About the Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a luxury all-inclusive resort that combines world-class dining, personalized service, and top-tier amenities. Since 2008, it has set the standard for an elevated and unforgettable vacation experience.
Key Property Facts
Our Experience
First Impressions
Disclaimer: My wife and I were given a free 3 night stay at Grand Velas, including accommodation, food, drink and entertainment in exchange for our honest, unbiased review of the resort.
My regular readers know that Riviera Maya is one of my favorite places to visit. As the owner of this travel platform, I connect with many different resorts to learn what makes each one unique. Over the years I’ve researched hundreds, if not thousands, of properties across budget, mid-range, and luxury categories to find the best options in each.
During this time, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has consistently come up as one of the Cancun area’s most luxurious resorts. On paper, it stands out for an upscale, grand setting and a layout that separates the property into three distinct ambiances with a design keeps each area purposeful rather than crowded. Not only that, but the resort has high-quality dining, attentive service, and spacious suites. For these reasons, the resort has always piqued my interest.
A major perk of running a site like this is that some resorts host press trips to showcase their offerings. And after having the Grand Velas on my years-long wish list to visit and review, I finally connected with the resort’s PR agent to visit and see how it compares with other luxury stays I have reviewed, including Vidanta Grand Luxxe.
With that in mind, I flew into Cancun International, met my Blue Dreams driver, and took a Suburban on a 40-minute ride to Playa del Carmen. With its reputation as one of most luxurious resorts in the area, I had high expectations, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Arrival & First Impressions
On drives along the main resort corridor, including on my way to Unico 20°87° (you can find my review here), the bright white walls of Grand Velas stood out more than any other property.
I’ve never seen such an opulent resort entrance before
Unlike most resorts tucked behind simple walls, the approach to Grand Velas sets the tone for what’s inside. Tall limestone walls line the drive, palms frame the road, and the scale feels palatial before you even step out.
I highly suggest picking the private suburban transfer option. It’s much more efficient and comfortable than a shared van
After checking in with security at the gates, we drove down a long palm tree-lined drive, past the Zen room block, until we arrived at the Grand Class lobby.
At the covered entrance, bell staff opened the doors and handled our bags. The lobby opens wide with high ceilings, polished stone, and dark wood. Natural light and water features keep it calm, and the first impression is more grand estate than what I’m used to at an all-inclusive resort.
A nice but low-key entrance canopy
I should also note that this is a secondary lobby. The Ambassador lobby is much bigger, more open, and has direct views of the ocean, but the Grand Class lobby has a more boutique feel to it, which I greatly appreciated. To me, a crowded lobby that requires long waits really puts a damper on the initial excitement of the trip, and the lack of crowds here was nice.
A simple but elegant lobby
I don’t even drink champagne except in resort lobbies
While check-in is at 3, we arrived at noon and the room was already ready. The process was smooth and after a quick exchange with the concierge and a glass of champagne, we headed to the Bistro for lunch before checking out our room.
The view from the Bistro. Yes, the water is really that blue
Just one of the many buffet options at the Bistro. I was pleasantly surprised they had lobster on the buffet
When we walked into the restaurant, there were 2 options: table service or a buffet. We opted for the buffet, and I was astounded to see lobster, prime rib, and other high-end food waiting.
There was even a worker steaming wrinkles from the table cloth. I’ve never seen this level of attention to detail and opulence, so I knew the rest of the trip would be just as amazing.
Our Accomodations
After lunch, we met our concierge and walked to the room. Unlike other resorts, the Grand Velas is big but not enormous, so the walk from the pools or restaurants were all fairly short. We stayed in the Grand Class suites, which are in a wing of the resort that’s right on the water.
The hallway was simple but open
Our Oceanfront Suite was as spacious as it was well-appointed, with over 1,000 sq. ft. of thoughtful design, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed beautiful ocean views.
