Iberostar Tucan and Iberostar Quetzal are wonderful, all-inclusive, family resorts near the town of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, on the Riviera Maya. The Tucan and Quetzal are actually one resort with separate management teams.  Each has its own front desk and lobby area.  You are free to use all facilities at both, including restaurants.

I was fortunate to be able to spend several days at the Iberostar Tucan a couple of years ago.  Although the resort seems to be very large, it has only 350 rooms on the Tucan side, and 350 rooms on the Quetzal side.  The rooms are located in several 3 storey buildings.  Walking from your room to the lobby and restaurant areas is a unique experience.  The winding pathways lead you through a fantastic jungle like atmosphere with small harmless animals, including monkeys….watch your glasses….they love steal!  At night is an especially beautiful experience, since the pathway is lighted.  If you don’t like the idea of walking through the jungle, you can take the sidewalks on the perimeter of the property.

The accommodations are quite nice, and include either a balcony or a patio for a little outdoor relaxing.  All rooms come equipped with a minibar (stocked and included), hairdryers, coffee makers, and are air-conditioned!  Most rooms are garden view, but the gardens are incredible, as in any tropical locale. Sea view rooms are available, though if this suits you better. I loved the gardens, since the fragrance is so calming.  Since I was actually on a working trip, by the time I got back to my room relaxing was first and foremost on my mind!

The complex, which consists of the Tucan and the Quetzal, has a fantastic pool are that meanders through the center of the property.  Lots of chaise lounges and umbrellas are available and included.  In case you get hungry while sunning and swimming, a pool restaurant has snacks and beverages available…that’s included, too.

The beach at Tucan and Quetzal is perfect for sun bathing and swimming.  The water tends to be calm and warm, so it’s great for little kids, too.   It’s so clear you can see your toes!

I especially enjoyed the entertainment each evening.  It is definitely audience participation!  During the day, the children in the Kids Club work on songs and dances to perform during the evening’s entertainment.  The kids are delighted to be the center of attention.  They usually have a game show style of entertainment, too.  They ask audience members to participate in games like the Newlywed Game, and Family Feud!  Everyone has a good laugh!  There are also local music groups who perform during the week.  They usually perform both Mexican songs in Spanish, and then add some American music, as well.

As everyone in my office will attest to, I am a very picky eater!  I had no problem eating at the Tucan.  The buffet in the morning and at lunch boast many Mexican specialties, as well, as many American dishes. Besides the buffet, there are 5 different specialty restaurants, which include Italian, Mexican, Caribbean and Steakhouse!   The specialty restaurants do require reservations and do have a dress code.

Please give me a call at (425) 821-4100, or send an email to sandi@totemtravel.com when you are ready to have a truly Mexican experience in Riviera Maya.

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The Azul Sensatori all inclusive resort in Cancun is luxury like you haven’t seen before. This resort just opened in November 2008 and as a Gourmet Inclusive Agent, (that’s what the resorts call the travel agents who specialize in knowing their resorts inside and out), I was able to visit in December and see it in all its glory and boy is it a glorious resort.

Starting with the fact that all of the 400+ rooms are suites with private in-room Jacuzzi’s and we can just move forward from there. There are the 6 restaurants and 8 bars, a fantastic state of the art kids club complete with full gym, video game room and water playground. There’s a teens club with disco as well as the Tequila Bar, for adults only of course, with 31 different kinds of tequila to taste.

All suites include the private Jacuzzi and oversize patio or balcony. The family suites include strollers, cribs, baby monitor, baby baths and changing stations, bottle sterilizers, stepping stool, beach toys and games and refrigerators for milk etc.

The swim-up suites are a favorite for honeymooners with the beach beds on the patio and some even have beds in the water just off the patio, others have not only the private Jacuzzi in the room but also boast one just off the patio as well.

The suites are also separated in that 1 building is for families, another for adult only, so whether you’re with a group or prefer your quiet time there is a place for you here.

The restaurants are all ala-carte dining, no buffets at this all inclusive resort!  From Tapaz that serves International Cuisine to Siena that is Italian, again there is something for everyone including the adult only Le Chique Restaurant with wine bar.

Throughout the resort are king size beach and poolside beds for relaxing as well as the usual chaise lounges with umbrellas and on the beach there is usually a Beach Butler around to get you a drink or maybe some sunscreen.

