El Dorado Seaside Suites Review (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
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Finding a good all-inclusive resort in Mexico can feel like a bit of a gamble.
The photos always look incredible, the websites promise “luxury”, and then you arrive and realise the cocktails taste like fruit squash and the buffet looks like a school canteen.
Thankfully… El Dorado Seaside Suites isn’t one of those places.
Russ and I spent 14 nights here, and it quickly became one of our favourite adults-only resorts in the Riviera Maya.
Think Bali beds on the beach, ridiculously good food for an all-inclusive, swim-up bars everywhere, and staff that genuinely make the place special.
In this guide we’ll walk you through:
- what the resort is actually like
- the difference between the Palms and Infinity sides
- the restaurants and bars
- a few tips we wish we knew before arriving
If you’re thinking about booking El Dorado Seaside Suites, here’s the honest low-down.
Vamos.
Quick Answer: Is El Dorado Seaside Suites Worth It?
In short — yes.
El Dorado Seaside Suites is one of the better adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya, especially if good food and a relaxed atmosphere matter to you. The evenings can be a bit tame, so bear that in mind when choosing a hotel resort that suits you.
The highlights for us were:
- excellent food for an all-inclusive
- friendly staff and great service
- plenty of swim-up bars & pools
- a relaxed tropical feel on the Palms side
The only downsides are a few TUI changes and the usual Bali-bed Olympics.
But overall, it’s a fantastic adults-only resort, and somewhere we’d happily return to.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 / 5)
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
How far away is El Dorado Seaside Suites from Cancún Airport?
El Dorado Seaside Suites is located in Puerto Aventuras, around 80km south of Cancún International Airport in the Riviera Maya.
Nearby destinations include:
- Akumal: 15km
- Playa del Carmen: 30km
- Tulum: 40km
- Cancún: 80km
It’s also close to several popular excursions. Maya Adrenaline Adventure Park, for example, is only about 10 minutes away if you fancy zip-lining through the jungle or riding ATVs.
How long does it take to get from Cancun airport to El Dorado Seaside Suites?
Transfer time depends largely on how you travel from the airport.
With a private transfer, you can usually reach the resort in around one hour on a good run.
If you’re using a shared shuttle or coach transfer (like TUI), the journey can take quite a bit longer.
First, everyone on the coach needs to clear immigration and collect their luggage at Cancún Airport, which can take some time depending on when your flight lands.
If you’re curious about typical wait times, we’ve covered it in more detail in our guide to Cancún Airport Terminal 2 baggage and security times.
Once everyone has their bags, the coach will usually make multiple hotel stops along the Riviera Maya, which can slow things down even more.
Add in the occasional duty-free wanderer or smoker delaying the departure, and the transfer can easily stretch to 2–4 hours depending on traffic and drop-offs.
And yes… sometimes the closest hotel ends up being the last drop-off depending on the route.
Our Advice: Get a Private Transfer
After a long flight, the last thing you want is sitting on a coach while it tours half the Riviera Maya.
We’ve used Canada Transfers twice now and arrived at our hotel almost two hours before the TUI coach.
Money very well spent.
Tempted? Check out our guide for more info on Private Transfers.
El Dorado Seaside Suites Resort Map
When you first look at the resort map, El Dorado Seaside Suites looks massive.
But in reality, it’s surprisingly easy to get around. You can walk from one end of the resort to the other in around 10 minutes.
We stayed on the Palms side in block 35, which is towards the far end of the resort, but even then we were never more than five minutes away from most of the restaurants, pools or bars.
If you fancy lunch at Driftwood Gourmet under the Infinity pool, add a few extra minutes to the walk — but it’s worth it.
There’s also a free golf cart shuttle constantly moving around the resort if you’d rather not walk.
Our Tip: Walk The Resort
We actually recommend walking as much as possible.
The gardens are beautiful and every path seems to lead somewhere new — with plenty of birds, jungle sounds and wildlife along the way.
I was particularly fascinated with the Alux statues dotted around the resort.