I especially loved these floor-to-ceiling windows
The room is even bigger than it looks
The décor was modern yet warm, with wood accents, soft lighting, and a layout that made the space feel even larger. The bathroom was essentially a spa in itself, with a deep soaking jacuzzi tub, rainfall shower, and dual vanities with plenty of counter space. The provided L’Occitane bath products were a nice touch.
The bathroom is enormous and very spa-like
The bed was plush and dressed in high-thread-count linens, making it one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in at an all-inclusive. There was even a pillow menu, offering different levels of firmness and specialty options like memory foam or lavender-infused pillows.
The pillows were so comfortable that I reached out to my concierge to see where I could buy some for my home. It’s also worth noting that the pillow menu has options for poolside pillows as well, in case you’re not a fan of the standard makeshift pillow in the form of a rolled up towel.
The housekeeping staff even left this little card each night that said the forecast for the next day
I’ve never seen an option for poolside pillows and thought this was a nice touch. Of course, I’d later find out that everything the Grand Velas does is to wow the guest, with small touches like this offered throughout your entire stay.
The minibar was well-stocked and you can even custom-order its contents
Another standout detail was the minibar, which went well beyond the usual beer and soft drinks. It was stocked with premium liquors, sparkling water, and gourmet snacks—all included. If I wanted something else in my minibar, I could simply call and ask.
The terrace is the largest of any multi-level resort I’ve stayed at
The private terrace is enormous and featured a plunge pool big enough for two. While I almost never use these because I find them to be too small and somewhat of a gimmick, I’m sure some of my readers would enjoy it.
Regardless, I very much appreciated the large terrace where I could drink my morning coffee and watch the sun rise over the waves; one of my favorite things to do.
You can hear the waves lap the ocean both day and night
View from the large terrace overlooking the ocean
One final note about the room was that all rooms in the Grand Class section are truly oceanfront. I’ve stayed at several other resorts that claim you’re getting an oceanfront room but have a giant section of vegetation or a big beach between you and the ocean, making it hard if not impossible to hear the waves.
But from our room, we could hear the waves crashing against the beach, which was especially welcomed. There’s no better way to start a vacation than to open the glass portion of the door and fall asleep listing to the ocean.
I spent a lot of morning time on the terrace drinking my coffee
While we had one of the nicest rooms available and think it was worth the cost ($1,500 per night during the first week of September), it’s worth noting that there are three room classes that cater to all different tastes and budgets.
Oceanfront Luxury & Tranquility
Relaxation comes to life in the Grand Class ambiance. The luxurious oceanfront suites will be the setting for an experience of absolute rest and comfort with terraces and plunge pools, spa-style bathrooms, and amenities with the Grand Velas hallmark.
A Dream Family Getaway
An exceptional family getaway. Each suite in the Ambassador ambiance is designed with spacious spaces and terraces from where you can appreciate the infinity pool that seems to merge with the Caribbean Sea. Choose a suite with a plunge pool to enjoy further the privileged views this ambiance offers.
A Serene Escape in Nature
Surrounded by the extraordinary natural scenery of Riviera Maya, the suites in the Zen Grand ambiance are an elegant refuge of comfort. Find moments of relaxation on your private terrace where time seems to stand still and the sounds of nature accompany your rest.
The Rest of Our Stay
The Service
Because it was the off-season, we enjoyed having the resort almost to ourselves, but unlike others that scale back, this one was fully staffed, and the service lived up to my initial high expectations.
This is where Grand Velas truly shines, as the service here is next-level. Our concierge Guillermo checked in with us multiple times per day, making sure everything was perfect. At the pool, the staff anticipated what I needed before I even asked.
Mudslide and vodka soda
The pool attendants automatically bring a bucket of 4 waters in ice before serving you, and I never had to ask for a second drink; I’d get to the last 1/4 of my drink and I’d see our pool attendant Domingo walking along the pool wall with another round.
At Bistro, Fernando even helped carry food back to our table at breakfast, while the front desk staff made a point to stand whenever guests passed through. Small gestures like these may sound minor, but they create the feeling of being welcomed into someone’s home rather than staying at a resort.
