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Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers Michelin-starred dining at Cocina de Autor, alongside world-class service.
Zen pool at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
A shuttle was available approximately every five minutes to transport you to the next class.
The service at Grand Velas is unparalleled, with a low staff-to-guest ratio and a unique concierge program.
They also brought us drinks and snacks and moved our umbrellas into the shade as needed.
Ambassador room in Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
To read more about my time at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, read on.
Rooms have stocked mini-fridges that are both customizable and replenished daily, as well as a pillow menu.
Grand Class and Ambassador are ocean-facing, while Zen suites provide nature-facing rooms that open into jungle surroundings.
Frida restaurant in Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
I loved my Ambassador suite and took full advantage of the patio overlooking the beach.
Each class has its share of restaurants, but guests can dine around the resort.
(The mole that comes with the short rib is a favorite even among the staff.)
Beach at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
In Grand Class, youll find Piaf, a French restaurant serving Gallic staples like escargot and duck magret.
Grand Class is also home to Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Nahum Velasco.
These dishes are part of an incredible experience that is available at no extra cost.
SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Each class also has a signature bar with its signature cocktail menu.
(My favorite was the Uts Maanki, which mixes pineapple, chili, and mezcal.)
Sky Bar and Karaoke Bar also offer different tastings, from Champagne to mezcal.
Kid’s Club at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The three pools have very different atmospheres.
The Ambassador pool is a large, multi-level infinity pool where families can enjoy events and games.
All three provide top-notch pool concierges who come to take orders and offer services like sunglasses cleaning.
Grand Class pool at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The resort also has several beach access points.
Grand Velas provides chairs, umbrellas, a beach concierge, and a water sports desk.
This desk can provide everything From snorkeling to sailboats, and all non-motorized water sports are free to guests.
Grand Velas also has two gyms with state-of-the-art equipment and trainers available for guidance.
The circuit is guided, so you wont be overwhelmed by the order or number of steps involved.
While the Water Ceremony is an experience, the spa services incorporate indigenous practices, creating unique holistic experiences.
One involves using a Uumbal shawl and lemons to stretch and align posture.
Each guest also receives a $50 credit per stay night for spa services.
These clubs offer a daily list of activities separate from the resort’s regular calendar.
Babysitting is also available at an additional charge.
All feature roll-in showers with seats.
Pools and restaurants also include ramps and handrails.
The resort uses solar panels and desalinates water for landscaping purposes.
Grand Velas also supports recycling not only on the property but in the local community as well.
The resort also recently debuted a new bee sanctuary to help the bee population in the area.
Certain suites include round-trip transportation from the airport.
The concierge can also set up airport or activity transfers.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is also part of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program.
Joining that program allows you to earn points for your stay and access upgrades and special amenities.
