El Dorado Royale
El Dorado Royale
If you fly to Cancun, grab a taxi and ride 25 minutes south, you end up in one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico, the Mayan Riviera.
Riviera Maya overlooks the Caribbean Sea on the east side of the Yucatan peninsula. Known for its crystal-clear water, mild temperatures and white sand beaches, Riviera Maya is home to upscale resorts, world-class diving and ruins from the ancient Mayan civilization.
As we pull up to the El Dorado Royale, our eyes grow accustomed to the light and we take in the spectacular view. The elevated room is centered on a large decorative pool of bubbling fountains. Polished marble floors lead to huge windows that over look an expansive courtyard full of waterworks and lush landscaping extending several hundred yards to the seashore.
This adult only, all-inclusive resort rests on 450-acres of Caribbean waterfront property bordered by tropical jungles. Featuring 500 guest’s rooms, six large restaurants, more than a dozen bars, giant resort-style pools, activity centers and a full-service spa, it offers plenty of entertainment options.
The front of our building is whitewashed adobe with brown wooden doors and arched entryways. The room features a king-sized bed surrounded by sheer canopies. On top of the bed, towel sculptures (two doves) are surrounded by flower petals; a large Jacuzzi tub is built into the living area and accented with candles and fresh flowers. The sliding back door opens onto a spacious patio with hammock and outdoor furniture. A sunbathing pool with a couple of lounge chairs surrounds the patio and drains into a four-foot-deep “lazy river” (you can swim the river to reach the main pools and swim up bars). Fifty yards from our room, the brilliantly blue Caribbean splashes onto the shore.
In other areas of the resort, things are a little more hectic. The beautiful blue waters and lush tropical settings at El Dorado Royale attract many brides. Some prefer to tie the knot in the seaside chapel; others prefer the bridge over the fountains below the main lobby. Many more have their hearts set on beach weddings. Wedding parties are busy rehearsing and preparing for the big day. Numerous cafés and gardens are being used for rehearsal dinners and private receptions. Photographers are snapping bridal portraits and on-site wedding planners and additional staff take care of the details so weddings will go smoothly.
El Dorado Royale is a winner. It has fantastic grounds, plenty of activities and above average food and service compared to other all-inclusive resorts. It’s worth the upgrade price to get closer to the ocean. The property is big, so bring comfortable shoes; a fleet of golf carts are available if you want a ride. Dinner reservations are a must. Room service is the only backup if you run late. Excursions are available for an extra charge to the Mayan ruins, deep-sea fishing areas and numerous scuba attractions.
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713-621-5555
- Tom Flynn
photo: courtesy El Dorado