As the owner of this travel platform, I’ve had the privilege of visiting countless resorts. Yet Grand Velas consistently delivered the best service I’ve ever experienced.
The Food
Food is a big reason people book Grand Velas, and it shows from breakfast on. Mornings at Bistro are straightforward. There is a mix of buffet and à la carte, fruit is fresh, eggs come out quickly, and, just like my drinks at the pool, coffee refills showed up without asking.
Breakfast is a nice mix of American Mexican food
Another breakfast selection at Bistro
For dinners I lined up Lucca, Frida, and Cocina de Autor. Lucca is the Italian Mediterranean restaurant. Of course I started with an old fashioned and ordered the chicken parmesan. Strangely, this is on the kid’s menu, but I was undeterred by this and ordered one. Chicken parm is my favorite dish and for whatever reason I find it to be especially delicious on beach trips.
Of course I had to get an Old Fashioned
Lucca makes pasta in-house and keeps a few standbys on the menu, like truffle risotto, braised osso buco with saffron polenta, and a house burrata with heirloom tomatoes. All were delicious, and I was able to try more dishes because my wife and I ordered half portions of things and split them. The food is good, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the pacing is steady.
This pasta dish was amazing
Like everything at Grand Velas, there were some unexpected surprisses like a Limoncello “cocktail of the day cart” and a ball-shaped risotto appetizer that I am now craving as I write this review.
This risotto dish was compliments of the chef; little touches like this were unexpected but elevated the experience
Nice little touch for dessert
My wife loved her mushroom ravioli dish so much that we were tempted to go back a second night in a row. Frida is the contemporary Mexican option. Dishes focus on good ingredients and clear flavors.
Examples include short rib in mole negro, lobster tacos with habanero mayo, and blue corn tamales stuffed with huitlacoche. The tequila list is wide, and staff can point you to something that fits what you ordered.
Just like at Lucca, there’s a “drink of the day” cart brought around, with some type of Mezcal involved. I don’t even like tequila but appreciated this drink.
The guacamole cart was an unexpected surprise
Cocina de Autor is the tasting menu and as the resort’s own Michelin-starred restaurant, requires a reservation. The menu is seasonal and moves through several small courses. Recent examples include foie gras mousse with passion fruit gelée and slow-cooked lamb with black garlic puree.
One of many drink carts to come by during our tasting menu experience
If I had to choose between dinner at a classic dive or a Michelin-starred restaurant, I’d usually pick the dive since I don’t have the palate of a food critic. That said, the food here was excellent, with flavors that were perfectly balanced and impressive enough to win me over.
The portions may look modest, but the meal’s surprisingly filling, so I’d suggest skipping that afternoon snack. While there were 9 courses, I tried to capture all of them below:
If you want to branch out beyond the three that I picked, here is what else is on site:
- Cocina de Autor – The resort’s signature Michelin-starred restaurant, serving avant-garde tasting menus with dishes like foie gras mousse with passion fruit gelée and slow-cooked lamb with black garlic puree.
- Frida – A contemporary take on traditional Mexican cuisine, featuring short rib in mole negro, lobster tacos with habanero mayo, and blue corn tamales stuffed with huitlacoche.
- Piaf – A romantic, French-inspired restaurant with elegant décor and a menu featuring duck confit with truffle mashed potatoes, lobster bisque, and crème brûlée with Madagascar vanilla.
- Sen Lin – Asian fusion cuisine, blending flavors from Thailand, Japan, and China, with specialties like Peking duck pancakes, sake-marinated black cod, and wok-fried beef with lemongrass and Thai basil.
- Lucca – An upscale Italian-Mediterranean eatery known for handmade pasta and fresh seafood, serving truffle risotto, braised osso buco with saffron polenta, and house-made burrata with heirloom tomatoes.