Of course there is a state of the art Spa and fitness center with 11 treatment rooms including VIP suites for groups, families or couples along with a special bridal suite for couples massages and treatments.

Destination Weddings are very popular at this resort with its unique ‘Sky Wedding’ packages. On the rooftop there is seating for up to 80 people where you can have your special ceremony with nothing but sky above and view of the water below, or how about a wedding under the stars?

At this resort anything is possible!!  So when you’re ready to get away call an all inclusive specialist at (800) 321-7907 or email linda@totemtravel.com .  Mexico is calling!

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We are always looking for new and different all inclusive resorts for families and we have found them!!  Azul Beach and Azul Sensatori are beautiful, beachfront resorts perfect for adults, little ones and those in between!

Azul Beach Hotel is a small, 98 room resort with amenities found mainly at larger resorts.  One focus is on gourmet food and they mean it!  Even the baby food at Azul Beach is Gourmet Gerber!  There are 4 a la carte restaurants, no buffets, an all lobster menu at the Blue Restaurant and sushi served on a swinging bed! 

Since this is a family resort, the little ones will love the specialized kids’ menus which are intended to please even the pickiest of eaters.  For the health concious there is a snack bar with gourmet healthy snacks and made to order fruit smoothies and every week there’s a special “fish fry” with freshly caught fish delivered, prepared and served by the chef right on the beach!  And don’t forget room service, it’s available 24 hours a day!

Your kids will love the Kids Club whether they are participating in the many water sports, playing with a selction of Fisher Price toys, exercising with “My Gym” playground equipment or just having fun with their new friends.

Since the kids are occupied with fun activities, Mom and Dad can enjoy some “grown-up” activities such as beach volleyball, water aerobics, snorkeling (right off the beach), dance classes and weekly beach parties.  And when it’s time to relax you’ll find beach butlers with soft towel service, refreshment deliveries, tanning products and mineral water facial spritzers. 

Cabanas on the beach offer magnificent views of the sea.  The cabanas are outfitted with king size, four poster beds that have retractable drapes which make them the perfect for private sunbathing and stargazing at night!

For a perfect family dinner, how about a picnic on the beach?  Beach picnics are included in your Gourmet Inclusive package and good times continue into the evening with live family shows such as the acrobatic Cirque de Soleil-inspired show.  Nightly entertainment also includes fire dancers, karaoke performances, and local bands and singers.

Just because this is a family resort doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the taste of Mexico:  a frozen bar, yes the bar is frozen at Agavero Tequila Lounge.  They serve 30 varieties of tequila:  straight, frozen, or mixed into many, many different choices of margaritas…including chocolate!  (Very different)

Accommodations include rooms with king or 2 double beds.  Also included, advance notice requested, are all the baby amenities you may need:  strollers, cribs, baby bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, baby bathtub, beach games, refrigerators for milk and medicines! No need to lug all of those things from home!    There’s also a shallow pool near the rooms, so the little ones can enjoy swimming with mom and dad.

Totem Travel has several all inclusive specialists on staff to help you choose the family vacation in Mexico.  Please give me a call or send an email to sandi@totemtravel.com when you are planning your all-inclusive family vacation!

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Beach Palace in Cancun was nearly destroyed in a hurricane a couple of years ago.  But Beach Palace is back as a brand new resort. All Inclusive, beautiful pools, small but lovely beach, 24 hour room service and restaurants requiring no reservations.

I had visited Beach Palace in 2002 on my first trip to Cancun.  I was not all that impressed.  In October of 2008, I visited again. I was certainly impressed this time!  I loved this resort.  The rooms are all beautifully appointed with soft colors, jetted tubs, and flat screen televisions.  The complimentary mini-bar is stocked with sodas, bottled water and beer, and a liquor dispenser, with whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka, is also complimentary.  Turn down service, with mints on the pillow, is available for every room.

Beach Palace offers a very unique entertainment venue.  Movies poolside! A very large movie screen drops from an arch between the pool and the beach.  You can watch the movie from the beach or pool side.  Just like the drive-in, but without the car!  Imagine sitting in your lounge chair, watching the movie, listening to the waves crashing on the beach, and a frozen Margarita in your hand….what could be cooler!