And yes… we even made friends with an iguana.
Seriously.
Early Morning Tip
Early risers can grab coffee and pastries in the Palms reception before most of the restaurants and bars open.
Perfect if you’re up early and fancy a quiet start to the day.
If it’s your first few days coming from the UK, you won’t be the only one lurking around looking lost and jetlagged AF.
Infinity Side vs Palms. What’s The Difference?
El Dorado Seaside Suites is split into two main areas: Palms and Infinity. If you’re booking with TUI, you’ll be placed on the Palms side of the resort.
Both areas are part of the same complex, and guests can move freely between them.
That means you can use both sides of the resort, including the pools, restaurants, and most facilities.
Good to know: TUI’s website mentions additional charges for certain restaurants and areas of the resort. However, this hasn’t actually been enforced for TUI guests as of yet.
Will that change in the future? Who knows — but this has been the case for the past two years.
The only consistent exception is the Premium pool and bar, which are reserved exclusively for premium guests.
Palms
The Palms side is the original part of the resort and has a much more laid-back, tropical feel.
Rooms here are surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, with smaller buildings that give the resort a more traditional Mexican style.
If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, this side is perfect for slow mornings, beach days and general chilling out.
Infinity Side
The Infinity side is the newer addition to the resort and feels much more modern.
Every room here features swim-out access, even on the top floor, meaning you can step straight from your terrace into the water. The water can get a little nippy in some rooms & floors due to not getting much sun
It also has a livelier atmosphere, with music, activities and the occasional foam party in the main pool.
If you prefer a bit more energy during the day, this is where most of the action happens.
Junior Suite With Garden View
The standard rooms at El Dorado Seaside Suites are spacious junior suites with whirlpool baths, TV, and free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.
Your minibar is restocked daily with water, fizzy drinks, beers and snacks, so you’re never short of refreshments. If you run low on your favourites, you can also request a restock through the hotel app.
During our stay, we opted for a Junior Suite with a garden view. We’re not huge on room upgrades, so the standard option works perfectly for us.
That said, if we were to upgrade, we’d probably go for a swim-up room. Having direct pool access and sunbeds just outside your room does look pretty tempting.
Our room had everything we needed, including:
- Iron
- Hairdryer
- Umbrella
- Coffee-making facilities
- Air conditioning
The air conditioning worked well, which is essential in the Riviera Maya heat.
The rooms have a slightly rustic style, which some TripAdvisor reviews seem to criticise, but most rooms have now been refurbished in recent years.
TV & Streaming
The TVs include HDMI and USB ports, so you can plug in your own devices if you want to stream anything.
We tried logging into Netflix and Amazon, but some content isn’t available in Mexico — even with a VPN.
Not all rooms have smart TVs, so if streaming matters to you, bringing your own device is probably the easiest option.
I used IPTV on my laptop, and it worked perfectly fine with or without a VPN.
Not all rooms have smart TVs, so bringing your device would be the best option if streaming is important.
I used IPTV on my laptop, and it worked perfectly fine whether I used a VPN or not.
Finding the Perfect Air Conditioning Setting
Before arriving, we read a few reviews mentioning that rooms could feel a bit damp because of the humidity.
After a little trial and error, we found the sweet spot:
24°C, Dry mode, low fan speed.
Once we did that, the room stayed comfortably cool and we had no issues with humidity or dampness. You will notice your clothes will start to whiff a bit by the end of the holiday due to the damp, but nothing drastic.
Room Service
Room service at El Dorado Seaside Suites is complimentary and available 24/7.
The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a small drinks selection — perfect for a late-night snack or a quiet breakfast on your balcony.
One night after a few drinks, I ordered a burger and fries, and it absolutely hit the spot.
You can also request extra items through the GA El Dorado app, including:
- toiletries
- towels
- pillows
- dental kits
- minibar restocks
If you booked through TUI, you can also download the TUI Blue app, which works well for checking activities and resort information.
We ended up using both apps, as each one has its advantages.
