Revista Kontacto No. 19 (english)

Four-monthly Publication. Year 5 Vol. 19, Riviera Maya, México

INTRODUCING

SENSIMAR SEASIDE SUITES & SPA

THIS IS WHAT

NICKELODEONTM

RESORT PUNTA CANA

WILL LOOK LIKE

GRM THE BEST

RESORT IN MÉXICO

CONDÉ NAST READER’S CHOICE AWARDS ACCORDING TO

UPCOMING DEBUT

EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES, BY KARISMA

GREEN GLOBE

"RECYCLING MAKES SENSE" PROGRAM

Letter from the Editor Four-monthly Publication. Year 5 Vol. 19, Riviera Maya revistakontacto@karismamexico.com

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Index Letter from the Editor New faces Karisma Hotels & Resorts, leaders in hospitality Kalamota Island Resort receives the Gold Travelife Certificate Digital customer service reaches new heights Allure Chocolat Hotel is expanding!

Smart Voyager Express award The new Azul Beach Seven Miles, by Karisma We proudly serve Starbucks Generations Riviera Maya, the Best Resort in Mexico New Human Resources infrastructure in EDR EDM awarded for its quality Upcoming debut: El Dorado Seaside Suites Cool news at Azul Beach Hotel Le Chique gets a renovation We launched Azul Fives Hotel’s Villa 18 Introducing: Sensimar Seaside Suites & Spa Soon! The new Sensatori Resort Punta Cana This is what Nickelodeon(tm) Resort, Punta Cana will look like Wonderful benefits of ice therapy Karisma app reaches Colombia and Jamaica Green Globe recognizes our “Recycling makes sense” Program 2015 GIVC’s The Strategic Planning and Support Team, Closer to you!

The new Intranet is here!

Lives with Karisma Exotic Travelers and Prestige Travelers Karisma 2015 Olympics “Kapacit-ARTE” Collaborator meetings Pampering us (Konsintiéndonos) Karismatic Beverages The Best of the Best (Jamaica, Colombia and Mexico)

General Director: Sasa Milojevic Editor: Raúl Fernández, Cristina Raya Editorial Board: Nayeri Ramos (Azul Beach), Daniel López (Azul Sensatori), Rubí Méndez (Azul Fives), Paula Negrete (Karisma), Gabriela Hernández (El Dorado Maroma), Alberto Roldán (El Dorado Royale- El Dorado Casitas), Coynta Arzola (El Dorado Seaside Suites), Estela Paz (Exotic Travelers / Prestige Travelers) Coworkers: Daniel Castellón (Azul Beach) , Lorena Ramírez (Karisma), Karen Puerto (Azul Sensatori), Antonio Valle (El Dorado Maroma), Hugo Estrada (Azul Fives), Lourdes Alvarado (El Dorado Seaside Suites), Lorena Pereida (El Dorado Royale), Dania Phang (Azul Sensatori Jamaica), Noé Landa (Allure Chocolat /Allure Bonbon), Víctor Castro (Prestige & Exotic Travelers ), Aleksandra Nenadic (WMS), Grecia López (Karisma), Irene Barbosa (Karisma), Juan Carlos Tolentino (El Dorado Seaside Suites), Deltha Mayorga (Karisma), Carlos Herrera (Karisma), David Ortegón

Art Direction:Rosalinda Graf Editorial Design: Gonzalo Estevez, Antonio Osuna

Printing:

Pixel Press, S.A. de C.V. Carretera Cancún-Aeropuerto Km 15 lote 7, SM 301, Edificio USA Today P.B. Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77560 Tel. 01( 998) 8862232 atnclientes@pixelpress.com.mx

Dear Colleague(s)

“T

he whole is greater than the sum of its parts” At Karisma we understand that strong teamwork leads to achieving goals. It was due to our task force’s effort working along with the local team that Grand Openings in Croatia were a huge success, and the year is drawing to a spectacular close! Thanks to this same type of teamwork, Grand Openings of Allure Cafe Mocawa and Allure Aroma Mocawa in Colombia were highly successful, we launched NickelodeonTM Experience and have begun construction of NickelodeonTM Resort Punta Cana in Dominican Republic; amongst several other achievements, we also had Sensimar Seaside Suites kick off in the Mayan Riviera and are launching new El Dorado Seaside Suites facilities. All of this while maintaining our excellent quality standards! Impressive, indeed.

We have shown that we are a big family and that together we can do many things, but what can we do to further strengthen our bond and continue to achieve greater things together?

Firstly, we must value and respect each other’s differences because it gives us a great opportunity to learn from those who are different from us. Our Karisma Olympics in Mexico, for example, is an excellent event to meet colleagues from other hotels, learn from them, and share best practices.

Communication is also an important factor to maintain such a successful team. To foster cohesion, we need to constantly improve our ability to listen to others, understand them and make them feel supported and part of the group. One of the initiatives that we undertook towards this goal is the campaign Más Cerca de Ti (“Closer to You”), to encourage greater closeness between the Strategic Planning and Support Team (Karisma) and the teams in the field, because this allows us to understand the challenges they face day in and day out, and it’s important that they feel our empathy.

The new intranet is another one of our initiatives in this area; the new design is more attractive and friendly, facilitating the search for official information from our company. Kontacto TV also allows us to keep up with latest company campaigns. Not only do we have information technology tools, we also have different settings where we can express ourselves, such as suggestion boxes, breakfasts with management, daily briefings, union meetings, our Climate Survey, our Staff Satisfaction System, as well as the Komunica Hoy (“Communicate Today”) meetings. We also have an Open-Door policy. We invite you to make full use of these spaces created for you.

If we achieve deeper integration, it will be easier to work together passionately towards the same goal. Our company offers many opportunities, and to take advantage of them we need to keep our ties close and strong, because, as an old proverb says “IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.”

Kontacto Magazine

Four-monthly free publication property of Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Address:

Carretera Federal-Tulum Km. 55.3, Centro Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México C.P. 77710.

Teléfono: +52 (984) 206 3470

Circulation:

1,000 copies.The content of the articles is the responsibility of their author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editorial Board, nor does it represent the official posture of the Hotels sponsoring this magazine. Advertising information is the sole responsibility of the advertisers.

Sr. Sasa Milojevic Vice President of Operations, Karisma Resorts de Mexico

New faces

WELCOME TO THE KARISMA FAMILY! N E W

FA C E S

New faces have come on board Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ team to add enthusiasm and experience in their leadership positions. We have the pleasure to introduce:

CARLOS ANDRÉS PLATA General Manager of Allure Aroma Mocawa Hotel, by Karisma

Mr. Carlos Andrés Plata joined Karisma on October 12th as General Manager of Allure Aroma Mocawa Hotel, by Karisma in Colombia.

Originally from Colombia, Carlos graduated from Les Roches Hotel Management School in Switzerland with a Diploma in Hotel Management. He also has a Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management from Universidad Externado in Colombia.

He has worked in various destinations such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Switzerland, Spain, Venezuela, Uruguay, Puerto Rico and USA for various international chains such as Four Seasons, Marriott and Radisson, among others.

JORGE URIBE Manager of Allure Café Mocawa Resort, by Karisma

Mr. Jorge Uribe joined the Karisma family on October 12th also, as Hotel Manager of Allure Café Mocawa Resort, by Karisma in Colombia.

Jorge holds a degree in Culinary Arts and International Gastronomy from the Foundation for the Andean Area, and has extensive experience in Colombia in restaurant and hotel chains such as Decameron, among others.

