff.
We
hear the Hawaii Hideaways staff once planned
a 60th birthday celebration with a group of eight friends from across
the country, complete with golf, fine dining and decorations
throughout the house according to special instructions provided by
the guest of honor’s wife. Sending a client for the holidays?
Hawaii Hideaways staff also can custom decorate Christmas trees and
take delivery of packages on guests’ behalf.
Note:
Christmas, New Year’s and Spring Break
are the most sought-after weeks, so plan to book a year in advance
for a stay then; we do hear, though, that there is always last-minute
availability.
When
it comes to all-inclusives, Royal Hideaway Playcar
(www.royalhideaway.com)
continues to be a fail-safe favorite for its Five Diamond offerings.
The property’s on-site sales manager, Felisa Padilla
(Padilla@mx.occidentalhotels.com;
011-52-984-873-45-00, ext. 8530), and Director of Sales and Marketing
Worldwide Cathy Rodriguez (crodriguez@us.occidentalhotels.com;
305-714-3003) readily work with luxury travel advisors to ensure
their clients get their pick of the place, from accommodations and
dining (reservations up to a week in advance are suggested) to spa
service and activities.
If
you’re sending VIPs, inform Chief Concierge Arely Lopez
(cconcierge@mx.occidentalhotels.com;
984-873-4500, ext. 8154), who can rent a private yacht, arrange
private guided excursions and make any other number of special
requests a reality.
High
season at Royal Hideaway Playacar lasts from December 20 until April
15, so luxury travel advisors should plan to book as far in advance
as possible for a stay then.