- Chaká – A jungle-surrounded casual restaurant serving healthy, organic dishes, such as grilled mahi-mahi with quinoa salad, coconut ceviche, and avocado toast with poached eggs.
- Azul – An oceanfront buffet offering international cuisine, including Argentinian-style grilled meats, fresh sushi rolls, and traditional Yucatán cochinita pibil.
- Bistro – Exclusive to the adults-only Grand Class section, serving elegant French-Mexican fusion like beef tartare with chipotle aioli, lobster thermidor, and chocolate soufflé with mezcal-infused ganache.
During the day, the casual spots near the Ambassador area cover salads, tacos, and grilled items that work well by the pool.
While I didn’t order room service, the menu is consistent and covers both quick snacks and full meals. By the pool, I always opted to order quick meals, trying the nachos, ceviche, hamburger, and chicken and shrimp tacos.
All were delicious, with my favorite being the nachos. Unlike resorts that use a cheese sauce, these included cheeses with low melt points, making them more delicious and melty.
The Pools
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has three pools, and each one has a totally different vibe; the Grand Class (adults only), Ambassador (family-friendly), and Zen (Jungle). Since we went during the off-season, the Zen room block was closed, so we stuck mainly to the Grand and Ambassador pools.
Grand Class pool, where I spent most of my mornings
Most mornings I started at the Grand Class infinity pool. It’s for adults only and sits right on the ocean, so the vibe stays quiet. Since we visited in the off-season, the pools were quiet all morning and afternoon, so I can’t speak to how crowded these get during peak season. But unlike other resorts, there was plenty of seating and I’m guessing loungers are easy to grab, regardless of the time of year.
One of my favorite spots to relax
I preferred to lounge at the Grand Class pool since the chairs directly face the ocean, and when I got too hot, I simply walked over to the pool and watched the ocean; this is very easy to do since it’s a true infinity pool that’s right on the ocean.
Staff checked on us without hovering, towels were already on chairs, and umbrellas are easy to grab since there’s an umbrella for every two chairs. The water is calm in the morning, the music is low, and it is an easy place to read or just sit and watch the waves. If you want to ease into the day, I suggest starting here.
These pergolas are nice for shade in the late afternoon
By late morning I usually found myself at the Ambassador pool. This is the busy one with the swim-up bar and, as I’ve been told, is more lively in peak season. While this is the family pool, the designers did a good job segmenting it into to sections, separated by a walkway.
You can see the ocean from pretty much every lounger
While there is a zero-entry kids’ pool, it’s tucked in the back to offer what I would consider to be separation for families and adults; a very nice touch here.
The kids’ pool is zero-entry and tucked away to separate families and adults
And, like everywhere else on property, the service was amazing. For better or worse, drinks were never empty and while I was taking a nap as the result of said drinks, my wife told me the pool attendant moved the umbrella as the sun moved in the sky so I wouldn’t get burned. Say what you will, but this is next-level service that you’ll never get at any other resort.
Obligatory mug photo
While it was closed during our visit, the Zen Grand pool is worth mentioning. Tucked into the trees, you trade the ocean view for dappled light and a quieter setup. I was told that this pool is a few degrees cooler in the middle of the day, and it’s much quieter than the others.
Source: Grand Velas
It’s a nice reset if you run warm by the beach or if you just want a calm hour between meals. I was also told that since it’s a golf cart ride away from the Grand and Ambassador and Grand class rooms, chairs are easy to find here, even in the afternoon.
The Beach
Walkway to the beach and Ambassador pool
The beach sits in front of the Ambassador area and stretches wide enough that you don’t feel crowded. Sand is soft, water is usually swimmable, and there are plenty of loungers with umbrellas and shaded cabanas. Drink and snack service comes to your chair, so you can settle in and stay put.
The beach was always well-kept with soft, clean sand
What I loved about the beach is that unlike other resorts, there’s a giant wave break (essentially a series of rocks places alongside one another) that spans most of the resort. This means that the waves crash on the rocks, leaving a big area of calm water in which you can swim.