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Awards and Recognition

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS, LEADERS IN HOSPITALITY

Interval International Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma was recognized with the Interval International Premier Resorts distinction. Hotels with this award are known to offer exceptional vacations to its guests with first-class amenities, modern features and detailing. These hotels are identified with the symbol of the Laurel Leaf, representing high standards and status.

RCI El Dorado Seaside Suites,

by Karisma received the RCI 2015 All-Inclusive Premier Plus award and the RCI Excellence in Service Resort, conferred by RCI, a global leader in the Vacation Industry and Real Estate propertyoriented tourism.

This appointment is a reflection of the care delivered by our superb Gourmet Inclusive Experience and excellence in terms of service, food, drink and amenities.

SPA Professional México Náay Spa at El Dorado Casitas Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites, as well as Vassa Spa at Azul Beach, Azul Fives and Azul Sensatori, by Karisma were included in the list of the best spas in Mexico by the magazine Spa Professional Mexico, which recognizes spas that provide excellent service, quality treatments and meticulous attention to detail, offering noticeable well-being experiences.

Awards and Recognition

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EarthCheck Silver Certification Azul Sensatori Mexico, Azul Beach Hotel, Azul Fives Hotel, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma, received the Silver Certification

by EarthCheck, surpassing our Bronze medal last year. It’s worthy of note that Gold status can only be obtained after 5 continuous years in the program. Let’s keep it up, en route to Gold!

New awards for Le Chique This September the Guía México Gastronómico Culinaria 2016 (Mexico’s Gastronomic Culinary Guide 2016) was unveiled. At the grand kickoff event, Le Chique was recognized as one of the 120 best restaurants in Mexico due to its quality of service, culinary offerings, quality in food preparation, its influence on the sustainable development of regional cuisine and the incentives it offers for creating regional culinary communities. Also toward the end of September, Chef Jonatán Gómez was given the Rising Star Award at the Wine & Food Festival in Mexico City.

Magellan Awards This year Karisma Hotels & Resorts received five Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.

From design to marketing to services, The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel industry and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it. Being a winner of a Magellan Award is a tremendous achievement and proof that our company holds the highest of standards within the tourism industry. The winners were published in the September issue of Travel Weekly.

AZUL HOTELS - Silver Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality Family Resort/Hotel category EL DORADO MAROMA - Gold Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality Beach Resort/Hotel category KARISMA LOYALTY PROGRAM - Silver Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality Loyalty Program category AZUL HOTELS - Gold Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality TV Commercial category EL DORADO SPA RESORTS & HOTELS - Gold Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality TV Commercial category

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Karisma Hotels Adriatic

KARISMA HOT KALAMOTA ISLAND RESORT RECEIVES THE

GOLD TRAVELIFE CERTIFICATE By: Aleksandra Nenadic

T

he team of Kalamota Island Resort, by Karisma, guided by its General Manager Maro Kulas, was recently awarded the Gold Travelife Certificate.

It is the third hotel in the Dubrovnik region and the thirteenth in Croatia to receive this distinction.

Previously, Kalamota Island Resort was the first to achieve the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and to this day continues to lead the way in awards and recognition within the region.

The achievement of a award is not easy, it requires commitment from directors and collaborators, as well as an investment of time and money that can lead to a total renovation of the hotel’s operation, with all the challenges this implies.

All the hotels that intend to be certified must first undergo an internal independent audit to prove that they meet the strict criteria required for a Travelife certification.

Kalamota Island Resort, by Karisma received the highest possible award granted by Travelife, even though since 2014, inspections and audits are stricter than ever in order to meet the ever-growing industry standards regarding sustainable development.

To attain a Travelife Gold Certificate, a hotel must meet 150 strict sustainable criteria including those related to the environment, such as minimization of waste production and usage of water, energy and chemicals.

Additionally, a hotel is qualified based on the positive impact of its actions regarding social actions such as the wellbeing of their collaborators, work with local communities, and children and human rights protection. It is also important to clearly demonstrate the way in which it is supporting local businesses, protecting local traditions and fauna.

Faithful to Karisma’s style, our incredible hotel located in the car-free Kalamota Island puts an enormous effort towards preservation of the surrounding nature.

Karisma Hotels Adriatic

TELS ADRIATIC DIGITAL CUSTOMER SERVICE REACHING NEW HEIGHTS (AND POOLS)

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t was a particularly hot summer’s day a month ago in Igrane, where both Sensimar Makarska and Adriatic Beach Resort, by Karisma are located.

Our couple just got married and decided to entrust their summer holiday to our brand new couples’ resort in Croatia, Adriatic Beach Resort, by Karisma – and chose the romantic swim up room.

Being the new lovebirds they are, their holiday was planned to be active as well as romantic, so after a long morning filled with activities, the bride took a nap to rest for their afternoon and evening plans. Josh* was happy that his dear wife was relaxing, but the high temperatures and boredom of solitude kicked in quickly. As Emma* was a light sleeper, and the only thing he had with him was his mobile phone set to silent, he opened our Facebook page, and wrote a message with a plea for refreshment – only hoping that someone will read this in the next hour or so.

And we did, our team immediately contacted the reception of the resort and asked for a speedy delivery of drinks with specific instructions – deliver the drinks to the swim-up pool where the groom was relaxing.

Our superman-waiter knew each nook and corner of the resort and over the secluded terrace of another room (but checking first with the Front Desk for occupancy) reached the location of his delivery – Josh’s hand in the pool.

So this is how modern technology works, and this is how Karisma teams are in sync, no matter the location or time, across time zones and our Karisma meridians. This is a whole new level of customer service at its best.

And the outcome you think – yet another Karisma Family lover, yet another devoted couple spreading Karisma love to their friends, worldwide. *the names were changed to protect guest privacy

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From Colombia

ALLURE CHOCOLAT HOTEL, BY KARISMA

IS EXPANDING! LONG STREET FACADE

By: Noé Landa

A

llure Chocolat Hotel, by Karisma, located in the historical center of Cartagena and surrounded by its great Wall, has announced that the expansion work has begun next to the Red Knife Restaurant on an ancient house which holds the secrets to the famous Getsemnaí neighborhood, with 60 cm thick walls. This new section is planned for completion in May 2017.

ACTUAL

EXPANSION

LEVEL + 7.76

The Project will have the following changes:

• 38 New rooms, of which 4 are Junior Suites and 34 are Deluxe.

• GYM with terrace and natural light • Employee dining room • Meeting room • Breakfast terrace • Equipped kitchen for breakfasts Allure Chocolat will keep the classic facade that hides a noble and sophisticated inner architecture which will be complemented with modern decoration.

BUILDING SITE

LONG STREET BUILDING HOTEL EXTENSION

From Colombia

COLOMBIA ARMENIA ALLURE CAFÉ MOCAWA RESORT AND ALLURE AROMA MOCAWA HOTEL

THE FIRST IN COLOMBIA TO RECEIVE

SMART VOYAGER EXPRESS

A

llure Café Mocawa Resort and Allure Aroma Mocawa Hotel, by Karisma, built by the same contractor Márquez y Fallardo, received the Smart Voyager Express International Sustainable Tourism certification in August, recognizing superior sustainability in their operations.

Hotels recognized with the Smart Voyager certification are those in which sustainability has been implemented from the design stage and up to the final operation. These hotels have been able to implement and apply the diverse requirements that promote continuous improvement in sustainable activities, integrating not only the technology and infrastructure that aims to use resources more efficiently and towards a more conscious and participative use of human talent. All this without neglecting current activities supporting the preservation of traditions and naturalness of the Colombian Coffee Cultural Landscape, which is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Besides being focused on providing services with high quality standards, our hotels take into account the natural setting and quality of living of neighboring communities.