Restaurants
If you enjoy good food on holiday, El Dorado Seaside Suites won’t disappoint.
The quality here is excellent for an all-inclusive resort, and even the buffet options are surprisingly good.
I was particularly impressed with the cheeses and cured meats at Seaside Market.
And yes… nobody said you can’t have cheese after dinner.
The resort offers a mix of à la carte restaurants, buffets, and pop-up food stalls, with different cuisines appearing throughout the week in the central plaza and along the beach.
The dress code for dinner is listed as formal, although in reality it’s not overly strict.
What You Got
- Beach Barbecue
- Klay Talay (Asian) – Payable as of May 2024
- Gourmet Pub
- Mia Casa (Italian)
- La Carreta (Mexican)
- Arrecifes
- Driftwood Gourmet
- Cullinarium
- Sandwicherie
- Seaside Market (buffet)
- Pop-up food stalls
TUI Update: As of May 2024, Klay Talay now carries an additional charge for TUI guests. As far as we are aware, the charges have been upheld by the hotel two years after implementing them, and it’s normal service as usual.
Our Favourites
A few of our favourites during the trip were:
- Gourmet Pub
- Mia Casa
- La Carreta
- Driftwood Gourmet (great for lunch)
Standout dishes included:
- Short rib at the Gourmet Pub
- Pulled pork sliders
- The Mexican burger at Driftwood Gourmet
- Ribs from the Beach Barbecue
- Stone Soup at Cullinarium (not on the menu but worth asking for)
Don’t Skip the Pop-Up Food Stalls
The pop-up stalls around the resort are easy to miss, but they’re some of the best food on the property.
The kebabs in particular were incredible.
And the sauce…
Honestly ridiculous.
Bars & Drinks
You’re never too far from a bar at El Dorado Seaside Suites.
Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, mocktails or something simple by the pool, there’s always somewhere nearby to grab a drink.
My eyes lit up when I spotted Kraken rum on the shelf. That quickly became my happy place.
During our stay, the closest bar to our room was the Colibri swim-up bar, and we pretty much treated it like our local.
Raul, the bartender, would often hand out shots or create his own cocktails — and it felt rude not to accept.
The Famous Mango Joe
One of Raul’s creations became legendary during our stay.
He called it The Mango Joe, and before long it became a must-try drink for anyone visiting the bar.
Dangerously good.
There are several swim-up bars across the resort, including:
- Colibri – near blocks 35–36
- Gaviotas – near blocks 39–40
- Arrecifes swim-up bar
- Garcitas – located in the Premium area
- Two swim-up bars on the Infinity side
So wherever you are in the resort, you’re never far from a cocktail.
Mezcalito Bar (Infinity Side)
One of the most unique bars on the resort is Mezcalito on the Infinity side.
It’s a brilliant place to start the evening, with some seriously creative cocktails.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic, the bartenders can also make mocktails and wellness drinks.
Our Tip
The best drinks usually aren’t on the menu.
Ask the bartenders to make their own creations — that’s how we discovered Mango Joe.
Entertainment
There’s plenty going on at El Dorado Seaside Suites if you like a bit of activity during your stay.
The easiest way to keep track of everything is through the hotel app or the TUI Blue app, where you’ll find the daily schedule of events.
Evenings can feel a bit tame if that’s something that suits you.
Daytime Activities
During the day, there are plenty of organised activities around the resort, including:
- 5km runs or morning jogs
- Yoga sessions
- Beach Zumba
- Beach volleyball
- Football
- Darts tournaments
- Table tennis
- Coconut painting and other creative activities
Of course, if none of that appeals, there’s always the option of doing absolutely nothing on a Bali bed with a cocktail.
Evening Entertainment
In the evenings, most of the entertainment takes place in the main square, at the bar or on the beach.
Expect things like:
- Live bands and singers
- DJ nights
- Karaoke
- Fire shows
- Weekly Mexican Fiesta with traditional food and performances
During our stay, the fire show was held once a week, and it was definitely worth watching.
