There are all-inclusive resorts and luxury resorts but rarely can you get both in the same resort. Grand Velas is the exception to this rule and I recently had a chance to experience this myself at their Riviera Maya location. They also have resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Nayarit, and Puerto Vallarta.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is about an hour south of the Cancun airport located next to the Mayakoba complex where you find a Fairmont, Rosewood, Andaz, and Banyan Tree. None of those are all-inclusive so Grand Velas really stands out. Gourmet meals, hand-crafted beverages, stocked minibar, kid and teen clubs, fitness center and classes, non-motorized water sports, recreational activities, beach and pool concierge, and taxes and gratuities are all included in your stay.
This part of Riviera Maya has deep mangroves and natural areas that are untouched which allow the resort to set far off the road. The entire resort is 300 acres but only 1/3 of it is in use. Grand Velas has three distinct sections of the resort. Zen is farthest from the beach which makes it a bit less expensive than the other two but is no less luxurious. Zen has several restaurants including Sen Lin that’s Asian fusion, Koi Bar where you can watch sports or enjoy a grown-up night out, and Chaka serving breakfast, lunch, and Mayan specialties for dinner. You will also find a large family-friendly pool, boutique, convention center, wedding chapel and wedding planning center, and the enormous spa. Be sure to book a spa treatment (additional cost) and experience the Spa Water Ceremony. Virtuoso guests which includes all McAlpin Travel guests will receive the Spa Water Ceremony for 2 guests and $50 per person (up to 2) nightly spa credit included in your stay. You can either walk to the beach or take a quick shuttle that runs continuously.
Closest to the beach you find the Ambassador section with ocean views and Grand Class which are oceanfront. Both of these sections were renovated in 2021. Grand Class suites have plunge pools on the balcony overlooking the ocean and the only adults-only pool on property. Ambassador has another large pool with a swim-up bar.
Each section offers standard rooms which are large and guaranteed connecting family suites with a king in one room and two queens in the other.
The resort is very family-friendly and cater to families with young children. For kids under 4 you can hire a babysitter or nanny. If you are traveling with a baby, the resort can provide a diaper genie, baby swing, crib, high-chair, and a stroller at no additional cost. They also have tents for preschoolers that can be set up in the room.
Kids ages 4-12 can hang out in the kids club although parents must sign their kids in and out. They also must be potty trained. If kids are staying through early evening, the kids club staff will take them to the snack bar at 6pm for dinner or snack.
Teenagers have their own club where they can wander in and out that’s open from 11am – 11pm. Anyone can enjoy the facility from 11am – 7pm. Kids can find all sorts of video games, karaoke, snack bar, foosball, air hockey, and more.
Also on property are kayaks, water polo, mini golf, and a gym.
With 8 restaurants and 6 bars and lounges with several types of cuisine including French, Asian, Italian, even a Michelin starred chef, guests who stay for a week will be able to experience a new menu each day of their stay.
Don’t forget about the other public spaces including a coffee shop, sports bar, karaoke bar, and rooftop lounge to watch the sunsets.
I love staying at resorts that surprise their guests with in-room amenities and Grand Velas is definitely one of those resorts. Upon arrival they set up a mezcal cocktail assortment and a plate of macarons. Another time I was presented with hand-made truffles at turn-down.