Allure Café Mocawa Resort and Allure Aroma Mocawa Hotel are the first two hotels in Colombia to be certified with this international standard.

Smart Voyager Express is a sustainability certification trademark with much prestige in the international tourism market. It was created in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands by the Conservation and Development Department of Ecuador in order to prevent or minimize environmental tourism impact in the region.

We are very proud of the sustainable actions we have taken to obtain this recognition, but prouder still of the positive effects that our efforts have actually had on the environment.

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What´s new at Jamaica

THE NEW

AZUL BEACH SEVEN MILES NEGRIL, BY KARISMA

I

n November, construction began on the new Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril, by Karisma, as well as an expansion of Sensatori Resort, which will add on 51 more rooms.

Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril, by Karisma is projected to be one of the top 5 luxury hotels in Jamaica. It will be located on the famous 7 Mile Beach in Negril, on the island’s west coast. Exhibiting the renowned Karisma Gourmet Inclusive ® Experience, this charming hotel will be a place for guests of all ages to revel in unparalleled luxury holidays. Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril is expected to be completed in May 2017.

This boutique property will consist of 98 suites overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with such indulgences as swim-up suites and large terraces with elegant patio furniture acting as an extension to each suite, creating the ultimate outdoor experience. The hotel will offer innovative cuisine, impeccable service, elegant décor, exclusive amenities and rooms with a minimum size of 56.54 m2 (609 s.f.).

All guests will be able to enjoy full access to the five-star amenities and services that Gourmet Inclusive® offers at the adjacent Sensatori Resort.

Room Categories This hotel will have five styles of luxury suites, allowing guests to choose their own milieu to spend an ideal vacation. The suites are located in three buildings facing the ocean.

All rooms will come equipped with air conditioning, 46” Smart TV, Blu-Ray, iPod docking station, either a king size bed or two double beds, radio/alarm clock, safe, amenity kit, a stocked-daily minibar, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, direct-dial landline phone, bathrobes, luxury bathrooms with rain forest showerheads, hair dryer and vanity mirror, large private balcony or private outdoor terrace with lounge-style patio furniture. All suites will have breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and 7 Mile Beach.

The Swim-Up Suites have direct access to ocean front pools. The resort will feature the following room categories Ocean View Studio Presidential Ocean View Honeymoon Swim Up Suite Ocean View Honeymoon Suite Ocean View Luxury Swim Up Suite Ocean View Luxury Suite

What´s new at Jamaica

Restaurantes Gourmet Inclusive® and Gourmet Corners Guests can relish the art of fine dining in six Gourmet Inclusive® restaurants and the four Gourmet Corners at Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril, which offer the best of world cuisine served à la carte or on food displays, aiming to delight all palates. All these restaurants will be located in Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril or Sensatori Resort and guests can enjoy full access to all of them without previous booking.

Restaurants located in Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril: Mahogany Restaurant & Kitchen World foods, offering nightly culinary themes.

Hua Hin á la carte Thai cuisine.

West end Gourmet Corner & Terrace grilled Panini and gelato.

Bars and lounges at Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril Indigo Denim Bar 7 Mile Bar West End Swim-Up Bar & Lounge

Entertainment and Activities Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril will offer guests activities and options such as: Azulitos Playhouse by NickelodeonTM Will include NickelodeonTM Experience services such as the Meet and Greet with the NickelodeonTM characters.

Tennis & Multi-use Sports Courts Fitness Center Vassa Spa An 873.29m2 (9400 s.f.) spa with 9 luxurious therapy suites.

Weddings & Private Events Two ocean front gazebos and a Sky Wedding location.

Meetings Among other features and as an option not included in the Gourmet Inclusive® package, Azul Beach Seven Miles Negril will have a Champagne lounge that will offer a variety of champagne and sparkling wines from all over the world in a very hip location overlooking the ocean.

TAKING THE GOURMET INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE® TO EVEN MORE GUESTS, IN JAMAICA.

Restaurants located in Sensatori Resort Palms Restaurant International Cuisine Di Romagna Restaurant Italian cuisine Ackee Restaurant Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on Jamaican flavors Garfield Beach House Mediterranean cuisine Oceans Gourmet Corner Gourmet Bites Jamaican Jerk specialties and healthy options Beans Gourmet Coffee Shop Cafeteria style

Bars and lounges at Sensatori Resort: Tamarind Swim-Up Bar Beach House Bar Amber Oceanfront Bar Nesta Rasta Lounge (adults only, 18+) Hibiscus Swim-Up Bar Poinsettia Swim-Up & Lounge Bar (adults only, 18+)

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We proudly serve Starbucks

WE BROUGHT OUR GUESTS’ FAVORITE COFFEE RIGHT TO THEIR FAVORITE HOTEL!

I

n order to provide our customers with quality products and new experiences to enjoy, we now have We Proudly Serve Starbucks cafés. Thanks to a concession signed with this prestigious international brand, we are opening these shops in El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and in Azul Hotels, by Karisma, in order to offer our guests a unique experience, to enjoy their favorite coffee, while relaxing in paradise.

At the We Proudly Serve Starbucks cafés, our customers can enjoy a wide variety of products produced by the world’s most recognized coffee brand. There are coffee and tea options of all types coupled with an exquisite variety of their traditional sweet treats.

On August 4th, El Dorado Royal Spa & Resorts, by Karisma, was the first to establish one of these cafés, located in the motor lobby. Shortly thereafter, on the August 22nd, Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma opened up a café.

Gradually these cafés will be integrated into Azul Sensatori Mexico, El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, and El Dorado Seaside Suites,

by Karisma. We are very anxious to further expand the excellent service we provide our guests and to continue attracting the best international companies to become our strategic alliances.

It is worthy of note that the services and products offered by the We Proudly Serve Starbucks cafés are not included in the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience package.

What’s new at... Generations Riviera Maya, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

GENERATIONS R I V I E R A M AYA , B Y K A R I S M A

AMONGST THE 20 BEST RESORTS IN MEXICO

G

enerations Riviera Maya was nominated by Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards for resorts, as the best resort in Mexico and one of the top 100 resorts in the world, ranking higher than prestigious luxury properties such as Rosewood, Montage and Mandarin Oriental.

These honors are especially significant because they are completely determined by reader’s opinions. Generations Riviera Maya received top-notch grades, all above 90 points. Condé Nast Traveler is one of the most respected and most-read magazines on luxury travel, with a tally of 813,747 regular subscribers, and an average monthly 1.7 million visits to their website.

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What’s new at... El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

NEW

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HUMAN RESOURCES IN EL DORADO ROYALE, A SPA RESORT, BY KARISMA In October, El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort, by Karisma began an ambitious project to relocate the Human Resources office and areas to where the famous “Palapa Collaborators” location is now. In a few months this will become the Human Development Centre, which will consist of a three level tower with the following services available for our staff: • Training rooms with capacity for 80 persons each.

• A recruitment and talent selection center, with a private interview section.

• Welcome area and waiting room for new talent • Fitness center for employees • Lockers, dressing rooms and showers • Aesthetics and Spa Services • Commuter bus platforms • Bus waiting area

• Language Center • Adult Education Center • Virtual Classrooms • Laboratories will provide employee skills development for those interested in other departments.

• Chapel • Boardroom • Information Desk • Service Desk (with varied items for sale) • Pay slip signature area • ATM (Automated Teller Machine) • Operations Center for the Security Department • Dedicated severance pay cashier • Lost & Found department • Staff offices for the human resources and payroll departments We are very excited about how this project will improve the welfare of our employees.

