It has been back to work with a vengeance since returning from my latest Cancun stay, but I promise to get my first resort review up by the end of the weekend. In the meantime, here is the latest in my ongoing suite saga–the overwater palafitos suite category at El Dorado Maroma.
El Dorado Maroma is owned and operated by Karisma, a resort brand known for five star properties, service, and amenities. The El Dorado name means adults-only, while Karisma’s Azul and Generations properties are family-friendly. The overwater palafitos are part of the El Dorado Maroma resort which is located in the Riviera Maya on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world (Maroma Beach). Guests staying at the palafitos have complete access to the entire resort; they also have a few private areas including a restaurant and spa dedicated to palafitos guests only, both of which are located on the pier along with these overwater guest suites.
The resort as a whole is small and more intimate (157 rooms) with an ambiance and design built for romance. As a result, one will primarily find couples staying here–this is definitely not a party resort. While unlikely, it is not impossible to find singles with discretionary income staying at this resort, including the overwater palafitos.
There are two suite categories within the overwater palafitos suite category–regular Overwater Bungalows and Elite Overwater Bungalows. The primary difference between the two is location on the pier which translates to one’s view. Elite Bungalows sit on the very end of the pier and have unobstructed ocean views as well as some additional amenities including in-suite bar choices and aromatherapy offerings. (I would also expect the butler service to be more attentive since the price differential between the two categories is quite substantial–$1,600 p/night for two in the regular overwater category compared to $2,500 p/night for two in the Elite category, and that’s Karisma’s “summer sale”). If you aren’t into paying quite that much, you can hunt up a friend who has already bought a timeshare with Karisma and see if you can snag a cheaper deal through their membership.
This suite category may make more sense for those who live on the east coast and don’t want to make the long trek to the South Pacific to stay in one of the plethora of overwater fares/bungalows offered there. When comparing these options it also makes more sense to stay at an all-inclusive since a cheeseburger and fries in the South Pacific can cost one around $35. Better value? I think so–watch the video below and see if it tempts you to stay here. Let me know what you think!
Absolutely no interest in the overwater bungalows! Think they are tacky and out of place in Jamaica and Mexico. No problem with them in the South Pacific (bora bora, Tahiti, Fiji). They just ruin the view from the beach and looking out at those “whales” and Sargassum just isn’t nice. Hate to always be the complainer but leave those overwater bungalows in Bora Bora where they belong !
I remember when they were first being built there was a huge outcry from EDM regulars as well. I also understand people on the east coast not wanting fly all the way to the South Pacific to get a similar experience, although I know Sandals has entered this market segment at some of their resorts–waiting list has been up to a year at theirs.
Your not getting a similar experience. A overwater bungalow in Bora Bora and a overwater bungalow in the Caribbean are worlds apart. The bungalows in the South Pacific are placed in lagoon settings with beautiful backdrops in calm crystal clear Sargassum free water as where the bungalows in Mexico and Jamaica are looking out into the open ocean with waves and seaweed rolling in. I’m sure people are falling for the gimmick and resorts are cashing in but there still a eye sore from the beach. The ones they built at Secrets Silversands are the worst of the worst. Screaming lameness.
I’ve seen pics of SSS overwater suites, I’d agree with you on that one.