Fodor's Expert Review El Dorado Royale
Carretera 307, Km 45, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo 77710, Mexico See on Map
This award-winning adults-only, all-inclusive resort set in a spectacular stretch of white-sand beach at the midway point between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, is one of the best resorts of this category. Besides the luxury of accommodations, El Dorado Royale features a state-of-the-art Spa, high-end gourmet restaurants and a series of events and amenities not available in other similar resorts in the area.
room
Each one of the 478 suites at El Dorado Royale features a gorgeous Jacuzzi and balcony or terrace with chaise lounges. The style of the rooms is elegant and modern but without excessive luxury. Some suites offer garden views, but most enjoy terrific ocean views. Swim-up rooms provide guests with direct access to the sprawling lazy river.
For a truly royal experience, you might want to consider booking the Connoisseur two-bedroom suite is one of a kind. Added to the in-room Jacuzzi, it features an outdoor Jacuzzi, private pool and patio with loungers and hammocks, and your personal butler.
bathroom
Most bathrooms share an interesting design that puts a whirlpool tub as the ‘border’ between the room and the bathrooms. So, you can take a bath or wash your hands and still keep a conversation with your partner who is in bed watching TV. Décor of the bathrooms is classy, with marble countertops and double sinks.
YOU SHOULD KNOW This open-bathroom design may not be for everybody. Most suites don’t even have a wall or curtain that may provide some privacy, only the Connoisseur suite comes with a small blinded window that can be closed if needed.
lobby
An all-white area with plenty of natural light and a gorgeous large fountain is the welcoming lobby of El Dorado Royale, one of the most impressive ones in the region.
pool
With 12 pools you can be assured that you’ll find all kinds of amenities, styles, activities and eccentric details imaginable. Swim-up bars, Jacuzzis, Balinese beds, common loungers, lazy river, beachfront pool, salt-water pool, water sports, hammocks, etc. If you can think of it, it probably exists in one of El Dorado Royale pools.
spa
Náay Spa is world-class Spa that introduces supposed Mayan principles into its treatments. The place is stunning and one of the true highlights of the resort. How about an outdoor massage at sunrise with mimosa included?
gym
There is also a well-appointed and fully-equipped fitness center available for guests, but is not the best section of El Dorado and with so many other fun things to do, you may skip working out for the length of your stay.
dining
With 9 a la carte restaurants plus a few snack bars, the gourmet side of El Dorado Royale is well-covered. But what push it into a whole different level is it’s 70,000 square feet hydroponic greenhouse, were vegetables and spices are grown and then used as ingredients for your dinner. If that isn’t impressive enough, I don’t know what else to say.
drinking
The drinking offer is outstanding, with top-shelf spirits included in their Gourmet Inclusive program, an award-winning wine list, and frequent tequila, mezcal and wine tastings. And all of that in superbly designed settings such as a swing bar by the beach or a spectacular Mexican cantina.
LOCATION
Getting Around
El Dorado Royale is half an hour away from Cancun International Airport, so the best way to arrive to your destination is either by taking a taxi or a private transfer service. Once there, there is not much in the area but your resort. To visit nearby sights like Puerto Morelos, your best option will always be asking the concierge to get you a taxi.
Restaurants
Pelicanos (14-minute drive) serves delicious seafood dishes in a casual setting with fantastic ocean views. For gourmet cuisine in a fancy atmosphere, visit Passion (30-minute drive).
WHY WE LIKE IT
Because, in this case, size and quantity don’t affect quality. Náay Spa is one of the very best Spas in the Riviera Maya. The design of restaurants and bars is amazing.
QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
People also liked
Dreams Riviera Cancún
$$$$ | Puerto Morelos | Carretera Federal 307
Looking for a family-friendly all-inclusive resort with a top level of... Read More
Blue Sky Hotel
$$$ | Tankah | Carretera 307, km 237.5
Small hotel with elegant rooms and laid-back attitude, located between... Read More
Casa Cenote Hotel
$$ | Tankah | Carretera Cancun - Tulum Interior Fraccionamiento Tankah, Caribe Lote 32, Manzana 3
Stylish lofts and comfortable bungalows between a fresh-water cenote a... Read More
Cocos Cabanas
$ | Punta Bete (Xcalacoco) | Xcalacoco, La Gloria Lt 2
Unique cabanas in a friendly atmosphere, near to the beach and not far... Read More
El Caballo Blanco
$ | Mahahual | Av. Mahahual, Mza 12, Lote 1
Small and quaint beachfront hotel with rooftop pool in Mahahual Read More