What’s new at... El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

EL DORADO

MAROMA

A BEACHFRONT RESORT, BY KARISMA. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

M AYA A N G E L O U , A m e r i c a n a u t h o r

MLT VACATIONS QUALITY ASSURANCE MLT Vacations, a leading travel provider in the United States, recently granted the 2015 Quality Assurance Award to El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort,

by Karisma.

The MLT Vacations Quality Assurance Award recognizes qualified hotels, destination management companies and car rental agencies in Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States.

AMONG THE TOP 20 RESORTS IN MEXICO ACCORDING TO 2015 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS. El Dorado Maroma was named among the top 20 resorts in Mexico, specifically in the Mexican Caribbean, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, achieving exceptional grades, all over 90 points.

NORTH AMERICAN GUEST EXPERIENCE AWARDS RECOGNIZES EL DORADO MAROMA , A BEACHFRONT RESORT, BY KARISMA The North American Guest Experience Awards were presented by International Luxury Hotel Association last September in Orlando, Florida, USA. El Dorado Maroma was given the Best Food & Beverage award, being selected due to the excellent reviews on over 100 travel sites.

Thanks to the team at El Dorado Maroma for their effort!

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What’s new at... El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

SOON, THE DÉBUT OF THE NEW

EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES, BY KARISMA

The buildings, that from December 15th onward will form El Dorado Seaside Suites, will be highlighted by stunning architecture, surrounded by swaying palms, situated in front of the beautiful beach. All rooms are ocean-front and will be

O

divided into two categories: Swim-up Suites on the first floor,

Inclusive® Experience, displaying avant-garde architecture, a

satellite TV, mini-bar fully stocked with a generous selection of

spectacular lobby, new restaurants and bars in addition to a

drinks and a spacious terrace balcony from which guests can

huge Sky Terrace for weddings.

enjoy the beautiful ocean view.

n December 15th we will début the new facilities

with direct access to the main pool and pool bar, and Infinity

at El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma. Its 192

Suites from the second to the sixth floor. All suites will feature

luxury suites offer a completely new Gourmet

premium amenities, such as a Jacuzzi for two, private shower,

What’s new at... El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma

The complex will be equipped with a collection of restaurants and bars, among them: Mia Casa, which will offer contemporary Italian cuisine; Klay Talay specializing in Asian dishes; and Chef Market, which will provide the best of international cuisine.

It will also have beautiful locations for weddings, as well as a highly qualified team that will accompany the future spouses during the whole planning of the event, to make that special moment an unforgettable experience.

Guests at the new El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma will have access to Náay Spa, one of the largest in the Riviera Maya. Inspired by indigenous culture and regional traditions it now includes an amazing ‘ice therapy’ room!

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What’s new at... Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

IMPACT DETAILS ON

AZUL BEACH

HOTEL, BY KARISMA

BRAND NEW RENOVATION

WE PROUDLY SERVE STARBUCKS

S

tarbucks has begun to serve its wares proudly at Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma since August 22 nd . Our guests can choose from the large variety of teas and coffees to start their day off, or add flavor to their afternoons while they enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Azul Beach.

From 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. our servers at the We Proudly Serve Starbucks café await our guests, ready to make their days just a little more special. This is a supplementary service for Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® patrons.

W

e are proud to announce that our new

Deluxe section has been remodeled

and

our

kiddy pool has a new look, since we recently changed the roof cover.

What’s new at... Azul Sensatori México, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

AZUL

SENSATORI

MÉXICO, BY KARISMA

LE CHIQUE

IS RENOVATED

R

emaining faithful to the innovative concept that characterizes Le Chique, this fall the restaurant underwent a renovation. Renewal of our restaurant’s offerings is a vital process that enables us to continue providing our guests the most exclusive dining experience.

The restaurant was closed during the remodeling between October 1st and November 15th.

This will be the new face of our 5-Diamond restaurant, Le Chique.

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What’s new at... Azul Fives Hotel, by Karisma

WHAT’S NEW AT...

AZUL FIVES HOTEL, BY KARISMA LAUNCH OF VILLA 18

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n October 27th, the opening of the Villa 18 Phase III in Azul Fives Hotel, by Karisma took place.

Promptly at 7:00 p.m. guests began to arrive at the opening reception. This included executives from TM Real Estate Group, local press, general managers of our properties along with staff from our Support and Strategic Planning Team (Karisma).

Accompanied by smooth jazz tunes and the sweet voice of a singer who interpreted a varied repertoire from a poolside stage, guests toured the “minimalist-style” interior design of Villa 18’s rooms. They’re decorated with red accents and stunning red lights that contrast with the blues of the pool area just outside the sliding doors of the swim-up suites.

Certainly, from November 1st onward, the 60 rooms that make up this villa will offer a very chic setting for a perfectly exciting vacation.

The new Poolside Grill restaurant toyed with taste buds with their sample tables displaying the gastronomic delights they titillate their patrons with. It was a sight to behold for those on tour: sea food, ‘ceviches’, seafood ‘tostadas’, and delicious desserts! These were just some of the unique delicacies offered up at this 60-diner establishment.

The cocktail was accompanied by a gourmet bread bar and an enormous specialty cheese block that the chef sliced to accompany strawberries, blueberries, grapes and fig plates.

Beside him, another chef carved ‘Serrano’ Ham (dry-cured Spanish ham). It was a celebration without much pomp and circumstance, but very pleasant, where Mr. Sasa, Mr. Urban and Mr. Mathieu, as hosts, displayed their pleasure to have achieved the launch of the Villa 18, in form and on time.

Happy stories about this new villa at Azul Fives are just beginning.

Introducing: Sensimar Seaside Suites & Spa

INTRODUCING:

A

s of November 1st, facilities that previously belonged to El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma will now be called “Sensimar Seaside Suites & Spa,

by Karisma”. This property works with TUI as a strategic alliance in order to increase European guest arrivals and ensure greater occupancy rates.

SENSIMAR BRAND FEATURES The Sensimar Seaside Suites & Spa concept is designed for adults who want to spend a romantic moment on the beautiful beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. It is a place where guests can come and enjoy a wonderful dining experience in a relaxed and nature-friendly environment.

This hotel offers five à la carte restaurants and one in the food display style. There are themed dinners such as

the Mexican Night and a Directors Gala Dinner in which management is present. Gourmet activities such as cooking classes, wine tasting and tequila and mezcal tasting are available all week long. The Cullinarium restaurant is designed to satisfy the guest’s palate.

To enhance one’s stay, Náay Spa is a perfect choice as it is right in the heart of the Mexican jungle. There is a light entertainment program provided by a professional team for daytime and evening activities. It’s this and much more that allows Sensimar to guarantee comfort and guest satisfaction.

The Sensimar section in El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort, by Karisma will disappear as such, to form part of El Dorado Royale Villas.

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What’s new at...Dominican Republic

COMING SOON! THE BRAND NEW SENSATORI RESORT PUNTA CANA

S

ensatori Resort Punta Cana, in Dominican Republic, will be a 5-star resort designed to satisfy all the senses.

Located on the golden sands of Uvero Alto, 60km north of Punta Cana airport, it will offer the renowned Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. It will incorporate various Sensatori elements, to create memorable vacations for each of our guests.

THE ROOMS There will be 10 luxurious room styles. The Suites offer impressive views of the gardens, the pools, or the ocean. The Swim-Up Suites will include direct access to the pools.