Fire Show Tip
If you want the best seats for the fire show, you can reserve a table by purchasing a bottle of drink (usually tequila or wine).
It’s not essential, but it does give you a great view and makes the evening feel a bit more special.
Infinity Side Foam Party
Over on the Infinity side, you’ll often find foam parties and other pool activities.
These usually happen on Friday or Saturday, although times can vary — so it’s worth checking the app for the latest schedule.
ATMs & Travel Money at El Dorado Seaside Suites
Coming from the UK?
Bring Mexican pesos, not US dollars.
Whether you’re using cash or a travel card, you’ll usually get a better deal paying in pesos. If you use US dollars, you’ll often lose money through double exchange rates.
Avoid Resort ATMs
There are ATMs at both reception areas, but they come with high withdrawal fees.
A better option is the ATM located just past the tennis courts near the staff area on the main drive.
It’s a popular machine used by both staff and guests.
However, during our stay it actually ran out of cash for the last four days, so don’t rely on it completely.
Our Advice
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Bring a mix of options, such as:
- Some cash (pesos)
- A debit or credit card (Monzo is free abroad)
- A travel card (backup Barry, hardly used)
There’s also a safe in your room if you want to store anything securely.
Best Debit Card For Mexico
We personally use and recommend Monzo or Virgin if you’re looking for a run-of-the-mill debit/credit card without needing to jump through hoops.
You get fee-free spending abroad, a decent app that makes everything clear, and the option to create virtual one-time cards if you’re making a payment you’re not totally sure about.
Simple, safe and it works perfectly in Mexico.
Check out our guide on fee-free spending abroad here.
Naay Spa Experience
If you fancy a bit of pampering during your stay, Naay Spa is well worth a visit.
The spa leans into traditional Mayan themes, with treatments inspired by the four elements — earth, wind, water and fire.
Russ and I treated ourselves to a couples massage and the water journey, which was a great way to slow things down for a few hours.
After a few days of pool bars and cocktails, it was actually quite nice to do something vaguely healthy for a change.
If you’re curious about the spa or thinking about booking a treatment, we’ve written a full review of our Naay Spa experience here.
Lomas Travel & A Handy Supermarket Tip
One thing we only discovered three days before leaving was the complimentary supermarket shuttle run by Lomas Travel.
They offer a free daily shuttle to a nearby supermarket where you can pick up things like:
- cigarettes (uber expensive on resort)
- snacks
- toiletries
- anything you forgot to pack
To book it, just visit the Lomas Travel desk at the main reception and reserve a spot for the same day or the following day.
It’s worth doing this early in your stay, as the shops inside the resort can be pretty expensive.
Extra Tip
There’s also a Colectivo stop just outside the hotel grounds, which makes it easy to travel cheaply to places like Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun, etc., if you fancy exploring outside the resort.
How & Why We Choose El Dorado Seaside Suites
Before booking any resort, Russ and I tend to go into full detective mode.
We spent weeks browsing Facebook groups, reviews, and photos from other travellers for every resort on our shortlist.
El Dorado Seaside Suites kept popping up for all the right reasons.
People consistently mentioned the friendly staff, great food, and attention to detail, which is exactly what we look for in an all-inclusive.
In the end, it stood out from the rest — and thankfully, it lived up to the hype.
If you want to see what other guests are saying or ask questions before your trip, it’s worth joining the El Dorado Seaside Suites Facebook Group.
There’s Gotta Be Some Cons, Right?
Like any resort, El Dorado Seaside Suites isn’t perfect.
That said, the downsides are fairly minor and didn’t affect our stay in any meaningful way.
Even a week after getting home, I was still struggling to come up with anything major to complain about.
1) Room Mix-Ups At Check-In
One of the most common complaints you’ll see online is guests not getting the correct room on arrival.
Sometimes people are asked to move rooms the following day.
We didn’t experience this ourselves, but it does seem to happen occasionally — especially with upgraded room types.
If you’re planning to upgrade, you might as well go all in and book a swim-up room..
