El Dorado Seaside Suites

El Dorado Seaside Suites is the larger but upscale little sister property to the next door luxury sister property El Dorado Sensimar Riviera Maya. Guests here are allowed to use features and facilities over at the Sensimar resort for free. However, access to Premium areas -- like the nicer beach area -- will cost extra. This resort is set in the jungle against a small, eroded lagoon area, and guests making the trek back and forth across the properties might run into Mexican wildlife like iguanas, coati, and even raccoons. This resort is popular with couples, particularly Americans and travelers from the U.K. The resort is split into two sections, the newer section, complete with a large beachfront infinity pool (the resort's crown jewel), and the older Palms section. While the newer section's more central location makes it slightly more convenient, it's quieter over in the Palms. The design throughout is largely classically elegant, with lots of neutral-tone decor and marble, though restaurants have more pizazz. Couples may prefer the modern [UNICO 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya](), which also has a more impressive beach. 

El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma is located on a soft white-sand beach on Kantenah Bay, about 10 minutes from Puerto Adventuras and an hour south of Cancun. There’s nothing within walking distance here, though it's a three-minute drive to the main highway, making it convenient for day trips to both Tulum (20 minutes south) and Playa del Carmen (30 minutes north). The resort is adjacent to (and shares some features with) its sister property El Dorado Sensimar Riviera Maya. 

Rooms on the Seaside Suites section of the resort have a more contemporary look and feel than suites over on the Sensimar side. Expect a neutral-tone with a few pops of ocean-inspired color, like turquoise decor accents. Patterned cutouts on the high headboards and round lounge chairs help keep the spaces feeling hip. Bathrooms are swish, thanks to Jacuzzis, separate showers, bathrobes, slippers, and peek-a-boo glass dividers. Upgrades from the Oceanfront Swim-up Jacuzzi Suite to the The Oceanfront Pool Swim-Up Jacuzzi Suite swap out balcony access to a infinity pool for ground-level swim-out access to the resort's large, main infinity pool. Further upgrades to Oceanfront Honeymoon Jacuzzi Suites will require a four-night stay minimum and feature a semi-private corner swim-out infinity pool. Additional perks include personal Maitre D service, a private four-course dinner on the beach, rose-petal room decoration, a breakfast in bed, spa deals and discounts, and a chilled bottle of bubbly waiting for you in your room on arrival. Rooms over in the older Palms section the resort have a more traditional look with cream and orange marble, wood furniture, and earth-toned linens. Pros to staying in these older rooms include the separated living room areas found in the garden-set Luxury Jacuzzi Suites, and the convenient location of the Beachfront Jacuzzi Suites. Other options on this side include more private and quieter Swim-Up Jacuzzi Junior Suites (which open up onto a smaller shared ribbon pool), Premium Jacuzzi Junior Suites (with garden views), and the Royal Suite, which is actually the smallest room even though it sports a separate living area. Flat-screen TVs, minibars, AC, free Wi-Fi, and outdoor spaces come standard. Be aware that soundproofing isn't the best and sounds from other rooms come in through the walls, and humidity often causes puddles on the floors. 

The beach area here is definitely lacking and a pain point for several guests. It's a narrow stretch of sand flooded with several short palm trees that provide shade from the sun. Unfortunately, there is no direct water access because of a cement wall that was built to help stop the natural beach erosion from the lagoon, and if you can climb down, it's rocky. Still, there are several stretched canvas sun loungers and rows of comfy cabanas beds for anyone content with taking in the sun, sea breeze, and the sound of waves. If you're really itching for a more traditional beach, there's soft white sand and easy lagoon entry next door at Sensimar -- but it is still not a real beach. 

All-inclusive rates include nightly shows and daily activities, all restaurants and bars, Wi-Fi, use of the spa's steam room and sauna, and perks like yoga classes and salsa lessons. The resort's all-inclusive package also covers premium alcohol at 11 bars, which consist of restaurant bars, a bar at each pool, beach bar, and a sports bar that's open late (until 2 a.m. during our stay). 

This resort touts 10 different restaurants for guests to choose from, though only four of these restaurants are located directly on the El Dorado Seaside Suites property (with the others next door at the Sensimar Suites sister property). Options cover Mexican, Italian, Asian, Latin fusion, and several "world" cuisine menus. Expect four options for breakfast and lunch, eight restaurants open for dinner, and a relaxed dress code that permits shorts and flip-flops (though no beach attire). Noteworthy features include a margarita bar in the the Culinarium, a private dining room (fee) inside the popular Italian restaurant Mia Casa, and an "international food display" that's fancy branding for a buffet. Reservations are only required for the Asian restaurant and gourmet pub with open kitchen. Room service is available 24/7 for free. 

El Dorado Seasides Suites is big and packed with features spread out across both this resort and the Sensimar property next door. Guests can expect four pools, though counted in this number are the two shared plunge pools associated with the Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suites next door. Conveniently, all pools have a bar area, including a late-night bar connected to the relaxing pool (the latter is also used as a bar for guests waiting for seats at dinner) and small swim-up bar in the sports pool. The Naay Spa is a favorite among guests, with its 16 treatment rooms, barber shop, and guided hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and treatments that often include typical Mayan ingredients like chocolate. This area is home the resort's smaller gym with a handful of elliptical machines and all-in-one weight machine, while the next door property houses a larger fitness center with more equipment and pool views. Guests are allowed to use features and facilities over at the Sensimar resort for free. However, access to Premium areas will cost extra. Coconut painting, beach butlers, access to two fitness rooms, and traveling pop-up restaurants are some of this resort's standout features, while freebies like free scuba introductions in the pool, international calls, and free mezcal tastings are nice perks. Active features include tennis courts and beach volleyball, as well as a life-sized chessboard and table tennis. Daytime activities can include bocce, Spanish lessons, bingo, or yoga classes.