Room Categories:

THE PROPERTY It will have 252 suites with an Adults-Only section, lavish Honeymoon Suites with Jacuzzis and spacious Family Suites, all with in-room daybeds and 24-hour room service available. The hotel will offer an innovative cuisine with impeccable service, elegant décor and unique amenities. At the heart of the resort we will find The Gourmet Village, with a variety of boutiques, the Coffee Shop, the Theatre, “Weddings Square”, Gourmet Inclusive® bars, lounges and restaurants framed by open-air terraces and reflective pools.

• Premium Honeymoon Swim Up Suite • Premium Honeymoon Suite • Adult Section - Honeymoon Swim Up Suite • Adult Section Honeymoon Suite • Swim Up Family Suite • Family Suite • Premium Swim Up Room • Premium Double Room • Adult Section Double Swim Up • Adult Section Luxury Double

What’s new at... Dominican Republic

GOURMET INCLUSIVE® RESTAURANTS AND GOURMET CORNERS Guests at Sensatori Resort will conquer the art of gastronomic delight in the variety of restaurants that the resort offers.

Restaurants at Gourmet Village: • Sugarcane Marketplace cuisine. Inspired by food markets in Latin America. It will have a large juice and tea bar.

• Wok Wok Far Eastern Cuisine. It will include an antipasto bar • Brgrs.Ph Gourmet Burger House • Space Walker Outer dining • Kitchen 23 by Le Chique by Le Chique – Author’s Cuisine D’auteur.

Not included in the Gourmet Inclusive ® package.

• Doppio Coffee Shop and Terrace – Cafeteria style Other Gourmet Inclusive Restaurants® • The Lighthouse Beachfront Restaurant Delicacies inspired by our bountiful marine life

GOURMET INCLUSIVE® BARS AND LOUNGES And to chill out, these options will be available: • Vino Vino The best selection of wines and wine-based creations •Jazmin Swim Up Bar & Deck A medley of International cocktails and tropical drinks • Limelight Theatre Bar The best shows and the best drinks for before and after each theatrical spectacle • Papaya Swim Up Bar • Mangos Swim Up Bar frozen cocktails, national and international brands • Shaken Lobby Bar & Lounge Located in the Lobby and inspired by infamous 007 British Secret Service agent

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER This resort will feature facilities for sport and entertainment shared with NickelodeonTM Resort Punta Cana. This will include two tennis courts, a cycling and jogging track, a soccer field, Table Tennis / Ping-Pong Tables and more.

FITNESS CENTER The gym will feature state-of-the art training equipment.

VASSA SPA Five luxurious treatment suites - herbal steam room, dry sauna, chromotherapy showers, bubble baths, whirlpool tubs, and hot tubs and ice water tubs. These facilities also will be shared with NickelodeonTM Resort Punta Cana

WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS Couples will have many options for their Romantic events, including an oceanfront gazebo and a Sky Wedding location.

PLAYHOUSE Play area for children between 3 and 12 years with a daily program of supervised activities, including a Splash Park and a kiddy pool.

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This is what Nickelodeon™ Resort Punta Cana will be

THE PROPERTY ickelodeon™ Resort Punta Cana will be a 5-star ‘experiential’ hotel designed to provide guests of all ages unparalleled luxury holiday in the sun.

Located in Uvero Alto, 60 km north of Punta Cana airport, the Resort will display the perfect combination of endless family entertainment delivering renowned Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, providing an idyllic holiday option for children and adults alike.

N

It will feature 208 oversized suites, from their intimate Jacuzzi Pads and Flats to their Swim-Up Suites and four exclusive Super Infinity Villas, including The Pineapple, inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants’ house.

At the heart of the resort will be located the Nick™ Village, which includes Nick™ Playground, Character Central and the Just Kiddin’ kids’ club. Guests will have access to the 11 Gourmet Inclusive® restaurants and the four Gourmet Inclusive® bars and lounges in the resort, as well as Gourmet Village, shared with neighboring Sensatori Resort Punta Cana.

THE ROOMS Seven luxury suite styles will be available. The Pads and Flats offer an intimate setting for families. The Suites and Villas will be large accommodations with spectacular ocean views, garden views or views to the majestic resort pools. Swim-Up accommodations will offer direct access to the pools.

THE PINEAPPLE Inspired by the famous “pineapple under the sea”, this lavish, unique villa will be the signature of our resort. This property will offer all the super modern and luxurious amenities of Super Infinity Villas, but with the added unique quality of immersing one in the world of SpongeBob. The Pineapple will welcome its visitors with a special foyer - a replica of the house at 124 Conch Street (SpongeBob’s home address).

ROOM CATEGORIES: • Super Infinity Villas • Swank Jacuzzi Swim Up Suite • Swank Jacuzzi Suite • Jacuzzi Swim Up Flat • Jacuzzi Flat • Jacuzzi Swim Up Pad • Jacuzzi Pad

This is what Nickelodeon™ Resort Punta Cana will be

THIS IS WHAT

NICKELODEONTM RESORT PUNTA CANA

WILL BE LIKE

THE NICK™ VILLAGE The Nick Village will be an experience for all the senses, with a variety of entertainment choices: • AQUA NICK™ – Aquatic activity center • AQUA BITE • CHARACTER CENTRAL – Special place to meet up with all the Nick™ characters.

• JUST KIDDIN’ – part kids clubhouse, part art studio.

• kNICK kNACKS – our own Nickelodeon™ “kNICK kNACKS” store.

• SLIME – guests can have fun with Nickelodeon™ Private Sliming (not included in the Gourmet Inclusive® package) GOURMET INCLUSIVE® RESTAURANTS AND GOURMET CORNERS Guests at Sensatori Resort will conquer the art of gastronomic delight in the variety of restaurants that the resort offers: Nickelodeon™ Restaurants at Resort Punta Cana • Nosh – International foods in a casual atmosphere. (This is a ‘meet and greet’ location for Nick™ characters. Additional fees apply) • Fresco Bar and Grill – The freshest gifts from the sea, daily ‘ceviche’ creations.

• Aqua Bite – Flatbread Central, with flatbread pizza, delicious pita wraps and salads

Nickelodeon™ Resort Punta Cana guests will have access to Gourmet Village restaurants:.: • Sugarcane • Wok Wok • Brgrs.Ph • Space Walker • Kitchen 23 • Doppio Coffee Shop and Terrace Other Gourmet Inclusive® Restaurants • The Lighthouse Beachfront Restaurant.

Gourmet Inclusive® Bars and Lounges To sit back, relax and refresh, guests will have the following options: • Vino Vino • Jazmin Swim Up Bar & Deck • Papaya Swim Up Bar • Mangos Swim Up Bar The NickelodeonTM Resort Punta Cana will share the Sports and Entertainment Center, the Fitness Center, and Vassa Spa facilities with de adjacent Sensatori Resort Punta Cana.

NICKELODEON™ FIESTAS AND PERSONALIZED EVENTS Finally, to celebrate in style, guests can choose from a variety of packages that may include meeting with Nick™ characters.

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Ice theraphy

MARVELS OF

ICE THERAPY By: Grecia López

I

ce therapy is a revolutionary technique that consists of firming up moderately thin skin through applications of ice on the body. It also helps detoxify the body and tightens up the skin. It may sound daunting and a little frigid, but for many the effort is definitely worthwhile. Náay Spa has an Ice therapy facility in El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma. Here in the sunny Caribbean it’s a great pleasure for our guests to have a truly ‘fresh’ alternative to stay healthy.

What, then, is Ice Therapy?