2) Bali Bed Hunger Games
Finding a Bali bed on the beach can be a bit of a mission.
You’ll often see people doing the classic “towel walk of shame” down the beach in the evening, reserving beds for the next morning.
Your options are pretty simple:
Or head over to the Infinity side, where availability is usually better
Get up early
Ask the beach staff nicely.
Resort Tip
If the main Palms beach is busy, explore a bit.
Head south past the lifeguard station, or walk north past the Activities Pool toward the Quiet Pool, where they’ve added more Bali beds.
You’ll often have better luck there.
Is There A ‘Best Time’ To Book?
The best time to book is usually as early as possible.
With TUI, holidays can normally be booked around 15 months in advance, and popular resorts like El Dorado Seaside Suites often fill up quickly.
Prices tend to stay fairly consistent because tour operators work with pre-agreed room allocations, although you’ll still see increases during peak travel periods.
Check TUI El Dorado Prices & DealsWhat About Last Minute Deals?
You can always take a gamble on a last-minute deal, but there’s no guarantee — especially if you’re aiming for a two-week stay.
Most last-minute offers tend to be seven-night packages, and when you compare them with the two-week price, the savings often aren’t as big as you’d expect. I’m currently looking at prices, leaving in seven weeks, and we are looking at £600 more.
Would We Return With The Changes Regarding Tui?
Absolutely.
Despite the changes to TUI’s contract (which haven’t been upheld by the hotel… yet), we’d happily return to El Dorado Seaside Suites one day.
The positives here far outweigh the negatives.
The only real downside is potentially missing out on places like Mezcalito, which is a brilliant bar to start the evening.
And let’s be honest… Driftwood’s Mexican burger alone is worth coming back for.
You can technically pay for access or day passes for certain areas, but it’s not quite the same as just wandering in for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Still, if you’re looking for an adults-only resort with great food, friendly staff and a relaxed Riviera Maya vibe, El Dorado Seaside Suites is a fantastic choice. changes regarding Tui’s contract, we’d still return…one day. The wins far outweigh the cons.
However, missing out on Mezcalito’s is a real bummer, and Driftwood’s Mexican burger is next level. You can pay for day passes, but nothing beats that pre-dinner cocktail. Yes, the best ones are at this bar!
If El Dorado Seaside Suites is slightly above your budget, you might want to check out our review of Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an, another adults-only resort in the Riviera Maya.
It’s a bit more budget-friendly, and we’ll actually be heading back there again in May 2026.
FAQs
Do I need to make dinner reservations at El Dorado Seaside Suites?
You must make reservations for all à la carte restaurants with your concierge. You do not need to make reservations for breakfast/lunch options and the buffet restaurants. You can stack up to five reservations at once.
Is room service free at El Dorado Seaside Suites?
Yes! You can enjoy complimentary room service at El Dorado Seaside Suites 24/7. With a diverse menu including burgers, pizza, juices, pancakes, burritos, fries, breakfast items and more, you can grab a late-night snack or some much-needed food after a long day of travelling. Just order through the GA El Dorado app, and it will be delivered to your room quickly.
Does El Dorado Seaside Suites have a swim-up bar?
There are five swim-up bars at El Dorado Seaside Suites. Arrecifes, Colibri and Gaviotas swim-up bars are located on the palms side of the resort. There is a swim-up bar in the main pool on the infinity side of the resort and a premium-only swim-up bar called Garcitas under the premium suites for guests staying in the premium area.
How far is El Dorado Seaside Suites from Cancún Airport?
El Dorado Seaside Suites is 84.7 km from Cancún Airport. The quickest way to get to El Dorado Seaside Suites from the airport would be by private transfer/taxi.
What plug adapter do I need for a UK plug at El Dorado Seaside Suites?
El Dorado Seaside Suites uses type B plug sockets with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. We used this travel adapter & it worked a treat. Mexico operates on a lower voltage than the UK at 127V compared to our 230V, so make sure the electricals you plan to plug in support duel voltage, or you will also need a voltage converter.
