Private Air New York Magazine
Issue link: https://privateair.uberflip.com/i/739890
www.privateairny.com Private Air New York | Fall 2016 90 ESCAPE M aroma Beach needs little introduction. Regularly mentioned on international lists touting the "world's best beaches", the powdery white sand and warm turquoise waters are an iconic part of the area's significant allure. In the Riviera Maya region of Mexico near the well heeled streets of Playa del Carmen, there is no shortage of luxury; the resorts and villas that encompass the beaches here are rife with indulgences. What Maroma Beach didn't have, though, was the romance and intoxicating charm of the overwater bungalows one could see in other tropical havens. Until now, that is. Already covetable and elegant, the El Dorado Maroma Resort offered everything one could possibly desire in a luxury vacation destination. But having merely 'everything' wasn't quite enough for Señor Jose Luis Martinez and Señora Dolores Lopez Lira, the affably impressive owners of the El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels and Generations Resorts, by Karisma. "is was my husband's dream," explained Señora Lira at a dinner celebrating the debut of the their new Palafitos. "It was five years in the making. Five years of planning and engineering and permitting before we could begin to create what you see here today." And what we saw there is nothing short of spectacular. Aptly named for the Spanish word meaning "stilt house", the Palafitos at El Dorado are luscious little villas suspended over the sea. A resort within a resort the Palafitos are located at the adult-only El Dorado Maroma, thirty suites sitting in the epicenter of a tropical paradise that also features a private beach, hedonistic Náay spa, and dining in the Overwater Ocean Grill and Wine Bar – all spots catering exclusively to Palafitos guests. Upon arrival at the El Dorado Maroma Resort, guests are driven up the winding, palm lined drive past pastures where the resort's trail horses can be seen nibbling at the grass and where the resident camels – yes, camels – can often be found lazing in shade until reaching the main entrance. Once arrived, guests are met with a cool drink and warm smile offered by their personal butler who escorts them to the Palafito's private lounge and reception area before leading them to their own, personal overwater paradise.