Hello! ¡Hola! Aloha! Ciao! Bonjour! Hallo! 喂! Olá! हैलो! O si yo! Hej! Γειά! Hei! Dia duit! Labas!

These AZUL Hotels by Karisma share some features; Such as they are both located south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya and they are both Gourmet Inclusive. Your Gourmet vacation will start the moment you enter one of their all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts. You are greeted with a smile, a refreshing towel and a welcome cocktail (or for children a cool fruit smoothie or chocolate shake). Gourmet Inclusive includes; a la carte wining & dining with premium beverages and gourmet cuisine, a full service concierge, 24-hour room service, and a top notch beach butler service.

Their beach butlers will provide you reading materials, pillows, cool beverages, tanning products, gourmet snacks, or even a full picnic on the beach. Their beaches also have play equipment for the kiddos and shaded king sized beachbeds for Mom & Dad. Also note worthy is the Azul’s partnership with Fisher-Price toy company. The Azuls also have programs for kids of all ages. They have everything from programs for todders to a Teens Only Club. With the Azuls focus on accommodating and pampering every member of the family accompanied with their a focus on weddings makes them an excellent choice for a Destination Wedding. They have on site Wedding Coordinators and limit the number of weddings they perform per day. This insures that on your special day you have a complete staff dedicated to you and your guests!

The Azul Sensatori

Accommodations
438 rooms, all of which include a jacuzzi for two in the suite. Sensatori has a family section, an adults-only section, and a premium section. This resort also offers Swim Up Suites which  are on the first floor and open up directly to a lazy river type of pool. The Swim Up Suites allow you to conviently hop directly into the water and swim to a main pool or a swim up bar. At Sensatori there are three pools; a main pool for everyone, one adults-only with a swim up bar, and one for kids. Sensatori also offers Family Jacuzzi Suites which have frosted glass sliding doors that separate the bedroom from the living space where there are double and single sleeper sofas for the children. Or if you’re family is larger you have the option of having  Connecting Luxury Jacuzzi Ocean View Suites. These suites are guaranteed to connect two Luxury Suites with ocean views to accommodate your family or friends. You’ll have two living areas and two bedrooms, each with a Jacuzzi for two, plus a king size bed or two queen beds. So whether you are looking for a Jacuzzi Junior Suite, a Swim Up Suite, a Family Suite, or Connecting Suites the Azul Sensatori probably has what your family is looking for.

Restuarants
The Azul Sensatori offers 10 dinning options (restaurants/lounges) and 3 swim up bars, including an adults-only restaurant, Le Chique. This trés chic adults only restaurant presents the 12-course Author’s Dinner featuring innovative cuisine from our Michelin-trained chef. Experience interesting ingredient combinations presented with visual flair by simultaneous table service. Wine pairings available (Dress: elegant).

With their kids splash pad/ water park, Azulitos kids program, teens club, and their adults-only section, Sensatori is perfect for large families.

The Azul Beach

Accommodations
Azul Beach Hotel is a boutique-style property with only 98 rooms and a private beach so you never have to worry about your children venturing off too far. Suites Designed for Comfort and Families. Jump into the pool or the ocean just steps from your room! Thanks to the intimate size of Azul Beach Hotel, all accommodations are mere steps from the white sands of Bahia Petempich, as well as one of our three pools including the kid’s pool. Rooms and suites sleep two adults and two children, and you can connect rooms for more space. There are steps for children to reach the sink and kid-sized bathrobes. The mini bar is stocked daily with beverages and room service is available around-the-clock with a special kid’s menu.

Restaurants
Azul Beach offers 7 restaurants/bars including a unique ice bar. Children are welcome at all of the a la carte restaurants! They can bring their toys and can take advantage of high chairs, kids menus. Azul Beach’s Agavero Tequila Lounge allows you to take your pick from more than 30 specialty tequilas in this Pancho Villa-era lounge. The vintage Mexican bar has a frozen top to keep your tequila at the perfect temperature. The Añejo, Reposado and Blanco style tequilas are served straight, mixed and frozen. Try a traditional margarita or a tequila martini. Open til 1 a.m.

With their great Azulitos kids program and their beautiful beach Azul Beach is perfect for families looking for a private oasis to escape to.

1. Iberostar Pairaso Maya
Great Service/ Great Beach/ Wave Pool & Lazy River
Iberostar Paraiso Maya is an all-inclusive resort located just minutes away from Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It is a part of the Iberostar Pairaso Complex. When you walk in the first thing that you want to do is pick up a headset so you can start your tour of the museum. There are two giant statues greeting you along with a reception desk. The beautiful and elaborate decor running throughout this hotel  is a sight to see! You are welcomed in a lobby bar that is actually inside an exact replica of the Chichen Itza pyramid, this all-inclusive five-star resort is a masterpiece in its own right.

