Grand Velas. Luxury All Inclusive resort in Riviera Maya. Well, we all have a bit of prejudice when it comes to All Inclusive, but some are good, trust me.
To be honest, I’ve also had a bit of preconception: I’m not big fan of large hotels where you always need to call for buggy to get to the restaurant or the beach, and Grand Velas looked kind of larger than something I can enjoy. Somehow it happened to be comfortable space for me, easy manageable on foot, yet spacious enough to enjoy the privacy.
Resort is composed of three parts. Two of them are by the beach. I was staying at The Ambassador which is family friendly, and even I was by myself, there was not much bothering from families with kids: swimming pools are huge, beach is in abundance, and there is a space for everyone, really.
Yet, if you wish to stay away from kids at all, there is The Grand Class option, adults only. Keep in mind that (as an adult) you can freely use facilities of Grand Class even staying at The Ambassador: swimming pool, restaurants, etc., and these facilities are just steps away.
The beach is good. May be not the best I’ve ever experienced, but swimmable, and well, I’m picky as I’ve been lucky to experience quite many exceptional beaches.
With my love to birds and animals, I enjoyed watching brown pelicans busy with their fishing. They are also good in posing for photos, I should say.
And oh… Iguanas. Are they not spectacular creatures? And so peaceful… I had feeling that this sleeping beauty may act like the one in Jurassic Park movie at some point, but no.
There is a third part of Grand Velas, Zen Grand. It is a short shuttle ride from the beach, family friendly, jungle-immersed. For me as a beach-lover that probably would not be the preferred option, but many would enjoy.
I would say that food and beverage were quite good for All Inclusive indeed. My dinner was at Frida, Mexican a la carte restaurant at The Ambassador, and I should say both food and service were really good (wine was good too). I would skip offering of chapulines (fried grasshoppers), not my type of food to enjoy even visually. But there are many people who enjoy chapulines (no, no, not me).
The dining choices are abundant: French, Italian, Asian, Mexican, fusion international… If I’m limited in time, I prefer local. But if you are staying for longer time, you have choices, and you will not be bored.
All together, very enjoyable experience, happy to recommend.
Feel free to contact me for booking at [email protected]. . Your Virtuoso amenities when you book with me:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (From Zen Grand to Zen Grand Pool / From Ambassador to Ambassador Pool / From Ambassador Pool to Grand Class)
- Complimentary hydrotherapy water journey per person, for up to two guests per room, once during stay. (must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
- $50 USD Spa credit per adult, per night
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
