We received complimentary airfare and accommodations to familiarize myself with this resort and its’ Nickelodeon Experience. Any information I am sharing is based on my experiences during the trip.
To say that I was pampered at the Mommy Bloggers Nick Press Trip at the boutique style Azul Beach Resort by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico, would be an understatement! From the time we walked through the front entrance, we were greeted with such hospitality and kindness from each and every employee.
As we were checked in, we were offered a cool moist towel and a refreshing “Slime” smoothie. We then were asked to pick a pillow type, and two aromatherapy scents (which I later learned would be infused into my pillow and sprayed throughout my room each evening during bed turndown!). I could tell already I was going to love it here!
The Suite Life
Upon arrival at my suite, there was a chilled bottle of champagne and fruit waiting for me, along with a welcome note from the staff. My suite included a living room, bedroom, large bathroom with whirlpool tub with a view of the TV, a wall of closets, and a dining area, a very large in-room safe – large enough to hold a small laptop, and a well stocked mini bar that is replenished daily (this room can actually accommodate up to 5 people). The bathroom came complete with bubble bath and bath salts, as well as lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, Q-Tips, nail file, sewing kit, shower cap and two sizes of soap. I think it’s great when you don’t have to bring all these items with you!
As I opened the door to the balcony, I found beautiful comfy patio furniture and I had a beautiful view of the blue water of the swim up suites that were located directly beneath me. You can actually swim right outside your patio, or swim through a canal out to the large pool when staying in the bottom floor swim up suites! Kids must love this feature! The patio fencing also includes a gate latch for safety. All suites have a view, whether it be an ocean view, garden view, or pool view, but they are all beautiful.
Dining
Whether you are a gourmet foodie or just enjoy a nice meal from time to time, you will love the great variety of restaurants at Azul Beach Resort.
Blue Restaurant features Mexican and international food, with everyday favorites like pizza, tacos, paninis, salads, pastas and soups.
Chil is a great open air restaurant that features burgers, wraps, tacos, and salads, as well as smoothies and shakes. This is also the site of the Nickelodeon character breakfasts.
Latino Restaurant features food from South America and Mexico, with one of the best ribeye steaks I’ve ever had! They have a great kids’ menu as well.
Tainan Restaurant carries a large menu of Asian cuisine, with sashimi, sushi, and complete Asian meals.
Roma has the most delicious Northern Italian food, with pastas, breads, salads, chicken, beef and fish dishes, all topped off with delicious desserts! The staff even brought us little fabric shawls to keep our shoulders from getting chilled!
Visit The Scoop Ice Cream and Coffee Shop for dessert and coffee. They have awesome sandwiches, paninis, sweet or savory crepes, coffee, and soft serve ice cream with just about any topping you can think of, like Fruit Loops, Nutella and gummies.
I love having a choice of food styles – sometimes you just need a burger and fries, and sometimes you want to dress up and go out for a gourmet meal. All restaurants have a “kids” menu and kids are welcome at any time.
Did I mention the 24 hour room service? Or, the butlers that serve you in the beachside cabanas? I guarantee you will never go hungry or thirsty at Azul Beach Resort, and I highly recommend the Mango Tango drink, a blend of strawberry daiquiri and mango daiquiri.
Around the Resort
Wandering and exploring the resort, everything is so lush and green, and the grounds are immaculately kept. Navigating through the resorts’ 148 rooms is easy and there are plenty of shady areas if the sun gets to be too much for you. There are hanging “Bali beds” scattered through the resort that swing back and forth to relax you.
Tequila Tasting
After check-in and unwinding, we were treated to an informative tequila tasting with beautiful appetizers during cocktail hour at Agavero Tequila Lounge, where we learned a lot about how tequila is made, and the different types of tequila. Agavero carries 40 different types of tequila and the staff is very knowledgeable about each and every type.
I think we all agreed the 1921 Crema de Tequila on the far left was our favorite!
The Gourmet Inclusive Standard
The Azul Beach Resort offers a “Gourmet Inclusive” experience as a standard. Most meals, drinks, and non-motorized water activities like kayaks, stand up paddleboards, sailboats, beach volleyball, soccer, and snorkeling (with a $3 reef fee, as it is considered a national park) are included. Yoga, archery, water aerobics and cooking classes are also offered.
The tiki hut on the beach is a spot where you can schedule cabana reservations, check out pool floaties and beach toys for the kids, or get some complimentary sunscreen. Azul Beach Resort offers activities for everyone, or just choose to relax poolside or on the beach all day with your favorite book!