Ice therapy is the application of ice to areas of the body that are flabby or overweight to firm them up and thin them out.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

• Detoxifies the body • Firms up tissues • Acts as a natural skin lifter • Reduces cellulite • Improves blood circulation (must be accompanied with exfoliating therapy) • Reduces body measurements in just a few sessions Ice Therapy arrived in Mexico in early 2000 and is an innovative therapy that, when combined with exercise and a healthy diet has important effects on our body. Results can be noticed right from the first application as the ice, along with medicinal plants, increases the absorption of fats and simultaneously stimulates the production of new cells.

How can I enjoy homemade Ice Therapy?

You can enjoy effective sessions in the comfort of your home with these simple steps.

You will need: • 3 tablespoons of horsetail • 1 bunch rosemary leaves • 3 tablespoons instant coffee • 1 kilogram of green tea • ½ liter of water

How is it made?

Boil all ingredients for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool until it reaches room temperature. Put it in a plastic container (use an ice-cube tray if possible) and place in freezer until solid.

If you have sensitive skin, wrap the ice in a cloth or plastic bag to avoid the risk of ice burn. Next, massage in circular motions the area you want to reduce or firm up and apply the ice pack.

Cheers, and see you in the next edition.

What´s new on information technologies

NEWS IN

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY KARISMA APP ARRIVES IN COLOMBIA AND JAMAICA

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ow in Allure Chocolat Hotel and Azul Sensatori Jamaica, by Karisma, guests can also enjoy the amenities offered by the Karisma App. These hotels have integrated the use of this technology to surprise our guests since October.

Free international calls through

ZOIPER

B

eginning in October our guests in the Riviera Maya have had free international calling service as part of the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience at Azul Beach Hotel, Azul Sensatori Mexico, Azul Fives Hotel, El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites, and Generations Riviera Maya, by Karisma. This service includes unlimited calls to mobile phones and landlines outside of Mexico.

“Now international long-distance calls are free of charge for our guests, as we are testing a new technology,” said Carlos Herrera WAN & LAN (Wide Area Network and Local Area Network) Manager.

The new technology is a data link that allows us to share video, voice, instant messaging or online gaming. An example of this is the famous Skype software, which allows us to make video calls.

Herrera said that this system was implemented due to customer demand, thereby achieving a free service to add to the Gourmet Inclusive® package and reduce costs.

We are already using this technology to communicate within the company, through Zoiper software. It allows us to call any member of our network just by dialing KoIP from your hotel or office and the extension of the person we want to communicate with.

So, do YOU know our KoIP keys?

KoIP keys

Sample

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Sustainability

GREEN GLOBE RECOGNIZES OUR

RECYCLING MAKES SENSE

PROGRAM By: David Ortegón

FELIPA

ÁNGELES ORLANDO

O

ur “Recycling Makes Sense” program was featured in Green Globe’s Newsletter in the edition of last week of October. In our hotels we not only recycle to be sustainable, but with this same program we come to the aid of our employees with difficult circumstances at home, ranging from health complications to other calamities that may have occurred.

Through this program, for the second time now, we have received the “Sustainability Leader Award” from Green Globe for companies who excel in innovative sustainability initiatives.

Besides of promoting our program in their newsletter, Green Globe recorded two videos to share them through their YouTube channel. The first one depicts the stories of the three beneficiaries of these projects; the second video tells a story on El Dorado Royale, and an additional video on a marine turtle conservation project in alliance with Xcaret was recorded in November.

These are the stories from our dear and valued employees: Name: Orlando Problem: He suffered from Pterygium (noncancerous tumor in the conjunctiva membrane of the eye) Support: Received Surgery Before: “To be honest, I felt a little desperate because

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER TO WATCH THE VIDEO

I couldn’t do my work well, as my poor vision impaired me. In fact, to go to the supermarket or ATM, I always had to go with someone or use a magnifying lens.”

Now: “Now I am happier and more joyful, my vision has improved, and I can do my job better ...”

Name: Ángeles Problem: Hearing Problem Support: Hearing aid donation Before: “I had a hard time grasping what I heard. It was hard to people to accept me, colleagues and friends from work, even at home... because people became annoyed as they didn’t understand or know I had a hearing problem”.

Now: “Now I can more easily understand what I am told.

My life has certainly taken a very satisfactory turn.”

Name: Felipa Problem: Her house burned down Support: Materials were donated to rebuild her home Before: “My sister got up and saw that the house was burning ... all I did was get up and get my family out.

Thank God no one was hurt.”

Now: “They asked me what I needed, and I said blocks, sand, cement and lime.”

Sustainability

T

T IN

G OUR C

T

he sexual abuse of children and adolescents occurs when an adult or a physically stronger person, abuses his or her power or authority and takes advantage of a youngster’s trust, to force him/her to engage in sexual activity. The abuser may use physical force, bribery, intimidation or exploit their innocence to sexually abuse them.

In any degree, sexual abuse of minors constitutes a sexual offense in Mexico and is punished with imprisonment.

Unfortunately, these abusers seek out places where they’re not easily detected, such as our travel and tourism industry, so it is very important that we, who work in tourism, take an active role in solving this problem.

As part of our Passion for Sustainability program at Karisma Hotels & Resorts we are committed to take immediate action.

These actions are considered serious crimes in Mexico, and are punished with up to 20 years in jail

L I H

D

O

RE

N

PR

EC

It is important that as an employee, we know that we have signed the Code of Conduct for the Protection of children and adolescents in the travel and tourism industry, an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR), which binds us to: •Train and sensitize our staff on this issue and teach them how they can prevent it. •Establish procedures for prevention, detection and the reporting of abusive situations on our properties.

•Work with official institutions (DIF, Office of Protection of Minors) and assist in the dissemination of campaigns against this problem in our communities.

To make this program yield results, your participation is very important. Attend training sessions that are scheduled at your hotel. Approach your hotel’s HR Department or our Sustainability Coordinators for more information.

• Promoting tourist packages or services that include sex with minors (under 18) • Offering information to tourists about sites or locations that exploit minors.

• Allowing our establishments to host or permit sexual abuse of minors.

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GIVC

TH ANNUAL AWARDS AND SALES & MARKETING FORUM KARISMA’S GOURMET INCLUSIVE® VACATION CONSULTANT

T

he Gourmet Inclusive® Vacation Consultant program was created to support and recognize travel agents in the United States and Canada who specialize in selling El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Hotels and Generations Resorts,

by Karisma. This program offers high standards and competitive advantages to make reservations easier, thereby providing better customer service and offering better marketing opportunities. Further, upon achieving certain production levels, travel agents can receive significant bonuses as well as sales tools that can help them close sales or offer added value to their clients.

This year we are proud to host for the eighth consecutive year the Annual Awards and Forum for Marketing and Sales - Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Vacation Consultant.

From December 9 to 12, El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort, by Karisma, will host more than 200 travel agents, affiliated to the Gourmet Inclusive® Vacation Consultant program, as well as more than 150 other personalities from the hotel industry, such as tour operators, international and local press and team representatives from Karisma Hotels & Resorts to recognize and reward the sales efforts by the major producers in the program.

Among the top prizes, Mr. José Luis Martínez and Mrs. Dolores López Lira divided up USD$150,000 among travel agents that increased their sales production by 20% over the previous year in sales of packages at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Generations Resorts, by Karisma.

The Strategic Planning and Support Team

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CLOSER TO YOU!

THE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND SUPPORT TEAM

O

ne of the main factors that make a company a great place to work at is the closeness, openness and constant communication between employees and their leaders. Therefore, one of the major objectives at Karisma is to create an environment where employees feel heard and supported by their managers, and what better place to start than our “corporate level”.