Final Thoughts
El Dorado Seaside Suites is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed adults-only holiday that still has a bit of life to it.
There’s plenty going on around the resort if you want it — activities, entertainment, pool bars — but just as many quiet spots if you’d rather slow things down.
For us, it hit the sweet spot.
We actually discovered El Dorado at the perfect time. After two years of setting up a business without much time off — followed by the pandemic — we were completely burnt out.
What we needed was simple: an adults-only all-inclusive with great food in beautiful surroundings.
El Dorado delivered exactly that.
If you’re considering it, it’s definitely worth checking the latest TUI prices and booking early, as the resort tends to fill up quickly.
More Mexico Tips & Guides
- Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
- Tourist Tax Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know
- Private Transfers from Cancun Airport
- Spending Abroad Without The Fees
- Free Data, Calls & Texts in Mexico
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¡Adiós amigos!
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I have wanted to stay at this resort for years and I enjoyed reading your 1st hand experience. I would love to stay in the new swim up rooms however I’d want peace and quiet so I’d likely opt for the side of the resort you stayed in. Bonus that the food was good. That’s not always the case when staying at an all inclusive.
You’ve got to do it! Palms is the perfect place; you’ve got the party across the resort if you want it, and has the best beach!
It looks as though you had a fantastic time at El Dorado. Those swim-up rooms are something else! It was good to read about all the facilities and services available. As foodies, we are always interested to see what food is on offer and it looked as though there was a huge variety of options. Cheese after dinner would be an essential part of the evening and the cocktails looked amazing as well. I think we would probably spend most of our time there eating and drinking! Great post with loads of advice about how to make the most of your stay.
You could literally spend the day eating here, and if you’re lounging on a Bali bed, you’ll get cocktails and random foods bought for you. That includes the pools! The service is impeccable here. Loved it.
This is a very comprehensive guide to this resort and after reading it felt like I needed to make a reservation here asap.
I love the idea of the swim-up bar via the long moat around the building and that cocktail bar is where you will find me every evening – Long Island Iced Tea is my favourite if anyone is buying.
There are so many eateries, bars and amenities that you would definitely need the 2 weeks you spent here to visit each one and enjoy them comfortably.
Good that you found virtually noting negative about the resort and that you both clearly had great time.
Nice that it is not far from Tulum and even Cancun which are places I would want to see.
I’m buying Barry; It’s free here. Ha!
We 100% recommend this resort, the Maya Tren will be open soon, so you can scoot around with ease, including the iconic Chichén Itzá.
At first, the thought of spending 14 days at a small resort got me nervous, like I’d easily become bored. But it sounds like there were lots of entertainment options and I imagine lots of time spent in the ocean. That air conditioning tip is very useful for future visitors to this resort. The excursion to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere looks lovely, too, except for the part about crocodiles!
Hear ya with that, but after covid, that’s exactly what we needed. Rest and relaxation.
Sian Ka’an was worth the trip alone. An amazing trip! Wish we could do it again and again.
Nice post! It gives a very detailed outline of the seaside suites. It is always a good sign if you cannot think of any cons even after one week! maybe I Should make a visit! Always bites when atm fees raise their head. Sometimes it can be worse than others. Best to bring cash I think!
Thanks James,
We had such an amazing time here, and there are some absolutely stunning sights and unforgettable experiences in the hotel & area!
Definitely worth a visit!
Yes, I agree it’s worth bringing some cash in case their staff cash machine is broken!
I had a swim out room in Thailand and didn’t realize how much I needed that in my life until I had it. I would absolutely opt for that here too. 14 days in this resort sounds heavenly. I think I’d need that time to work through all those delicious looking cocktails. I love that there’s so much to see and do. And to come across an iguana would be fun.
That was exactly what the others said – we didn’t realise how good it was until we had it! It would be perfect for mornings and lazing.
I loved every cocktail as a guy who doesn’t drink many spirits apart from rum. They were delicious, especially the slushy ones!