Although the beaches are experiencing an influx of seaweed currently, the beach at the hotel was still beautiful and warm. The sand here is so fine and soft, almost like baby powder. I never saw any waves coming in, so this is a perfect beach for children.
The Nickelodeon Experience
Our first breakfast at Azul Beach Resort was a character breakfast with Nickelodeons’ Dora, Boots, Spongebob, and Patrick. We had a blast watching all the wide eyed kids meet their favorite characters. Patrick pointed out that we matched! Our food was absolutely fresh and delish, and the drinks were awesome.
The Pools
The weather was extremely warm with high humidity while I was there, but it’s summer/August in Mexico so that’s to be expected. Azul Beach Resort has five swimming pools around the property, with two of them directly facing the ocean so you have a fantastic view. One of these is a designated kids’ pool that is shallow, and decorated with kids’ sized patio furniture! Adjoining the kids’ pool is a huge family sized hot tub.
For the Kids
I know bringing young children and babies on a trip can be so much work, and there’s so much equipment to bring along. Azul Beach Resort makes it easy – all you have to do is bring the baby! Their Gourmet Inclusive baby amenities include strollers, cribs, bottle sterilizers and warmers, changing tables, baby monitors, Pack ‘n Plays, baby baths, baby robes, slippers and high chairs/booster seats.
Worrying about baby food? All restaurants and room service carry Gerber baby food! Alternatively, natural baby food can be made upon your request.
Child Care
Parents need a break from the kids? No problem! Children 4-17 years old (under 4 years of age must be supervised by a parent) can be dropped off at Azulitos Playhouse by Nickelodeon where they will be well taken care of by trained staff while you get pampered at Vassa Spa or lounge on the beach.
Kids will enjoy themed activities like having breakfast with SpongeBob, visits by the Ninja Turtles, cooking classes, kid’s yoga, spa treatments, video games, or face painting. Even the restrooms in Azulitos Playhouse are child sized. They will love the movie nights that include dinner and popcorn!
Azul Beach Resort provides child care here in Azulitos Playhouse, or in room, free of charge before 9 p.m.; after that there is a charge for child care.
The Azulitos spa services are offered for children 5-17 years of age and include manicures, pedicures, teen facials, skin care lessons, age appropriate makeup application, and hair styling lessons.
Azulitos Playhouse is also a great place for parents to have play time out of the hot sun with their babies and children.
In-room child care is also available free of charge before 9 p.m., with an hourly charge after 9 p.m.
Poolside fun, included! Slime, optional!
The Nickelodeon Experience continues poolside, where, yes, we got SLIMED!!!!! It was a blast, and I think the kids were so jealous! Azul Beach Resort offers free slime events twice a week, and parents can arrange private slimings for a separate charge.
The Spa
The Vassa Spa has a huge choice of treatments, including mani/pedi’s and hair styling, as well as a beautiful suite for bridal parties. The mood in the spa is very tranquil and relaxing. (Spa treatments are not included in the inclusive package; see the Azul Beach website for more information and pricing.)
As a special treat, Sunday morning we were treated to a Vassa Spa luxury treatment of our choice. I chose the “stress” massage, and it was amazing! Lucy did a fantastic job of working out the knots in my muscles and leaving me feeling stress free for the rest of my stay. I highly recommend Lucy – she has magic hands!
Azul Beach Resort Wedding
Considering a destination wedding? Azul Beach Resort can accommodate you and your guests in lavish style in this beautiful rooftop wedding venue. You will have a 360 degree view of the ocean and jungle.
Have guests that can’t attend? Azul Beach Resort has video cameras mounted so that your friends and family at home can watch the wedding live via streaming video from anywhere in the world.
Transportation
I have to give a special shout out to Lomas Travel for making my airport to hotel and back transfers easy and comfortable. Lomas was easy to find in their teal and white uniforms, and the Lomas drivers are friendly, informative, and prompt. For planning purposes, the airport in Cancun is only about a 15 minute ride from Azul Beach Resort.
Booking
If you are looking for a great family friendly vacation with tons of food and drink, lots of fun activities for kids of all ages, and tons of relaxation, I would highly recommend checking out Azul Beach Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. They are always running special sales to help offset the cost, too.
To see more of Azul Beach Resort, visit our “Azul Beach Resort by Karisma Hotels” photo album on Facebook.