The beach at sunrise. On the right you can see the wavebreak
Kayaks and paddleboards are available free of charge, and the team is good about letting you know when conditions are right. Like the rest of the Riviera Maya, seaweed can show up depending on the season and currents, but the crew was out early raking and clearing, and they checked the shoreline through the day.
Some days the water is crystal clear, other days you will see patches rolling in. Either way, there is enough space and seating that it’s never a scramble to find a decent spot.
View toward the end of the beach walking toward the Grand Class room block
Some online reviews mentioned a rocky beach, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what they were referencing. I found the sand to be soft, white, and well-raked during our entire stay. Overall, it’s comfortable beach setup with steady service and room to spread out that’s much elevated from the unkempt and crowded beaches I’m used to encountering at all-inclusive resorts.
The Spa
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience the spa since it was closed for renovations during my visit. That was disappointing, as the hydrotherapy circuit is usually one of my favorite ways to unwind, but I also appreciate that the resort keeps everything updated in the off-season.
Source: Grand Velas
Based on what is offered, the spa seems like it’s a must-do experience. The guided hydrotherapy circuit is designed as a sequence that moves you through hot and cold stations in the right order, including a sauna, steam room, sensation showers, ice or cool rooms, and hot and cold plunge pools.
Staff typically guide guests through the process so there’s no confusion about what comes next. The treatment menu also looks strong. Longer services often include access to the hydrotherapy circuit, which makes it easy to arrive early and spend an afternoon there.
Massages cover deep tissue, hot stone, and relaxation options, while scrubs and wraps feature regional ingredients like honey, cocoa, aloe, and herbal compresses. The facial menu is also broad, ranging from simple hydration to more targeted treatments.
Source: Grand Velas
You’ll see deep tissue, hot stone, and relaxation massages, plus wraps and scrubs that use regional ingredients like honey, cocoa, aloe, or herbal compresses. If you’re more into skin care, the facial menu is typically broad, from straightforward cleansing and hydration to more targeted options.
One thing to note is that the resort says men’s and women’s hydrotherapy circuits are done separately, so if you were hoping to experience it with your partner, you’ll need to realign your expectations. That’s not really a drawback, since it lets you fully relax and focus on the experience without distractions, and it also helps keep the flow of the circuit more organized for everyone.
Things to Do
While Grand Velas isn’t a party resort, there’s still plenty to do, including:
- Nightly live music and entertainment
- Cooking classes and tequila tastings
- Kayaking and snorkeling right off the beach
- Cultural experiences like Mayan ceremonies
If you want off-site excursions, the concierge can arrange private tours to Tulum, Xcaret, or cenotes. My concierge checked in several times to offer both on- and off-site activities without being pushy.
Final Thoughts
Even the walkways to the rooms are open and very inviting
Grand Velas Riviera Maya isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive all-inclusive resorts in the area. But as someone who’s visited countless resorts at all price points, I think it’s clear that you get what you pay for. From the unmatched service to the Michelin-star-level dining and luxurious accommodations, this resort is on a completely different level than any other resort I’ve been to.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience with exceptional food, incredible service, and a stunning location, Grand Velas is absolutely worth it. Everything is over the top, including the ambiance, the rooms, the service, and the food. Would I stay here again, even if I had to pay for it? Without a doubt, and I suggest you do the same.
We Liked
Excellent food across multiple restaurants
Attentive service and easy reservations
Luxurious and palatial grounds
We Didn't Like
Pricey compared to other options
Spa was under renovation during my stay
Beach is well-kept but not as expansive as other resorts
Why You Should Upgrade Rooms
If you’re already splurging on Grand Velas, upgrading to a Grand Class suite (or at least Ambassador level) is well worth it. The added space, private plunge pool, and ocean views make a major difference in the overall experience. Plus, Grand Class guests get a more exclusive, adults-only setting, with easy access to the best restaurants. If relaxation and luxury are priorities, the upgrade is a no-brainer.