Upgrade From All-Inclusive To Gourmet Inclusive At El Dorado Royale

Indulge your gourmet cravings

El Dorado Royale boasts seven à la carte restaurants on its grounds with cuisines ranging from traditional Mexican to Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian Fusion. In fact, diners won’t find a single buffet restaurant during the dinner hours. Most of the restaurants operate as à la carte during breakfast and lunch as well, ensuring that all of your meals are freshly prepared.

Speaking of fresh - the resort grows all of its produce in a 70,000 square foot organic, hydroponic greenhouse. It was the first of its kind in Cancun. Be sure to inquire about the complimentary tours of the greenhouse to view this massive facility.

While it’s easy enough to fit in dinner at each restaurant during a seven night stay, those staying for shorter vacations will have to make a choice. D’Italia Contemporary Italian for its unique take on Italian fare with seasonal Mexican ingredients and Jo Jo’s Caribbean Seaside Grill for the breathtaking ocean front ambiance are musts. No foodie would want to miss dinner at Fuentes Culinary Theatre. Think Food Network, but live. Fuentes Culinary Theatre is the only restaurant on the resort that requires a reservation.

Hang out at the bar you dream about

Besides great food, the resort also includes premium spirits in the Gourmet Inclusive price alongside domestic beer and wine. Libations can be found at any of the 13 bars (10 of which are swim up). You do have to ask for the premium level spirits though if Grey Goose is what you desire. If not, the bartender will pour a mid-shelf spirit like Absolute or Smirnoff.

I recommend starting the evening off at Gaviota’s Seashore bar for a happy hour sunset and finishing the night with a nightcap at Martini’s Lobby Bar. Bar Las Guacamaya’s is also fun with its swinging chairs.

Grounds as magnificent as the food

El Dorado Royale is tucked into 500 acres of lush jungle, which spans a mile and a half of beach. While that sounds massive to get around, do not be intimidated. Golf cart shuttle stops are located throughout the resort along with bikes, both of which make it a breeze to get from point A to point B. However, I prefer to walk. With the gorgeous ocean views, no distance seemed too far.

The grounds were designed to provide both an intimate setting for guests seeking romance and a fun environment for those looking to socialize. The main pools near the lobby, Tucanes and La Isla, are where the party happens, and the other 11 pools provide a more laid-back feel. The beach is also an option with its day beds tucked inside palapa cabanas.

Beyond eating, drinking, and sun soaking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy from non-motorized watersports to tennis. The hotel also offers nature tours in the onsite jungle preserve. Or, guests can take a break from the sun in the Náay Spa Royale. Nothing is more relaxing than the signature Beachfront Sky Massage. The ocean waves lapping to shore provide the perfect tranquility to let both mind and body be at ease.

Relax in your room

Each of the resorts 639 accommodations include at the minimum an in-room hot tub, stocked mini-bar, and a terrace with a both a hammock and chairs. Guests are greeted with towel art on the bed and rose pedals scattered throughout the room for that extra touch of romance. Each of the rooms were designed with contemporary touches like polished stone floors and warm colors to soothe guests into their vacation.

The basic suite starts at 7,580 MSN (460 USD) a night (remember that prices includes your food and drink) with a view of either the pool or gardens. Upgraded rooms are a plenty from lazy river swim-up rooms to ocean view and oceanfront.

For those looking for true seclusion, consider an upgrade to a casita. Starting at 11287 MSN (685 USD) a night, you’ll enjoy a private or semi-private palapa hut with an indoor and outdoor shower, private pool, and oceanfront terraces. Of course, plenty of upgrades exist within the casita tier ranging from swim-up infinity pool suites to the presidential one bedroom suite complete with butler service.