This resort has a lot of ways to keep your entire family entertained. From parents who want to reconnect in bars and nightclubs. To a number of pools and live nightly shows for teens. And to Lucy’s Club, a friendly atmosphere for kids where they can read, color and watch movies. Plus, let’s not forget the crystal-clear beach where everyone can have fun (The beach at this resort is especially large). This resort is one of my top picks because they offer a little something extra for the kids that other resorts don’t have- a lazy river and a wave pool.

2. Azul Beach
Excellent Service/ Kid’s Programs/ Beautiful Beach/ Fine Cuisine
Azul Beach Hotel is a family-friendly, boutique-style property (It’s going to be much more intimate than something like the Iberostar Maya which has over 400 rooms) located on a gorgeous beach (one of my personal favorites) 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport. All of the 98 rooms are just steps from the beach, pools, restaurants and bars.

At Azul Beach they not only cater to Mom & Dad with beach beds and a fabulous beach butler service, but they have plenty to keep the kiddos entertained too. The Azulitos Kid’s Club has equipment and special programs created for children from 4-12 years old. There is a play space designed by Fisher-Price® with all the latest educational toys to enhance early childhood development. Kids sing, listen to stories, and work on talking and sharing skills in playgroups. Highlights for older children include video games and a full schedule of challenge games and activities. There is mini-yoga, handcrafts, face painting and movie time. Kids love all the beach activities, which include a treasure hunt, sandcastle building, balloon wars and flag football.

This resort is one of my favorites for families because they have mastered the combination of 5 star qualities with family friendliness. Just as an example how the kids are never left out of anything; upon arrival Mom & Dad are greeted with a glass of Champaign and a cool towel AND the kids are greeted with a chocolate milkshake with whip cream and sprinkles or a smoothie.

3. Marival Residences
Great Service/ Beautiful Property/ 1-4 bedroom suites!!!
Introducing Marival Residences & World Spa, the new gem in Riviera Nayarit! This resort is truly designed for maximum comfort and luxury. Superior luxury begins at ground level with unique garden residences and rises to the sky in penthouses with private rooftop pools. They offer 162 residences and penthouses with one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom options (3,300 sq ft), all with spacious terraces, fully-equipped, and with garden, pool or ocean views. If you like, even a nanny comes at no cost for eight hours at your request.

Even more made to order are the seven privileged villas, each with its own private pool. Expect only the very best service with space to entertain or to realize your dream vacation. This resort if perfect for a larger family that wants space and doesn’t want to be cramped in a family suite with a pull-out bed, a trundle, a roll-away, etc. This is one of my top picks because at this resort Mom & Dad can have a room, the kids can have their own room, and even Grandma & Grandpa can have a room and you’re all still together- Here you’re not inconvenienced by walking across the resort to meet with family members.

4. Dreams Cancun
Rooms Categories for all Budgets/ Dolphin Lagoon
Located in the heart of the famous Cancun Hotel Zone. At the Dreams Cancun you are steps away from Cancun’s hottest nightclubs, restaurants and shopping malls.

Every room or suite in the Dreams Pyramid or Preferred Club Tower is absolutely deluxe with private terrace and sweeping views, including the exclusive Dolphinview rooms overlooking our private lagoon. And you also have the option of upgrading to The Preferred Club, an exclusive area providing exceptional services, a private lounge and Preferred Club suites offering impressive ocean views, most with outdoor Jacuzzis, all in premium locations. I personally prefer The Azul Beach or The Marival Residences because there everyone is a VIP. They don’t roll out the red carpet for some guests in a preferred section, they roll it out for everyone. Again, this may just be me, but I believe that you would be hard pressed to find better service than that offered at The Azul Beach.

This resort is one of my top picks because they have their own private dolphin lagoon on property. They have their signature Delphinus Dolphin experience* where a limited number of guests can actually swim and play with live dolphins in their sea water lagoon. Whether you partake or just watch, it’s simply fascinating.

5. Gran Porto Real
Perfect Location for Shopping/ Nice Family Suites/ Beautiful Beach
(Location! Location! Location!) The lovely Gran Porto Real is located on a beautiful beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen, or “Playa” as the locals call it. It is just 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. The picturesque Gran Porto Real Resort & SPA is on a beautiful, protected stretch of swim-friendly beach and is mere steps from Fifth Avenue’s shops, clubs and restaurants. This is the nicest family friendly resort in Playa and you simply can’t beat the location. This is one of my favorite family friendly resorts because here you truly get the best of both worlds- You can lounge about and just relax while watching the kiddos build sand castles on the beautiful beach or you can enjoy all the shops, restaurants, and even night clubs on Fifth Avenue The best part is that you can enjoy all this without ever having to worry about catching a cab because everything is within walking distance.

