Hotel at a Glance: El Dorado Seaside Suites, a Gourmet Inclusive Resort, by Karisma

This adults-only resort sits on picturesque Kantenah Beach, but it’s best known for its cuisine. All-inclusive privileges give you free rein at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, which serve everything from wood-fired pizzas to Asian fusion. Each eatery has a different vibe, and many offer sweeping views of the Caribbean.

• Awards and accolades: AAA Four Diamond rating, TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award, and kudos from Wine Spectator magazine
• Onsite activities include salsa lessons, beach volleyball, and scuba clinics in the pool.
• Náay Spa offers papaya-infused mayan body wraps and beachside massages by moonlight.
• Sip a cocktail beachside or at one of the resort’s swim-up bars.
• Private hot tubs: in each jetted-tub junior suite

Mexico’s Riviera Maya: Rich with History and Tropical Calm

Just south of Cancún, the Riviera Maya is a nearly 80-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline fronted by towns rich in Mexican culture. For some of the area’s best beaches, clubs, and snorkeling reefs, head to the rapidly growing city of Playa del Carmen. Farther south, Tulum sits on a perch of rocky bluffs and is better known for ancient ruins, including temples and a cliff-side castle. The inhabitants of Tulum—which means “walled” in the aboriginal language—first erected the city’s outer fortress to protect themselves from belligerent invaders. Today, the wall guards the archaeological zone, beginning with an entryway of two corbel arches and a limestone house built over an underwater cave.

Swimming in the secret caves isn’t allowed, but a scenic drive south of Playa del Carmen brings you to the Yucatán Peninsula’s legendary limestone cenotes, freshwater sinkholes created by an underground river system. At the Cenote Cristalino, you can jump from terraced outcroppings into an exposed pool or go snorkeling in underwater caves. You can also watch locals expertly flip, dive, and synchronously cannonball into the clear water at this popular weekend hangout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? Cancun International Airport (CUN) is about 87 km from the hotel.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests. Adding occupants above standard is $268 (7/1/15–8/16/15 stays), $247 (8/17/15–10/31/15 stays), or $253 (11/1/15–12/15/15 stays) per night for an additional guest 18 or older; kids are not allowed.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Timeshares are common in Mexico and so are the sales pitches that accompany them. You may be asked at hotel check-in if you are interested in attending sales presentation. If you don’t want to attend, simply decline and you won’t be approached again. If you decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credits are not included with the Groupon.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? Reservations are not required. There is a recommended dress code for dinner. Ladies: dresses, skirts, long pants, shoes, capri pants, elegant sandals. Gentlemen: long pants, collared shirts, casual shoes, formal bermuda, and dress sandals.

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