Karisma Hotels

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Magellan Gold Awards Winner 2011

MIAMI (October 5, 2011) -- El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, is pleased to announce it is the recipient of two gold awards by the 2011 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards: for Eco-Friendly “Green” Resort/Hotel and for its exclusive Gourmet Inclusive (GI) Wedding Consultant program, the only award winner in the loyalty program category. With entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the coveted Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honor the best in the travel industry.

“We are honored that El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma have been recognized with gold awards by the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for our commitment to ‘going green’ and our unique GI Wedding Consultant program,” said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma. “We have always been incredibly dedicated to and appreciative of our valued travel agent partners, the core of our business model, and are thrilled to be acknowledged by the industry leader for our loyalty.”

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels provide a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness with lavish amenities and services, including a personalized Champagne check-in, gourmet à la carte dining, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, full-service concierge, nightly entertainment, and more. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels are adults-only resorts with special amenities for couples, including in-suite Jacuzzi, swim-up suites, Beachfront Sky Massages and beach butlers, while Azul Hotels provide an ambiance that appeals to every type of guest, from families and couples to girlfriend getaways. The chic and hip décor at the recently renovated Azul Hotels draws a more sophisticated traveler, while family-friendly amenities such as the exclusive Fisher-Price Kid’s Club program, Pack & Play offerings, and gourmet Gerber baby food make traveling a breeze for families.

Beyond the Gourmet Inclusive services and amenities, and as a part of its overall commitment to the environment, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma feature a 100,000-square-foot greenhouse facility at El Dorado Royale – the first and largest resort greenhouse in the region. Now in its fifth harvest, the newly expanded greenhouse provides fresh produce to its collection of eight sister properties within the El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma collections. The greenhouse grows a variety of hydroponic vegetables and herbs, including cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, bell peppers, chilies, basil, and mint.

Furthermore, in conjunction with the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative, the hotel collection launched Pasión por el Medio Ambiente (“Passion for the Environment”), a program to encourage guest and staff participation in environmentally sustainable practices. Since its inception, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels have achieved several milestones, including implementation of solar panels, energy efficient air conditioners, linen quality controls, light sensors and the use of green cleaning supplies. A major recycling initiative is underway with bins and educational signage located throughout the properties. By employing sustainable guidelines, environmental consideration is incorporated into the daily practices of guests and staff, encouraging them to educate others on the value of water and utility conservation, as well as recycling and organic farming.

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma’s traditional business model of consumer to agent and agent to wholesaler is intended to support agents through the award-winning GI Vacation Consultant program. To further enhance this program, the GI Wedding Consultant subcategory was introduced to identify the most experienced partners specializing in destination weddings. This program qualifies agents through its powerful educational tools – including an intensive GI wedding university workshop and specialized FAM trip – and requires agents to maintain a minimum annual wedding production. As an added benefit, agents receive exclusive incentives including a homepage designation as a wedding specialist, exposure via banner ads on wedding websites, and exclusive wedding packages only available through GIWC agents. For bridal shows, GIVC and GIWC partners are provided with all of the materials to support a dedicated booth promoting El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, including banners, side displays, sweepstakes promotions, consumer booking bonuses, wedding albums, and customized collateral.

Rates at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma begin at $107 per person, per night including the Gourmet Inclusive experience (all gourmet meals served a la carte, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, full service concierge, king size beach beds). Hotel reservations can be booked through a GI Vacation Consultant, or by calling 1-866-527-4762, or by visiting www.karismahotels.com.

About the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards
The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards are the premier awards for the travel industry. From design to marketing to services, the Magellan Awards honor the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Honoring a broad range of industry segments including Hotels and Resorts, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and Agencies, Tour Operators and Car Rental Companies, the Magellan is the award to win for those in the travel business. The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. Please visit www.travelweeklyawards.com for more information.

About El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Karisma’s growing portfolio is comprised of El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; and El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma; Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma; Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma; and Azul Villa Carola by Karisma. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” Travel Weekly’s “Readers Choice Awards,” TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” “Gold Medal,” and “Green Medal”, TripAdvisor® Traveler’s Choice “Best Hotels for Romance,” and AAA’s “Four Diamond Award.” Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers and cash-free transactions. Premier Worldwide Marketing is the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.

Media contacts: Jenn Myres, Alexandra McClure, Danielle Mayer, Leah Goldstein, or Courtney Finley at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.39