Renderings courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts
When three American hoteliers envisioned Tahiti's first overwater bungalow in the 1970s, they wanted to go beyond simply creating euphoric accommodations. By mounting traditional Polynesian grass huts onto stilts in aquamarine lagoons, the "Bali Hai Boys" established a romance icon.
And while overwater bungalows have since been reserved primarily for South Pacific destinations, Karisma Hotels & Resorts is spinning that tradition in a bold move to garnish its already plush Mexico luxury options.
As Karisma introduced Mexico's premier overwater luxury bungalows this year, the all-inclusive resort company kept design details under wraps. This "hush hush" stance sparked quite the buzz.
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But the wait is over. At Karisma's annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants (GIVC) awards held in Riviera Maya during December, travel agents were given a sneak peek of these bungalows as they neared completion. Karisma has announced that luxe palafitos will make a splash in September at the adults-only AAA Four Diamond El Dorado Maroma.
In yet another unprecedented move, Karisma gave the nod to GIVC certified agents as the exclusive sellers of El Dorado Maroma's palafitos until their grand opening on Sept. 1 - all at an enticing 21 percent commission on all bookings. Rates are from $665 per adult nightly.
The company notes that it did so, "as a thank you for the never-ending support of dedicated travel agent partners" who have already sold El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Generations Resorts.
"El Dorado Maroma's palafitos Overwater Bungalows are the most exquisite and unique suites in the entire region, with the ocean and renowned Maroma Beach literally at your fingertips," said Armando Chomat, executive vice president of Premier Worldwide Marketing, the worldwide representatives for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
"These are the first and only over-the-water offerings in all of Latin America, eliciting a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers seeking the ultimate luxury getaway - whether it's to celebrate a honeymoon, birthday, anniversary, or for no reason at all but to become immersed in nature and be pampered with the finest hospitality."
Surrounded by the turquoise waters of Riviera Maya's Maroma Beach, this first phase of 30 bungalows are designed with all the bells and whistles. Each is situated so that guests can catch sunrises and sunsets - making them a natural for romance clients.
Features and amenities include glass-bottom floors, direct ladder access to the ocean, outdoor "Aguas del Amor" showers, private infinity pools, indoor Jacuzzis and oversized decks with wooden lounge chairs where guests can gaze out onto the ocean horizon.
To complement the decadent sleeping experience, Over Water Ocean Grill & Wine Bar is set to captivate with its open kitchen, preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu creations will be inspired by Caribbean waters, which are viewable throughout the dining area and in a glass floor private dining room.
The new Naay Spa Over the Ocean will indulge spa coveters via four treatment suites and a therapy menu based on Mayan herbal practices and richness of the region's marine life - check out treatments based around "Maroma's Sea Moss." Caribbean ingredients are rich in mineral salts that boast high antioxidant and detoxifying powers. Guests can opt for indoor or private outdoor treatments.
As if the exquisite setting isn't enough, palafitos guest perks are numerous - 24-hour room service, exclusive beach beds, customized beach picnics, and on-demand full butler service to assist with pre-arrival requests, as well as unpacking and delivery of complimentary necessities for lounging at the pool or beach.
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If you're not yet a GIVC agent, pursue this accreditation! For more details on Karisma's multi-tiered programs and resources for travel agents, visit karismatravelagents.com. Programs allow agents to qualify and take advantage of marketing tools, log bookings, track progress and monitor earned rewards.
If you're already an accredited GIVC agent, go gangbusters by booking your clients into these privileged overwater beach bungalows and earn a 21 percent commission in the process!
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