“The first thing that needs to change is our title”, says Mr. Raúl Fernández our Human Resources Director, “let’s stop calling ourselves ‘corporate workers’, because that term actually divides us, creates a big gap between levels. We have to understand that those of us working in offices or corporate positions are there to plan and standardize, but mainly we’re there to support the operation of the hotel. We can identify with the problems and demands of

the operation. So let’s give them our support, in both a symbolic way and in a joint effort to help them feel our commitment and empathy for them.”.

ACTS OF INTEGRATION Increase presence of the Strategic Planning and Support Team in the ‘Karisma Olympics’ – September and October Participation in the ‘Karisma Olympics’ pre-selection events - September

This is where the “Closer to you” program comes in. The aim is to raise awareness in our leaders about the importance of being close to their teams, and in turn, reassure staff in the hotels that they can count on the support of their leaders.

COMMUNITY ACTION Sargassum removal – August Beautification project in Puerto Morelos staff village – November

“From now on we will be called the Support and Strategic Planning Team, and this name change is accompanied by action, a series of integration and awareness activities,” said Fernández.

This program consists of a series of activities having to do with Integration, Community, Training and Dissemination.

DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES Information campaign in all hotels about the new role of the Strategic Planning and Support Team – December TRAINING ACTIVITIES Motivational training for the Strategic Planning and Support Team – October Leadership training for the Strategic Planning and Support Team – November With these actions, we expect to raise awareness and achieve a better interaction between employees and management, overcoming the obstacle of hierarchical levels.

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Komunicate Today

THE NEW INTRANET IS NOW AVAILABLE, USE IT!

Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have launched the new Intranet!

This new intranet is more attractive, colorful and easy to navigate.

WHAT’S NEW • We have included an attractive interactive map so you can quickly locate where our properties are located in the world. You can go to your hotel by clicking on it!

• You can go to the English version from wherever you are on the site, without having to return to the home page.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND • All Company Manuals and Standards.

• Organizational charts, contact directories, and operating hours for each department.

• Links to the Kontacto Magazine and the Kontacto Newsletter.

• Factsheet, daily, service directory, nonpackage sales , information on consumption centers, maps of room categories, safety codes, service standards, HR standards and requirements, and much more.

* The Intranet is not a historical data file, remember that all information will be updated monthly and old files will be deleted. Contact your IT department for support on saving and maintaining your important files.

Lives with Karisma

LIVES WITH KARISMA

CARLOS ANTONIO GONZĂ LEZ

FIXED ASSET MANAGER

I

am from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. I started to work in the hospitality industry in 2001, when I was 21, at the Sandy Village Hotel, which was managed by Karisma. Shortly thereafter this hotel no longer was managed by us, and so they asked me if I wanted to carry on with the company, so I began to work at El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort, by Karisma.

It was the beginning of a fabulous experience.

I started off as a security guard, then was promoted to security supervisor; I was a night auditor and worked in the depository; over the months I was promoted to the warehouse as a shipper/receiver. Then came the opening of Azul Beach Hotel and I was selected to go there as shipper/receiver; I then became the warehouse manager. Today I find myself working at El Dorado Seaside Suites as Fixed Asset Manager.

Working at Karisma has allowed me to grow as a professional and as an individual; this is a company that cares about the environment and it has made me more conscious, so I now apply things I learned here in my personal life, things such as waste separation for recycling, along with many other things that the company promotes day by day to its employees.

Working for a company that is growing constantly motivates me to follow suit, preparing for new challenges that are bound to arise, as this is a company full of opportunities. It’s been nearly 13 years since that humble beginning in the world of hospitality with Karisma, years that have brought my family and I a better quality of life, living in a perfect place and working in a hotel with great humanitarian qualities.

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Exotic Travelers / Prestige Travelers

Exotic Travelers / Prestige Travelers

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Exotic Travelers / Prestige Travelers

Exotic Travelers / Prestige Travelers

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Celebrations Olimpycs

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!

T

he 2015 Karisma Olympics were held displaying passion, beauty, talent, adrenaline and a lot of cheering. In this fourth edition of the Karisma Olympics there were basketball, soccer, volleyball, and table tennis tournaments, an individual triathlon and a relay race.

There were talent competitions in singing and in dancing, Miss Karisma, Towel Art, Chess, Bed-making, the Cocktail Contest with and without alcohol, the Culinary Contest for Talent and Professionals and more.

All our employees gave their best, on the courts and fields, or in the kitchen, wherever they were to compete. With great passion, participants and their cheerleaders put their hotel shirts on for these fierce competitions in which they defended and represented their properties, but with a friendly spirit of unity and healthy competition.

MEDALS TABLE

2015

EL DORADO ROYALE EL DORADO SEASIDE

11 6

7 7

5

AZUL SENSATORI AZUL BEACH

5 3

3 3

5 1

EL DORADO MAROMA

1

2

3

AZUL FIVES KARISMA

1 0

2 2

0

TRAVEL CLUB

1

2

2

K-Pacit-arte

A

lways keeping at the leading edge and offering the highest standards of hospitality is not an easy task.

It requires that our employees are continuously trained, being honed to be the best in their areas.

As a small sample of our efforts in this area, we’d like to share some photos of the training provided this quarter. ·Housekeeping training ·Cristal (Quality Assurance) ·Cocktail training ·Wines training ·My Gym training ·Natura Bisé SPA training ·NickelodeonTM training ·Induction ·Leadership training ·Chemicals handling course ·Reinforcing our Gold Phrases ·Reinforcing our Standards ·Elementary and Secondary school ·Exams ·Rescue Committee Training ·Fire Committee Training ·Blasón Barista class ·Induction to Prestige Travelers ·Marine Turtle rescue training ·Passion for service ·Chemical handling for Housekeeping ·Chemical handling for Public Areas ·Chemical handling for Laundry ·Chemical handling for Steward · DNA Sensatori Spa training Karisma App training Tripadvisor Ambassadors Prevention of Addictions Hurricanes class How to handle difficult people Figures with towels Housekeeping simulation Train the trainer Fire-fighting course Re-induction

Aquatic Rescue “Awakening” for supervisors Handling Pediatric Emergencies Inventory Course Guest Satisfaction System training Communicate today evaluation Induction to Exotic Managing emotions Complaints management Management Grid Accidents prevention Handling Mobbing

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Collaborators’ meetings

COLLABORATORS’

MEETINGS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ORGANIZING DEPARTMENTS!

T

he topics of the Collaborators’ Meetings held in hotels between May and August included Nickelodeon, Football, Hawaiian, Mexican, and Gala Parties. Collaborators shared great moments at these events.

Pampering us

PAMPERING US ACTIVITIES FOR STAFF

N

ot everything in life is work, work, work, our hotels also know how to have a good time! These are some of the actions and activities we have done in recent months to pamper our partners.

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Karismatic Beverages

KARISMATIC

DRINKS BLUE SAND

Jesús Ramírez Cuenca Barman

Jesús is the creator of Blue Sand, a cocktail that is characterized by its sweet, fresh flavor, inspired by the Caribbean sand and blue sea.

Jesús wanted this cocktail to be as natural as possible, that is why he only uses natural fruit and fruit juices.

PREPARATION Liquefy the Curaçao syrup, the Curaçao, milk, melon, avocado pulp and pineapple juice with ice. Pour into a glass with the Irish Cream, very carefully, keeping the mix from seeping into the Irish Cream. For the presentation, garnish with a cherry and a bow made from the pineapple leaf to give it a simple and elegant look.

