When you think of Mexico you might think of the crazy nightlife and endless partying, but that ship has sailed for me. My husband and I were looking for a trip filled with the three R’s:Romance, Relaxation and Restaurants. And El Dorado Seaside Suites was just what we were looking for. Located about an hour from Cancun, the resort is in the Kantenah Bay of Riviera Maya, Mexico. The original El Dorado Seaside Suites, referred to as Sensimar, has been around for decades, but the newly completed expansion of the Seaside Suites opened in 2015.  The new resort has 192 beachfront suites with swim up pool or an infinity pool right outside your balcony door. Together the property boasts 10 restaurants, 9 bars, and the world class Náay Spa.      

The resort lobby is filled with fountains and a contrast of dark wood accents and bright, creamy décor.  Our hostess greeted us with a glass of champagne and cool, scented towels to refresh our faces.  Ahhh, we had arrived. Our flight was a bit early so we decided to tour the resort and have lunch while our room was prepared. We arrived at our room to find the mini fridge fully stocked with drinks and snacks.  The room was spacious, bright and airy with a splash of dark wood and turquoise accents. The king-size bed was extremely comfortable, and they had a couple of different pillow heights. (I found that detail very thoughtful.) Next to the bed was a round, suede love seat that was perfect for watching a movie and snuggling. Just beyond our balcony door was the infinity plunge pool and patio. This outdoor space offered a panoramic view of the ocean and natural vegetation surrounding the resort.  

As part of the Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, El Dorado offers gourmet food, premium drinks, personalized service and activities. There were so many restaurants across the resort, we didn’t get to eat at all of them. What we came to enjoy about each restaurant was the variety. There were several types of meats, seafood, pastas, vegetables and desserts. The portion sizes, whether entrée, appetizer, or dessert, are petite, like tapas. This allows you to try several dishes and, believe me, you’ll want to because the food is truly delicious. The resort offers two types of restaurants, traditional sit down and a food display, known in the U.S. as a buffet. Each offers a variety of house wines and beers and an additional wine and drink menu for those wanting to indulge a bit more.    

Our favorite meal was at the Mia Casa Italian restaurant. I felt as if I had just arrived in a quaint Italian village. The potted window flowers, paintings and light background music all added to the ambiance.  Every appetizer, soup, and salad led up to the pièce de résistance, a succulent steak with a “special sauce,” paired with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. If I had been at home I would’ve licked the plate. It. Was. That. Good.  We also loved the Gourmet Pub. This restaurant offers a gourmet twist on traditional pub food. The presentation of the Fish and Chips, Tandoori Chicken Wings, and Provolone Cheese Stuffed Meatballs was a work of art. The dipping sauces and flavors were unique, and it left you wanting to order yet another dish. We were so full after each meal, we had to walk the beach several times to let our food digest.  

We spent most of our days hanging out on the beach bed, which was a king-size, poster bed with pillows, set between palm trees on the beach. We’d wake up, grab a coffee, and head out. We completely disconnected from time, and we let the sun and our stomachs determine our next move. We read books, chatted with other guests while floating in the ocean, napped, and sipped fruity boat drinks. One of the benefits of being in a beach bed was having our own personal concierge. Whether you needed towels, sunscreen, or more drinks, you were completely taken care of.

The Sensimar side of the resort had a white sandy beach to curl your toes in, and the Seaside Suites has the coral reef to enjoy snorkeling with colorful fish. The property offered a wide range of activities, including beach volleyball, yoga, horseshoes, bocce ball, water volleyball and water Zumba. One of the most colorful and expressive activities was painting coconuts. We saw this artwork all over the resort. It gave a whole new meaning to creativity. You not only created the art, but it was given back to the environment.    

The nightlife offered musical trivia, live bands, bingo, poker and domino tournaments, a glow show and a circus show. We enjoyed the Mexican party with dinner on the beach and a reenactment of Mayan folklore stories. Whatever you’re looking for, the resort has it all.

One of our trip highlights included our visit to the Náay Spa. The spa mixes traditional Mayan principles with the elements: fire, earth, water, and wind.  Our Couples Spiritual Massage treatment began with the Water Journey that took us through plunge pools, showers, a mud scrub, saunas, and an ice room. Every sensation was heightened by the counter balance of hot and cold.  After our introduction to the spa, we were led to our suite with side-by-side massage tables. The feeling of intimacy was added to by the lighted candles on every surface and the drizzling of flowers and flower petals around the room. The massage experience lasted over an hour, and we were left to enjoy the jacuzzi with chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit, and wine. The whole treatment left us feeling dreamy.

I found this resort to be perfect for honeymooners, anyone celebrating an anniversary, or a laid-back vacation with friends. You know you’ve hit #vacationgoals when all you can think about is a trip back!