Before you even reach the lobby of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, you are met by large, striking white walls on either side of a check-in booth. Fronted by a sparkling pond, the entrance is stunning and a good indication of the level of luxury you can expect behind its walls. As you make your way to your designated lobby—the property is separated into three distinct areas—you pass by lush manicured grounds on a palm-tree-lined street.
The property is all-inclusive, which at first can seem like a turn-off to seasoned travelers. However, Grand Velas in no way skimps on the perks, offering top shelf liquors, personal concierges and AAA Four- and Five-Diamond dining options. It’s also no surprise that, as the holder of 18 Diamonds by AAA, everything from their gorgeous suites to their beachside F&B service is a white-glove experience.
Depending on your preference, you can choose between three types of settings (all suites) for your stay: Grand Class, an adults-only option; Ambassador, the family-friendly portion; or Zen Jungle, a tucked away section focused on well-being and healthy dining. During check-in at the Grand Class lobby, guests are welcomed with a chilled tea and cold towel before being led to their suites.
All 90 suites offer 1,300 square feet of space and come with plunge pools, open marble bathrooms with privacy walls, Jacuzzui tubs, L’Occitane bath amenities, lounge areas with sofas, walk-in closets and Nespresso coffee makers. Ground level accommodations come with direct access to the beach. Like any good Mexican hotel will do, the property welcomes guests into their suites with a custom bottle of tequila in the room. This isn’t your well liquor either, it’s smooth and easy to sip—no limes needed.
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the resort and works extremely well (which is not the case at all luxury hotels in the area). Even outdoors, relaxing on the beach lounge chairs, it’s easy to check Instagram or scan through work emails while working on your tan. Aside from the beach, guests can enjoy any of the property’s three pools, with Grand Class offering an infinity pool and swim-up bar. The nice thing about the adults-only section is that it’s peaceful and perfect for travelers looking for more privacy. If you’re looking for a party hotel, this isn’t it.
Within the resort there are eight restaurants, three of which are located in the Grand Class section. Cocina de Autor is the property’s only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant and serves haute cuisine nightly. Piaf, a French fine dining eatery, is open for dinner only and holds a AAA Four-Diamond award. Inside you’ll find a 1940’s Paris ambiance with red Swarovski crystal curtains, fresh roses on every table, and live music. It’s romantic yet sexy and its food is just as impressive.
This fall, the resort will host The Best of Mexico Riviera Maya event from October 5-9 which will focus on the area’s new directions in high Mexican cuisine. Bringing together five of the country’s best trend-setting chefs, the affair will be overseen by Chef Ricardo de la Vega of Frida, the resort’s Four-Diamond restaurant alongside Executive Chef Michel Mustière.
Joining them will be chefs Zahie Téllez, Carlos Gaytan, Francisco Ruano, and Mikel Alonso who’ve collaborated on a special 10-course tasting menu. Chef Heredia, recognized as the best Mexican chef of the 20th century, will be named ambassador of Frida restaurant during the event. Guests of the resort will be able to try the menu over the course of the four days at no extra cost. If the tasting is anything like the meals we experienced over the course of our stay, we’re pretty sure you’re in for a treat.
Rooms begin at $393 per person based on double occupancy.