Their New Family Junior Oceanfront Suites includes extra square footage and bunk beds with a trundle bed. Also, their Family Suites allow a maximum occupancy of up to five people (2 adults and 3 kids/ teenagers). They also offer a Gran Master One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite which includes such extras as;  Separate oceanfront bedroom and living/dining area, one private terrace with hammock, Best views of Cozumel and downtown Playa del Carmen beach, NEW! Royal Bed® with pillow-top mattress, fine high thread count linens, plush duvet cover and multiple pillows, Pillow menu, and many other upgraded amenities. However, the most notable perk with staying in this room category is that you get to enjoy the adults-only property next door at THE Royal.

Before I dive into all the reasons why I love all-inclusive resorts let me first explain what an all-inclusive resort is:

What exactly does all-inclusive mean?
At an all-inclusive resort, accommodations, meals, soft drinks, gratuities, recreational activities, entertainment and most alcoholic drinks are included in the rate. Typically activities will include all non-motorized water sports (i.e. snorkeling gear, paddle boats, kayaks, etc.) and typically most resorts will have nightly entertainment (i.e. fire shows, dancers, etc.) for you to enjoy as well. 

All-inclusives are often located in warmer regions such as Mexico and the Caribbean. Some all-inclusive resorts are designed for specific vacation interests. For example, certain resorts cater to adults, while even more specialized properties accept couples only. Other all-inclusive resorts are geared toward families, with facilities like craft centers, game rooms and water parks to keep children of all ages entertained.

Some all-inclusive resorts even offer extra amenities and excursions such as free golf, or free excursions. Ask your travel agent about which all-inclusive resorts are on sale and which ones are having promotions including things such as free room upgrades or free excursions.

Why do an all-inclusive?
I suggest all-inclusive resorts to my clients for several different reasons. First and foremost, there is absolutely nothing better than taking a vacation and being able to totally and completely relax. You know those times when you don’t have to worry about anything other than what number sunscreen to apply! With the hectic and fast-paced schedules many of us have, the idea of finding a place where you can completely and thoroughly relax sounds exhilarating. Sound good?

However, with all-inclusive vacation you can take that idea of relaxation and push it even further. To start, just take a few minutes to consider the beautiful relaxing beaches of Mexico and the Caribbean and add to it knowing that everything has been paid for and you have nothing to worry about except relaxing. The reality is that many of the details that concern us all are removed at All Inclusive Resorts. The same details that can sometimes ruin a perfectly great vacation.

For example, you never have to worry about taking your wallet or credit card to the pool. On a family vacation at an all-inclusive resort you don’t have to worry about your kiddos finishing everything on their plate, or if they want a million chocolate milk shakes- It’s cool, it’s all included! It can be very annoying to have to buy a $8 Mojito or a $10 Margarita, but when you are laying out on a beach bed and a beach butler comes up to you and asks, “Can I get you something to drink Miss?” It’s sooo nice to not even have to think about it and just reply, “Sure!” There’s nothing worse than returning home to see your bank statement with all the little things that you charged to your credit card while you were on vacation. Isn’t is amazing how quickly those little things can add up?

So, that’s the other big reason to go with all-inclusive resorts; because when all the different factors of a vacation are looked at separately, the cost can seem overwhelming. For this fact alone all inclusive vacation deals are the perfect way to get away with your family.

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. For babies they have bottle warmers, baby bath robes, play pins, cribs, changing tables, all available for you in your suite. For tweens and teens they have a teens-only club and for mom and dad they offer baby sitters 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.

Who ever really wants to wear their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress? Ok. I admit I think that it would be nice, but my mom doesn’t have hers and my grandmother’s (if we could find it in the attic) I’m sure has turned yellow from sitting in storage for the past, oh sixty years or so. As an alternative to storing dresses some brides are opting to do something much more memorable and much, much more fun…

“Trash the Dress” is one of the latest trends in wedding photography styles  in which brides decide to ruin their dress by getting it wet, dirty or torn in a contrasting environment. This unique experience is a symbolic declaration that the wedding is over and an alternative to storing the dress, never to be seen again.

The idea of destroying a wedding dress originated in Hollywood in 1998 when Meg Cummings of the TV show Sunset Beach ran into the ocean in her gown after her wedding was badly interrupted. In 2001, Las Vegas wedding photographer John Michael Cooper pioneered a creative artistic movement in the world of wedding photography by asking newlyweds to pose in unusual settings.

Trashing your dress in the Riviera Maya will certainly be one of the most daring, dramatic and romantic memories of your life.  Add an implausible touch to your wedding video/photo album by capturing the sheen elegance of your wedding ceremony and revealing your daring and creative side.