Just from the title of the article, I was immediately excited! If it is adult-only, it already has my interest and attention (no hard feelings for those with children).
The complex seems to have everything to make your stay very pleasant and comfortable. And the beach is beautiful. Excellent detailed post!
Although I’m not a fan of resorts, this one caught my attention for the activities available and for not being too fancy.
Hoot, Hoot! Hear you with the adults only. We all need some space, right?
With you there, but sometimes you gotta say **** it, relax, eat, drink and swim in tropical waters.
Loved it!
OMG the colours in all of your pictures are calling me to book a visit to Mexico. This resort is huge! I can see myself spending all day here and never leaving the premises, there’s a spa, good food and a private beach area. You also had me had the villas with private pool access. What a dream destination! Bit of a bummer that the transfer may take so long and also in the cons section that you may have to change rooms after a while.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
This resort is truly unique. We also loved the vibrant colours of the surrounding Jungle and turquoise ocean, and the other parts of Mexico we visited were just as colourful!
The resort is definitely one of the biggest we have visited, and you can easily get lost there, as I did a few times haha. Yes, there is little need to leave the resort unless you want to do an excursion or some shopping, as it pretty much provides everything else!
We spent many days lounging at one of the pool bars conveniently next to our room!
I would definitely recommend a visit.
Hi! I read this review and am very impressed with all of your information. I am not clear if you stayed at the Seaside Palms or the newer Seaside Suites. I like the tropical feel of the Palms, but the room furnishings look dated. Can you please clarify for me?
Hey Jill. We stayed on the Palms side (the older side).
The rooms are little outdated but they have been refurnishing every room on the palms side and should be more or less finished by now.
You’ll have access to both sides, but we LOVED palms. The vibe was perfect.
How was the beach. Doesn’t look too pretty in pics. Was it Ricky or full of seaweed? We love the ocean so it’s important to have a nice beach.
Thanks for your comment, Michellee.
The beach is a tricky one. Over on the palms side it’s beautiful, sandy but quite shallow. The infinity side is fairly rocky but excellent for snorkelling. As you get to use both regardless of where you stay, you get the best of both worlds.
As for the seaweed – the main season is from April to Septemberish but it came earlier this year. Your best bet is around November to February.
What is the policy for tipping at the resort?
Hola! Tipping is absolutely not required, nor will the standard of service be affected should you not tip. You won’t be bugged, or have staff hanging around (insinuating) either.
Was the room minibar included in the all inclusive TUI deal or do you get charged for what you use? Great article, thank you, I had already booked before reading it, but it did make me relax and think I did good lol………
Hey, Jo! The minibar is included with Tui and restocked daily. It’s mixed (beers, soft drinks, snacks etc, but leave a note if you want more of one and less than the other. They’re very accommodating.
If you’re visiting and it’s quiet… you may get use of the facilities on the other side too!
Have an awesome holiday.
Would you recommend this resort for group trip? Say mixed with singles and couples? Or is this best for couples?
Yes! It’s doesn’t have a massive party vibe but there are a mix of couples, friends, elder families and groups. The infinity side has a foam party once a week.
You stated, “Mezcalito bar will be payable as of May 2024”, and “As of May 2024, there is now an additional charge for Klay Talay Restaurant,”and “2024 Update: It does not say on the Tui website, but there is now a $25 daily charge to use the Infinity side”. I have done a lot of research on Seaside but not seen this stated by another blogger or social media. Since you were not there in 2024, are you certain the charges are happening?
Hola, Wendy. Tui renegotiated the contract last year and two restaurants + Mexcalito wasn’t included and chargeable which states on their website.
As far as I’m aware, the info is inconsistent and as Alan says on the Facebook Group it’s not being enforced currently. This is from the Tui website *Just so you know, Klay Talay* and the Mezcalito bar* aren’t in the TUI BLUE part of the complex. Snacks at set times* *Items marked with * incur extra charges which are payable locally* With that in mind, I’d take it as they are chargeable and if they’re not it’s a bonus.
The best way to keep updated is on the Facebook Group.