Weddings at Beach Palace are very popular.  No wonder!  With the Sky Terrace as your setting, you and your guests will have a 360 degree view of the open sea and the white sand beach.   Beach Palace knows how to do your wedding right with a personal wedding planner, numerous restaurants, bars and the Infinity Ballroom, for an elaborate event.  Free weddings at the Sky Terrace are available with few restrictions!

Select tours are included in your Beach Palace vacation.  You can visit Chichen Itza, the famous Mayan Ruins, or Tulum/Xpu-Ha, a smaller Mayan ruin site, or maybe a day at Wet ’n Wild with the kids.

Kids are welcome at the Beach Palace and a kids club for those youngsters 4-12 years old.  Age appropriate activities are planned for each group.  Crafts, water sports (the kids have their own pool), singing & dancing, and just plain fun on the playground, are all included at the kids club.

Of course, the adults have a couple of unique pools, too.  The 2 Rooftop pools offer beautiful beach beds and loungers, and swim-up bars and amazing views.  There is a large family pool, as well, with pool games and activities.

Food is plentiful at Beach Palace.  Breakfast is usually a buffet, so everyone will be happy.  Lunch can be an Italian buffet, or hamburgers and hot dogs on the terrace.  During the day, dress codes are very, very casual, a cover-up over that swim-suit is required, but shorts & t-shirts are fine.    But dinner….dress codes are enforced but are very liberal:  long pants, collared shirts and shoes for the gentlemen are required.  Ladies are appropriately dressed in sundresses and sandals.

Dinner offerings at Beach Palace include Tequila, with a Mexican Buffet, or Bocacelli with an Italian a la carte menu.  The Wok Restaurant serves Oriental cuisine, a la carte.  La Terazza, the terrace restaurant outside Bocacellis, has a more casual dress code, but serves fine grilled cuts of meat.

In addition to the restaurants, Beach Palace also offers 24 hour room service.  My guess is that the dress code here is very casual!

If Beach Palace sounds like your idea of a great family vacation, or the perfect venue for your wedding, please give me a call or send an email.  I am happy to help you plan that perfect experience, be it a wedding, honeymoon, or family vacation.

Sandi Moore

sandi@totemtravel.com

425-821-4100

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During my recent trip to Cancun, Mexico I was treated to a great visit to the RIU Palace Las Americas.  What a fantastic resort.  It is in an area close to shopping, restaurants (although RIU Palace is all-inclusive), and nightclubs.

RIU Palace is perfect for a destination wedding.  Families are welcome, so you can have all those nieces and nephews at your wedding!  The resort is a moderate size at 400 suites, so you’ll have plenty of elbow room, but not so expansive that you have to plan your trip to the beach!  The gazebos at poolside offer the perfect venue for your wedding!

All of the suites at RIU Palace have RIU’s signature liquor dispenser and mini-bar included and complimentary!  None of those $5 Diet Cokes or $10 mini bottles of rum!  Of course, the resort also has 5 bars, including the swim-up bar called Cun.  The pool bar is named Can!!

Since RIU Palace is an all-inclusive resort, a variety of cuisine is necessary.  Never fear!  RIU Palace has an Italian, Gourmet, Japanese, Spanish, Brazilian and Steakhouse with fantastic ala carte menus.  The Don Roberto restaurant features a buffet serving international and local specialties.  I have eaten at many buffets in Mexico and the Caribbean.  RIU exceeds all expectations.  From made to order omelets at breakfast to the chocolate fountain in the evening, you will enjoy this buffet!

Entertainment is on the daily docket for adults and children.  From live music to talent shows, and RIU Theme Shows, you will enjoy the variety.  For those who enjoy late evening music and dancing, there is a great disco at the neighboring RIU Cancun!

Of course with all the food and drink available you will need to keep active.  Sports and activities are available for every age group and endurance level.  Aerobics to Ping Pong; sailing to water polo; tennis to volleyball.  A full service fitness center, as well, with state-of –the art equipment: treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, etc.

Please give me a call or email sandi@totemtravel.com to plan your wedding, honeymoon, or family vacation to the RIU Palace Las Americas.

Get personalized help from a travel expert, at no extra cost!

