Azul Beach Resort by Karisma Hotels

My family has just returned from a week at the Azul Beach Resort by Karisma, a short twenty minute drive from the Cancun International Airport.  A boutique style, gourmet all inclusive hotel, geared towards the needs of families looking for a truly pampered experience.  As I was going to Azul with the intent of reviewing it, I had done my research, pouring over websites rich with gorgeous pictures and truly glowing reviews.  Needless to say, my hopes and expectation’s as we set out on this trip were quite high.

I’m thrilled to report,  Azul did not disappoint!

We flew into the Cancun International Airport where Lomas Travel was waiting for us with our private transfer.  This airport can be overwhelming.  It is not a difficult airport to navigate, but once you get through customs, there are dozens of taxi drivers, tour operators, and baggage handlers all aggressively vying for your attention.  I would highly recommend booking your transport to your hotel/resort before you leave.  We were quite happy with Loma.  Their site was easy to navigate, and they were waiting for us with a sign, a couple of cool drinks, and a snack.  It was a very quick 20 minute drive to our hotel!

We arrived at Azul Beach and were warmly welcomed with cool cloths to freshen up, blue cocktails for the adults, as well as iced chocolate drinks for the girls and some Kinder Surprise Eggs!  The lobby was open air and sort of stunning!  I loved the cool contemporary colours and the swinging beds to lounge on. 

 

The unique check in process included selecting “scents” for our room based on the four elements of the earth, and a choice of pillows. We picked a variety of feather pillows and firmer one’s and an earth scent.  Then it was time to go see our room!

A short walk through the meandering gardens and numerous pools and we arrived at Villa Number 9, room number 925.  One of the 148 rooms on the property. Our family of four would be enjoying a Family Suite on the top floor of the villa for the next week.  In a word, the suite was perfect.  To the immediate left was a very spacious bathroom including a soaker/whirlpool tub big enough for two, a double sink, a separate toilet area, and gorgeous walk in shower.  Oh how I miss rainfall that shower!

Farther down the hall was a King size bed with sliding doors that close off for privacy.  Reading lamps on both sides (not to mention easy access outlets for those of us who are a bit addicted to our cell phone and like to charge them all night long) and a large flat screen television for some late night TV watching.  The bed was very comfy and I was surprised how many English channels we received on the TV.  These channels included a movie channel and a sports channel for those that simply can’t miss all of Monday night football. 

The end of the suite opened up into a sit down eating area with four chairs.  (the table easily accommodated a fifth chair tucked off in the corner) A perfect place to indulge in some room service, play cards, or even do a little of the dreaded homework!

Beside the King Size Master Bedroom was an L shaped couch that transformed into three murphy style beds  The beds were big enough to accommodate my tween and teen.  Of note, my teen is 13 and a 5 ft 7”.  She slept comfortably every night.   There was also a second television in this area.  For our family this was a great place for some early morning TV watching while waiting for the parents to get ready, as well as one movie night!!  Azul Beach has a borrow a movie program.  Free of charge of course.  So one day after more than enough sun.  We ordered in room service, and borrowed “The Croods” to play on the built in DVD player.  Such a great, low key, family evening. 

There was ample closet space with plenty of hangers for all, lots of shelving and three drawers.  I did find myself wishing there were a few more drawers for my family of four.  There was also an electronic safe big enough to store a couple of laptops, my large camera and an assortment of phones, and passports.  Perfect. 

The mini fridge, placed between the two large closets, was stocked full with Coke, Diet Coke, Orange Soda, Sprite juices, a variety of beers, bottles of water, chips, pretzels and chocolate bars.  The best part, it was re-stocked daily!

 

Wait, I take it back, the best part was that every room in this resort comes with 24 hour room service!  Yes 24 hour room service.  Your kids will think you are all that and a bag of chips when you let them order Chicken Fingers and a chocolate mousse at 8pm as a ridiculous indulgent late night snack! 

Another favourite feature of this room, the balcony with the nesting chair, cushy patio furniture and of course this view!!  The pool and the ocean.

We are a family that usually rents a home, or at minimum, two hotel rooms when we travel.  We like our space.  However, this Family Room Suite at the Azul Beach Resort was the perfect size for our family of four.  Hubby and I were truly thrilled with our accommodations.  It was spacious, stylishly decorated, comfortable, and quiet (we only once heard little one’s whooping it up in the pool below). 

Safely checked in.  My Sassy family dropped our bags, did a quick change into bathing suits and went off to explore everything the resort had to offer!  From the beach, to the numerous pools, kid friendly activities, and restaurants there was a lot to see, and I have so much more to tell you!  Come back soon to hear why I now more than ever believe, travel is good for the soul, good for your family, and you need to add Azul Beach Resort by Karisma Hotels to your Family Friendly Faves list!

Disclosure:  I received accommodation in exchange for this review.  Perks received in no way reflect the opinions expressed in this post.  All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own.