The new Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma, which opened Nov. 1 in Playa del Carmen, gets its name from resort guests' opportunity to engage "all five senses" during their stay. That's the signature concept behind the 360-room hotel, said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing.
The property is the third in the Azul Hotels collection. The Azul Beach Hotel opened in 2005, and the Azul Sensatori Hotel followed in 2008.
The biggest difference with the new Azul Fives and its sister properties is the accommodations: While the first two feature mostly one-room units, this newest resort offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, some with private rooftop terraces.
"We're seeing people traveling in groups, particularly large families. Instead of connecting rooms, here they can book large suites, and that way they can be together in the same suite but each have the privacy of their own bedroom," said Chomat.
Lap of luxury
The design of the hotel is contemporary, with luxury amenities and the brand's gourmet dining, he said.
Like its sister hotels, the resort has meal plan options, either European Plan or Gourmet Inclusive. With the European Plan, guests have access to the activities program, nightly entertainment, classes, pools and concierge services. With the Gourmet Inclusive plan, all meals and alcoholic beverages; 24-hour room service; snorkeling and kayaking; and use of the fitness center and the Kid's Club are added.
All the suites have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars that are restocked daily, marble bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and large balconies or terraces. Two- and three-bedroom suites have full kitchens and separate living rooms.
Penthouse suites have large, private rooftop lounges with hot tubs, sectional sofas, chaise lounges, barbecue grills, showers, a half bath and a dining area. Guests can order meals through room service for terrace dining.
The resort has several bars/lounges and four restaurants, all preparing meals with fruits and vegetables from sister company El Dorado Resorts' greenhouse.
The resort also offers a 15,000-square- foot Vassa spa and fitness center and wedding and meetings space.
European Plan rates range from $282 for a deluxe suite to $1,229 for a three-bedroom penthouse suite accommodating eight people.
Gourmet Inclusive rates start at $235 per person, per night.
Karisma is working with all major tour operators to create packages. Also, dozens of travel agents who enrolled in the company's GI Vacation Consultant program will be feted Dec. 1 to 4 at the Azul properties and will get a first look at the Azul Fives, said Chomat.
"Everything we do is through travel agents," he said. "They are our lifeline."
For more, see www.karismahotels.com.