Evenings at El Dorado Royale Resort and Spa are romantic and magical because the walkways are lit and subtle lights illuminate the fountains, pools, and waterfall. All patios and balconies are bathed in soft light while plantings and palm trees have spotlights and the moon and stars are reflecting in the water.
A unique experience here, offered free to honeymooners, is a lobster dinner on the beach. All the better if the full moon is shining. Lounge chairs are moved from under the palapas and white, long, clothed, and candlelit tables for two are set up. Tiki torches are lit and palm tree trunks are wrapped in mini-white lights. Being serenaded by a saxophonist, sipping champagne, hearing the lapping water, and watching the moon rise-how can it be more romantic?? If per chance it happens to be a bit breezy, diaphanous curtains can be lowered. This is also a perfect spot for a wedding reception.
On another night you can opt for a couple's massage with champagne on the beach. Sometimes they set up under a palapa, other times under the stars on the sand. At a cost of about $250/couple, it's a memorable experience not offered at many resorts.
Each evening you have a choice of five restaurants for dinner. Reservations are needed at all but one-Cocotal. These can be made at check-in or on a daily basis. Different shows each evening from 9:30 to 11pm entertain the earlier diners. Plan on at least 2 hours for dinner if you order all courses. If you have an 8pm reservation, you will barely be fininshed in time for the shows.
The Cirque de Soleil show should not be missed-the acrobatic feats are difficult to believe. A folkloric Mexican and also an ancient Mayan show are performed on the plaza in colorful costumes and attract quiet a crowd. Vendors of Mexican souvenirs and art are set up on these two nights. The more usual karaoke, magic shows, and newlywed games fill in the rest of the week.
Music begins at the large palapa bar with swings near the beach each night at 11pm. The trouble is that they only play for an hour or so, even if guests are dancing. Following this a guitar/keyboard musician sings more quiet tunes. No disco here... One pool swim-up bar in the Casitas section stays open until midnight or 2am, depending on the crowd. The beach bar is the last to close.
If you want a quieter spot, the Martini Lounge in the lobby building is air conditioned with minimalist decorations. The premium drinks are served in glassware instead of plastic-a pianist or pre-dinner entertainer would make this lounge so popular. It tends to be a bit too quiet.
Three nights a week the party-goers can sign up for a late-night bus to Cancun for an all-inclusive night at a popular club for $40 per person. There is transportation on a few nights also to Playa del Carmen from 6 to10pm. Sign up early if you care to join because the seats fill up quickly and they only send one bus.