If you are looking for a relaxing, peaceful, romantic get-away, look no further than the El Dorado Maroma.

This all-inclusive, beachfront-resort in the Riveria Maya (part of the Mexican Carribean) exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we stepped off the van that brought us from the airport to the resort, we felt we had been transported to another place and time. We were greeted by at least 3 different staff members all inquiring whether we had had a safe trip and whether we had any immediate needs.  We were then given a glass of complimentary champagne followed by a tour of the resort culminating in being shown to our accommodations; an infinity pool Jacuzzi suite.

We had viewed pictures of the resort and the rooms online, but the pictures did not do justice to either.  The room was far more spacious and elegantly designed than expected.  The bathroom had a large sunken Jacuzzi tub, double sinks, and two showers; one indoor and one outdoor.  The outdoor shower had a thatched roof, but you could still see the moon and stars if you showered at night, and could experience the feeling of being outdoors while showering no matter the time of day or night.

The bed was quite comfortable and surrounded in drapery that could be fastened to the sides or left to flow around the bed for a more romantic, secluded experience. Beyond the bed was a large sitting area with a table and chairs for dining on one side and a grouping of couches and settees to the other.  Awaiting us in the room upon arrival was a complimentary bottle of champagne and an arrangement of fresh fruit.  Beyond the sitting area were sliding glass doors leading out to the balcony.  From the bed, the sitting area, and the balcony was an unobstructed view of the ocean and at night one could see all the way to the lights of Cozumel across the Caribbean Sea.

Just beyond two sling back wooden chairs on the balcony was the infinity plunge pool.  The pool was approximately 5 feet across, 10 feet in length and about 3 feet deep; just perfect for taking an early morning plunge to start the day or at the end of the day to cool off before retiring for the evening.  One could stand in the pool, lean against the railing and soak up the ambiance (the warm breeze, call of the seagulls, view of the ocean and resort pool) for hours.

El Dorado is advertised as an all inclusive which gave us some misgivings as all too often all inclusive resorts have rather bland food and watered down alcoholic beverages.  El Dorado was definitely an exception to this preconception.  The food was gourmet quality regardless of the restaurant of choice and alcoholic beverages were all top of the line with guests being able to make top shelf requests.  In fact, one afternoon at the swim up bar in the main resort pool, the bartender found the ingredients for one of my own creations and served it to all those at the pool.

There are 4 different restaurants at the El Dorado.  At dinner, guests can choose from a Japanese restaurant serving excellent sushi and tepanayki dishes, an Italian restaurant (which we never tried), and a Mexican restaurant which are all situated in one building sectioned off from one another. The benefit of this arrangement is that if you sit in the Japanese section but one of your party would prefer Italian or Mexican that night, you can order off of those menus as well.  Although typically the center section of this building is for the Mexican fare, it is also used for special dinners.

While we were at El Dorado, "An Around the World" 7-course dinner was prepared for some of the guests and held in the center section.  This dinner was one of the highlights of our trip.  The food was unique but delicious and the presentation was truly lovely.  In fact, the food and presentation far exceeded most cruise ship cuisines we have experienced.

Breakfast and lunch are served in a separate building right off of the main swimming pool with indoor and outdoor seating.  The food in this restaurant could best be categorized as Mexican/Southwest fare. There was a buffet at every breakfast and lunch with a wide assortment of dishes, of small portions, with the selections varying each day.  In addition to the buffet, guests were encouraged to order off of the menu.  Once again, everything we tried was marvelous; there was nothing we ordered that we did not like and it was quite difficult deciding what dishes we would try each day.

The resort has two swimming pools, both with swim up bars.  The pools are surrounded by cushion covered, wooden lounge chairs as well as pool beds.  Pool beds are wooden structures holding a queen size cushion/mattress, with roll pillows and surrounded by gauzy curtains that can be tied back or opened to give the bed some privacy.  These beds are found along the beachfront in the grassy area of the resort as well.  Often times the beach concierge would make up our beach bed with fluffy oversized beach towels.

El Dorado is located on Maroma Beach, a spectacular white sand beach that stretches all along the front of the resort.  The water is calm and clear, and one can easily see the bottom through the splendid turquoise color.  The water in front of the resort is fairly shallow making wading or plunging a relaxing experience.  If you are looking to play in the waves, however, this is not the spot for you.

Although the room was spectacular, the food beyond compare, the pools and beach supreme, the staff and service is what made the trip so memorable.  The resort consists of 72 suites, and when we were there, probably only 35 of the suites were occupied.  The staff seemed to know where we were at all times and were quick to sense our every need, be it a fresh towel, a drink, a sample of a snack, or information about upcoming activities. The staff appeared to truly enjoy their job and it was a pleasure interacting with each and every one.

There is so much more that I could write in praise of our stay at El Dorado Maroma but space and time limit me. If you are looking for a truly romantic pampered getaway this resort should definitely be one of your top considerations.