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El Dorado Seaside Suites is an adult only, all-inclusive, all suite resort on a beautiful beach in Riviera Maya. Located about an hour south of the Cancun Airport, El Dorado Seaside Suites is the perfect resort for relaxing on the beach, enjoying great food and beverages, and experiencing the culture of Mexico. The natural aquarium of Xel-Ha is only 10 minutes from the resort, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are 20 minutes away and a great shopping experience awaits in the nearby town of Playa Del Carmen.

The resort itself is smaller than El Dorado Royale and larger than El Dorado Maroma with 280 Junior Suites. The suites are in 2 or 3 storey buildings and all suites feature Jacuzzi tubs, Mexican décor, complimentary mini-bar, and a terrace or balcony. Most also have a great hammock!

El Dorado and Azul Resorts are becoming well-known for their Gourmet Inclusive concept and Seaside Suites is no exception. One thing that you will not find at the El Dorado Seaside is a buffet! All restaurants are ala carte. From the wood-burning pizzas and burgers at the Sandwicherie to the fine Asian dining at the Klay Talay, you will enjoy a wonderful dining experience. All restaurants are non smoking and do not require reservations. So no need to decide on Tuesday what you would like for dinner on Friday!

The bars at El Dorado Seaside Suites are very unique….the swim up bar Gaviota and Lounger is located in the heart of the hotel where you can enjoy birds and waterfall sounds……the Las Guacamayas is the bar with swings. Here you can enjoy tropical music and exotic cocktails under a traditional Mexican palapa….have you ever had a chocolate margarita? Or maybe tried 32 different varieties of Tequila? For those a bit less adventuresome chilled Mexican beer and a variety of wines are available. The house wine is bottled especially for the El Dorado resorts by a boutique vineyard in Chile.

Accommodations at the El Dorado Seaside Suites, range from standard Jacuzzi suites which have beautiful garden views to the Honeymoon Premium suites with their own private pool to the Presidential suites with outdoor Jacuzzis! There are also 49 swim-up Jacuzzi Jr. Suites which allows you to step from your patio into the pool. The swim-up suites also have their own swim-up pool bar!

Please give me a call at (425) 821-4100 or send an email and I’ll help you book your El Dorado Seaside Suites, Gourmet Inclusive package. We are so impressed with the Karisma Resorts that we have all become Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants. We have visited all of the resorts and experienced the accommodations, meals and entertainment and highly recommend them for a honeymoon or adult only all inclusive resort vacation.

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El Dorado Maroma, by Karisma, is a small resort with an intimate, romantic, ambiance.

The El Dorado Maroma resort, though small at 72 rooms, has a lot to offer:  adults only (minimum age 16), beautiful beach,Gourmet Inclusive food and beverage, 10 minutes from the shopping on 5^th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen, Swim-up Jacuzzi suites, and a full service spa!

The beach has been designated by Discovery Channel as one of the top in the world.   For some reason the sand stays cool, even in the sun.  The beach, where you can lounge all day on a king size beach bed, is serviced by beach butlers.  They will bring you a drink or magazine, or a light snack, so you will never have to leave!  A beachside gazebo is available for a soothing massage during the day or for a seaside, candlelight dinner in the evening.

The El Dorado Maroma’s beachfront wedding chapel can be used for families with children, but any festivities after (or before) the wedding would have to be held at the Maroma Marina, next door.  The chapel can seat 80 people, but the maximum for a wedding reception at the resort is 50.  Between the Italian and Japanese Restaurants there is a cozy lounge which can be used for small cocktail parties, wedding receptions.

Room categories range from beachfront suites with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, to a honeymoon suites with a huge terrace and great views.  Two room categories have pools right outside your door.  The swim-up suites are on the ground floor, so you can walk off your patio right into the water.  The infinity pool suites have a pool their balcony, with fantastic views.  All suites at the Maroma are Jr. Suites with Jacuzzis.  So no matter which category you choose, you will have a Jacuzzi tub for 2, for those intimate, rose petal bubble baths!  Ask about free room upgrades for reservations made through Totem Travel.