The concept is to unwind and let your creativity flow as you enjoy wearing your dress one last time in a fresh and liberating way. You can take a creative approach to your photo session by walking through tropical rainforests, dipping into a pool or heading into magical cenotes and fantastic underground caves distinctive of the Riviera Maya.

An example of a wedding dress going from sweet to being “trashed” would be something like the following (just found by googling):

You can call us!
Say you’re on vacation and you arrive at your resort; flip-flops on, beachbag in hand only to find the resort has you booked in the wrong suite category, has lost your reservation, or has overbooked? What would you do if the car rental agency has run out of cars or the excursion you wanted is overbooked? Specifically and more importantly, who are you going to call?

Who’s going to help you? The resort? The cruise? The tour operators? They don’t care. You’re just one person and losing you as a customer is no big deal. Basically, you’re on your own. About all you can do is cross your fingers and hope that something comes up…

If you book through a travel agent, all you have to do is make one simple phone call and everything will be taken care of. Will the hotel/car rental company/tour operator assist your agent? Of course they will, because now they’re dealing with someone who has the potential to send either groups of guests, or no guests at all. Simply put, a travel agency has more buying power than a consumer. A travel agency can send tens of thousands of dollars (or even hundreds of thousands of dollars), or no dollars at all… The agent serves as the consumer’s advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.

We’ve been there!
If you’ve never been to a destination before how do you know what to expect? All the resorts and cruise ships do a terrific job at making their product look like it’s the best and if you’re looking at going to a new destination deciding where to stay can become quite overwhelming, quite quickly. Sure, you could ask a friend. You might know someone who has been to Aruba once on a honeymoon, but do you know anyone who has been to Punta Cana, Aruba, Jamaica, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Antigua, the Bahamas, St.Lucia….? A travel agent can give you advice and comparisons that comes from personal experience and not just from a brochure or a website.

The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn’t questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I just gotta get away” Well, with these last-minute vacation planning tips your wish is all the more attainable. Follow these short, quick, easy tips and next weekend you could be sitting on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the gorgeous Riviera Maya.

Tip 1.
Call a Travel Agent

When time is of the essence, one quick phone call to a travel agent can result in a fully planned vacation in just a matter of minutes. Travel agents make it their job to know multiple destinations and resorts and match up you up with exactly what you want because they are counting on you to come back to them for future vacations- meeting your vacation planning expectations is their profession. Most of the time travel agents specialize in a particular destination so ask your agent what they specialize in so that way you know exactly where their expertise lays. For example Legacy Travel (www.LegacyTravel.com and www.MexicoBeachExperts.com) has an agent who specializes in the islands of Hawaii (Ms.Terrah Rominger), an agent who specializes in Disney Vacations (Ms. Leah Wuergler), and an agent who specializes in The Bahamas and Aruba (Mr. Marty Boehlke), and Legacy Travel knows Mexico better than any other agency in Texas. Travel agents can know where the deals are and can save you a lot of time and money.

Tip 2.
Look for Fixed-Cost Trips or All-Inclusive Destinations/Resorts

When planning a last minute vacation another tip when calling a travel agent is to ask them about an all-inclusive resort. A trip to an all-inclusive resort takes only minutes to book, but once you arrive it is guaranteed to feel like you’ve spent months planning it. Another bonus: All-inclusive programs that lump meals and activities with the room price keep costs down. For example, all-inclusive package in Mexico means that your vacation comes complete with your accommodations, all meals (restaurant reservations if required), snacks, and beverages (including alcoholic beverages), activities, and nightly entertainment. If you call a travel agent they can also book your flights, and take care of your transfers to and from the airport, and plan any additional excursions that you might want to embark on, all as a part of the package and… Voila! You’re done! If you plan a last minute getaway through a travel agent as a surprise for your loved one they’re sure to be impressed by what seems to be a ton of work that you must have had to put into planning your vacation! The truth- how easy it was…Well, it’ll be our little secret!

Tip 3.
Follow Facebook

While you’re checking out who had what for breakfast and looking at all the new pictures that you’re friend from ten years ago put up this weekend, you can find great deals by following travel-related bloggers and companies that offer discounts via Facebook & Twitter. Just know that most deals and offers are based on availability and are often available in limited quantities. So, be sure to seize the moment (and the fantastic deal) if one should jump out at you.

Tip 4.
Keep an eye out for FREE Newsletters Advertising Deals via Email

Don’t spend hours upon brutal hours surfing the web for a bargain. Instead go straight to the experts, travel websites, and sign up for weekly last-minute deal emails. This way not only do you get a deal, but you also get an agency that can give you advice and help you book everything- This way you also get first dibs on the best deals. A really good website to find great last deals at is www.wildtraveldeals.com. Once you sign up all you have to do is sit back and let the emails roll in. Who knew bargain hunting could be this easy?