Gorgeous resort. Check. Beach, pool, sun. Check. Fabulous rooms. Check. Exceptional food. YOU HAD ME AT EXCEPTIONAL FOOD. CHECK. CHECK and CHECK!
If you are looking for a gourmet all-inclusive foodie vacation, look no further than Azul Beach Resort by Karisma in Riviera Cancun. Don’t let the word gourmet fool you, this resort is a foodie’s dream destination -- but also very family-friendly.
Right from the start, when we were greeted upon our arrival by gracious staff and handcrafted watermelon mojitos, we knew we were in for a treat. The drink was a refreshing welcome after a long day of travel and hitting the tropical summer heat of Mexico.
Each spa-like room at the resort is a bit different and plenty spacious for a family of four. There's also a fully-stocked mini-bar full of refreshments and snacks that are replenished each night. You will never go hungry with their 24-hour room service (Yes! You can order ice cream at 3 a.m. And why not?) Their turndown service was top-notch each night too, with attention to little details like changing how the bed was made each night. We like the little things.
Gourmet food displays to remember
Now let’s get to what we really want to talk about … the food! Typically all-inclusive resorts have the same kinds of ho-hum food buffets. This is NOT the case at Azul Beach Resorts. Karisma promises a gourmet inclusive experience like no other -- and they deliver at every meal.
Let's start with the "food displays" -- these are not buffets! -- at the world cuisine restaurant Spoon, open for every meal.
There was so much delectable food at each of our meals at Spoon, and they never disappointed. We guarantee you'll need to go back for more because there's so much to try! We loved that they even have a spot for your little ones to get their own selections -- at counters and with serving utensils properly sized for kids.
You won't be eating the same food every day either. Not only does Spoon change it up each meal, but you'll also have the opportunity to experience six award-winning restaurants, two gourmet corners, three swim-up beach bars, and six full bars (with fantastic wine) throughout the resort. And don’t forget lunch and those Coco Loco drinks on the beach!
The unforgettable, one-of-a-kind Le Chique
Let's talk about Le Chique.
It was better than sex. Yep, we just said that. We apologize if that sounds dirty, but my friends, this 14-course meal was simply food-gasmic. And we're not the only ones who think so. The restaurant has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond restaurant and was named "Best Restaurant in Mexico" by Travel + Leisure México.
Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna and his talented culinary team carefully concoct a mind-blowing appetizer feast that makes your taste buds, eyes, and brain absolutely play tricks on each other in the most beautiful playful way.
Each of our 14 courses was carefully thought out from plate to mouth -- a scientifically themed edible piece of art. Chef Jonatán is a master craftsman. His creations wow the senses and bring tapas to a whole new level.
Each course was beautifully presented as a story; a one-bite experience paired with the perfect glass of wine. Our lovely waiter described the courses as if he was Shakespeare performing his last act. The dinner lasted about two and a half hours and was worth every single delicious minute. It was exciting, fun, and playful. When we spoke with Chef, Char explained how she preferred appetizers over full course meals. She told him the only great part of a full meal (think steak dinner) is the first two bites. Honestly, think about it. TWO BITES. After that, the wow factor has left the building.
Chef seemed delighted with the analogy and Char felt "in" with a world-class Michelin Star-trained Chef.
One can dream, right?
With Chef's tasting experience, every single bite is that amazing first bite. Simply amazing Chef... simply, truly amazing.
Here are some photos for you to get an idea of the amazing meal:
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Jordan Hampton Photography |
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Jordan Hampton Photography |
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Want a giggle? Watch your #MacKid Foodie Moms totally have a food-gasm over the "walnuts." They were made of foie gras, truffles, and chocolate formed to look like walnuts. The stages of flavor we went through were amazing, and honestly, indescribably incredible.
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Friends, those are not walnuts! They formed the foie gras recipe in silicone molds, chilled and placed in real walnut shells! |
So are you dreaming of a romantic date at Le Chique yet? Well, you should be!
But now it's time to chat about the family-friendly things at Azul.
A family-friendly resort that makes mom and dad happy
The whole family will enjoy everything from dance parties on the beach, kayaking, snorkeling, boat tours, four wheeling, painting rocks on the beach, playgrounds, a teen and kids club ... and so much more. We are looking forward to going back with our families to enjoy the resort, but we have to be honest, we really want to take them so we can see their excitement over all the food!
Azul Beach Resort in Riviera Cancun is a gourmet experience you will remember. And, if you're like us, you will want to go back over and over with family and friends -- just to watch them eat.
From the food displays to award-winning on-site restaurants to impeccable room service and all the goodies in between -- the foodie in you will be taken to a whole new level. So much so that when you return home to reality (quite spoiled!) you might be disappointed in eating out for a very long time. And whatever you do, never go back to a regular buffet -- because we only do food displays now. 'Cause that's how we foodie mamas roll.
We received a complimentary all-inclusive stay at Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own.