There are some all-inclusive resorts which are strictly buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gets a little boring!   Karisma resorts does not subscribe to this policy.  All restaurants are ala-carte.  The resort all-inclusive program is called Gourmet Inclusive, and they mean it.  Meals are prepared and served very creatively.  The Mio Cuccina Italiana restaurant with their ocean fresh fish carpaccios to the Kiyoko-Oriental Restaurant, where the Asian cuisine includes Sushi, tepanyaki and sashimi.  The Mexican restaurant, Sabores, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The fresh seafood dishes, catch of the day, are a specialty of Sabores.   Also, special dining treats include Thursday’s “choose your own fish dinner”, Wednesday’s taco bar and Friday’s Bar B Que.  So “boring food” will never cross your mind!!

Please call (800) 321-7907 or send me an email if you are planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or couple’s get away and ask about extras like a massage, private dinner or room upgrade for El Dorado Resort reservations made through Totem Travel!

-Sandi

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One of the highlights of my recent trip to Riviera Maya was the El Dorado Royale, which was voted among the world’s top 100 hotels by readers of Conde Nast Traveler! No wonder! What a beautiful property! The El Dorado is an all-inclusive resort, for adults only and the perfect venue for a wedding or honeymoon!

Accommodations (be sure to see my pictures) range from a Jacuzzi Junior Suite to Presidential Casitas. Each and every suite, regardless of category, comes with a private Jacuzzi tub, 4 poster beds and large terraces or balconies with hammocks. The swim-up suites give you the privilege of stepping out of your private terrace into a lazy river, which meanders around the garden villas to the beachside pool and swim-up bars. There are 9 of them!

The Casitas are in a separate, secluded area of the resort located directly on the beach. In this area there are romantic extras like beach beds, reserved just for casitas guests and beach butlers offering drinks, snacks, a facial spritz, and magazines…..just to make you comfortable. Beachside pools also surround the Casita Suites.

The casitas have high ceilings, a palapa roof, aromatherapy and pillow menus! All casita suites have oversized balconies, complete with linen curtains for privacy. The Casita Concierge will bring you champagne at midnight, or a sunrise breakfast on your terrace. The second-story Infinity Pool Casita Suites have fantastic ocean views and a private plunge pool. The first-floor Infinity Pool Swim-up Casita Suites are oceanfront with a private pool that connects to a winding river and swim-up bars!

The property also boasts 15 bars including a Martini Bar and 9 swim-up bars. The swim-up bars also serve snacks so you never have to leave the pool.

The evening entertainment at the Royale offers variety. We had a great time at Las Guacamayas bar with the swinging bar seats! We were there to listen to the Karaoke participants….no we did not offer to sing!

Restaurants at El Dorado Royale are also unique. Where can you have an interactive dining experience with 5 open kitchens under a 90 foot vaulted thatched roof? At Las Fuentas Restaurant. The restaurant is packed with flat screen TVs where Las Fuentes features instructional cooking techniques from the resorts’ Michelin trained chefs. How cool is that???

Among the other restaurants at El Dorado Royale are La Cabana Pizzeria, Rincon Mexicano, and Jo Jo’s Caribbean Seaside Grill. And what is better than a fruit smoothie served at the Healthy Bar? Maybe fondue at the Le Fondue Restaurant! El Cocotal is available everyday for breakfast, with food stations as well as ala carte and 24 hour room service is available for all El Dorado Royale guests. are also available for traversing the resort and many guests choose to walk a bit after enjoying all that gourmet food! Be careful after leaving one of those 15 bars!!

The property is large but there’s no need to worry because golf carts driven by the “Crazy Mexicans” as they call themselves, come along every few minutes to take you wherever you want to go. Bicycles

Destination weddings are more and more popular and El Dorado Royale has the perfect setting. With a minimum number of rooms the ceremony is free and with your choice of beach wedding or a beachfront wedding chapel plus complimentary honeymoon and anniversary packages, El Dorado Royale has it all.

We were so impressed with the El Dorado Resort that Totem Travel decided to become Karisma, Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants. Our travel agents have now visited all 6 El Dorado and Azul Resorts and have many “extras” to offer our clients such as complimentary room upgrades, private dinners or a massage for two. As El Dorado and Azul specialists we also have an “Enter to Win” sweepstakes for a 3 night all inclusive vacation and all the details on the current promotions including “It’s all about the bride” for destination weddings.

We hope you’ll call Sandi or Jennefer at Totem Travel to book your all inclusive vacation, honeymoon, wedding, anniversary or couples get away package at one of the wonderful El Dorado Resorts! You’ll get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

(425) 821-4100 or (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com