INGREDIENTS : 1 OZ BLUE CURAÇAO ½ OZ BLUE CURAÇAO SYRUP 1 OZ MILK 2 SMALL MELON CUBES 2 TABLESPOONS AVOCADO PULP 2 OZ FRESH PINEAPPLE JUICE 2 OZ IRISH CREAM

The best of The Best [MAY - AUGUST]

Oryan Watson

Kemar Patterson

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Gardener Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Glendon Mairs

Courtney Clarke

Ewan Selby

Michelle Dawkins

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Best FOH Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Best Supervisor AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Entertainer

JAMAICA MAY

Housekeeping

Driver

Public Areas

Philbert Johnson

Bellboy

Suzaine Sinclair Hostess

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI JAMAICA

Entertainment

THE BEST OF

THE BEST MÉXICO MAY Jorge Alberto Rosas Entertainer

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Ana Karen Correa Soto

Alejandro Ortega Muñoz

Carlos De La Cruz Gómez

Fredy Alvarado

Best SSH FOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best SSH BOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best MHA Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Kids Club Assistant

Entertainer

Steward

Cook

Delfina Ocaña Bolayna

Juan Antonio Carus Morales

Javier García

Daniel Rodríguez Pérez

Ilse Jocellyn Álvarez Guevara

Freddy Puc

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Best Collaborator EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best Collaborator EL DORADO MAROMA

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Best Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Best SSH Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Cook B

Beach Butler

Security

Entertainer

Concierge

Bartende

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The best of The Best [MAY - AUGUST]

JUNE

Javier Chuc

Yuditmar Peña

Katya Michelle Valverde

Esperanza Calderon

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Best Collaborator GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best SSH Collaborator HIDDEN BEACH RESORT

Entertainer

Administrative Assistant

Butler

Waitress

Jorge Alberto Rosas

Belén de Jesús Estrella

Jorge Allan Rodríguez

Fredy Alvarado Valenzulea

Eduardo Ramoz Hernandez

Alejandro Ortega Muñoz

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Best SSH BOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best MHA Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best SSH FOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Margarito Hernández

Daniel Rodríguez Pérez

Sofía Sosa Solís

Gamaliel Tuz

Viraidy Jeaneen de la Cruz

Jorge Alberto Rosas

Best Collaborator EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Best Collaborator EL DORADO ROYAL

Best Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Best Collaborator GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Entertainer

Cleaning Assistant

Take Orders

Entertainer

Carpenter

Cook

Human Resources Assistant

Therapist

Pool Butler

Butler

Entertainer

Entertainer

JULY

Napoleón Alegría

Jonathan Gutiérrez Bibiano

Adrián Rosas Fajardo

María González Villaseca

Miguel Ángel Herrera López

Edubiel Ricardez Estrada

Best Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Best MHA Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best SSH FOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best SSH BOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best MHA Collaborator AZUL BEACH

Best Collaborator AZUL BEACH

Security

Restaurant Supervisor

DJ

Cook B

Cook B

Security

Norma Esperanza López

William Can Cahum

Veronica García Sánchez

Ana Laura Betanzos López

Daniel Rodríguez Pérez

Best Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Best Collaborator EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best Collaborator EL DORADO MAROMA

Best Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Laundry Operator

Polisher

Cook B

Administrative Assistance

Entertainer

The best of The Best [MAY - AUGUST]

AUGUST

Jorge Alberto Rosas

Víctor Ramírez Aguilar

Santos Remigio Tuz Bacab

Jesús Fonseca Velasco

Fernando Cruz Sánchez

Primitivo Canche Chuc

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator AZUL SENSATORI MÉXICO

Best Tripadvisor Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best MHA Colaborator AZUL FIVES

Best SSH FOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best SSH BOH Collaborator AZUL FIVES

Best MHA Collaborator AZUL BEACH

Noel Pérez Escobar

Deysi Elizeth Hernández

Daniel Rodríguez Pérez

Maria Isabel Joaqui Bautista

Ruth Alonso

Best Collaborator AZUL BEACH

Best Collaborator EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best TripAdvisor Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Yolanda Sandoval Vázquez

Entertainer

Waiter

Entertainera

Beach Butler

Kitchen Supervisor

Entertainer

DJ

Surtidor

Cook A

Viridiana Reyna

Concierge Exotic

F&B Administrative Assistant

Best Collaborator EL DORADO ROYALE

Best Tripadvisor Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Rogelio Lara Lara

Francisco Mejía Arroyo

Juan Jesús Pacheco

Esperanza Calderón

Best Supervisor AZUL SENSATORI MEXICO

Best Supervisor AZUL BEACH

Best Supervisor AZUL FIVES

Best Collaborator GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best SSH Collaborator HIDDEN BEACH RESORT

Nelson Isidro Almeida

Sergio Alberto Chan Uc

Maritza Gómez Vázquez

César Vidal Rodríguez

Abel Hernández

EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Best Supervisor GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best Supervisor GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best Supervisor EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best Supervisor EL DORADO ROYALE

Best Supervisor GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Juan Valencia Rosas

Jorge Luis Valenzuela

Alfredo de la Cruz Córdova

Paulino Rivera

Alonso Álvarez Gutiérrez

Teodoro Cruz Conde

Best Supervisor EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best Supervisor EL DORADO ROYALE

Best Supervisor GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best Supervisor EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best Supervisor EL DORADO ROYALE

Best Supervisor EL DORADO MAROMA

Costs Assistant

Best Collaborator EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

BEST

SUPERVISOR IN A THIRD MONTH PERIOD

Jesús Ramírez Best Supervisor

Housekeeper

Housekeeping

Kitchen Supervisor

Steward Senior Supervisor

Public Areas

Administrative Assistant

Chef de Cuisine

Kitchen Supervisor

Housekeeper

Maintenance

Butler

Maintenance

Maintenance

Bars Waitress

Gardening

Restaurant

45

46

The best of The Best [MAY - AUGUST]

MAY

BEST DEPARTMENT

Pool Maintenance Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Room Service

JUNE

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Laundry

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

Pool Maintenance

SPA

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

Public Areas

Housekeeping

Best SSH FOH Department GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

SPA

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Laundry

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

Best BOH Department EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Public Areas

Pool Maintenance

Best SSH BOH Department AZUL BEACH

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Bellboy

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Public Areas

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

SPA

Best SSH FOH Department HIDDEN BEACH RESOT

Public Areas

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

JULY

Best SSH FOH Department GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Public Areas

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

SPA

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

Public Areas

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

Public Areas

Best SSH FOH Department GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Front Desk

Best FOH Department

HIDDEN BEACH RESORT

The best of The Best [MAY - AUGUST]

47

Security

Best SSH BOH Department AZUL BEACH

SPA

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

Housekeeping

Public Areas

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE

Bellboy

Pool Maintenance

Laundry

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO ROYALE

SPA

Best SSH FOH Department GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

Best SSH FOH Department HIDDEN BEACH RESOT

Steward

Azulitos Play House

Siena Kitchen

Maintenance

Room Service

Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

BEST DEPARTMENT IN A FOUR MONTH PERIOD

Kids Club Entertainment Best SSH FOH Department AZUL FIVES

Entertainment Best SSH FOH Department EL DORADO MAROMA

Best MHA Department AZUL FIVES

Best SSH BOH Department EL DORADO MAROMA

Best FOH Department AZUL SENSATORI MEXICO

Best MHA Department EL DORADO MAROMA

Best BOH Department AZUL SENSATORI MEXICO

Garcitas Bar

Best MHA Department EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES

AUGUST

BEST DEPARTMENT