First opened in 2008, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya is located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula amid more than eighty acres of Yucatán jungle, mangroves, and natural freshwater wells, or cenotes. Over 1,000 feet of beautiful white sand beaches line the turquoise Caribbean waters, complementing the exotic beauty of this premier destination. This luxury resort offers world class hospitality with a unique Mexican flair and is the only family-friendly all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Riviera to have a 5-Diamond rating by AAA for four years running. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a veritable paradise by the sea.
Luxury Accommodations
The entire resort is divided into three luxurious sections, each uniquely designed with different types of accommodations:
- The Zen Grand Section
This family-friendly section is located about a quarter mile from the beach surrounded by the beauty of the Mayan jungle and features elegantly appointed suites with over 1000 square feet of space with a Jacuzzi tub and private balcony. - The Ambassador Section
The Ambassador Section is another of our family-friendly areas of the resort and includes suites with over 1,200 square feet of space and either one King or two Queen beds, large bathroom with interior Jacuzzi tub, an amazing ocean-view terrace, sitting area, and walk-in closet. There is also the option of a private plunge pool with some of the suites. - The Grand Class Section
Designed for optimal privacy and relaxation, this exclusive section features ocean-front suites with spacious lounge area with sofa in over 1,300square feet of space. Each suite has a private terrace with plunge pools, bath areas with space for massage tables, and an interior Jacuzzi. This section is reserved for adults with floors 2 and 3 allowing minor guests 12 years and older who are sharing the suite with their parents.
All-Inclusive Amenities
You will enjoy gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at our nine wonderful restaurants, domestic and international premium brand liquor at lobby and aqua bars, and 24-hour in-suite dining. Other all-inclusive extravagances include minibars in suites including snacks, 24-hour concierge/butler service, poolside and beach waiter service, daily sports and activities programs, fitness/exercise programs, non-motorized water sports, and teen and kids clubs. Additionally, all taxes and tips are included.
World Class Restaurants
The Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort offers a unique culinary tour with eight venues including the AAA, 5-diamond awarded restaurant, Cocina de Autor. This restaurant of creative cuisine has also been the winner of several other awards; most notably the “Best Hotel Restaurant” at the Gourmet Awards by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Two other Grand Velas Riviera Maya restaurants, Piaf (French) and Frida (Mexican) received Four Diamonds by the AAA. The other world-classes restaurants at Grand Velas Riviera Maya are Sen Lin (Asian), Lucca (Italian-Mediterranean), Azul (International), Bistro (French), and Chaká (International).
Award-winning Spa
Virtuoso named the Grand Velas Riviera Maya as the "Best Spa in the World" in 2010, and it’s no wonder. Spanning over 85,000 square feet amongst the lush, exotic terrain of the Mayan jungle, this world renowned spa offers a full menu of services including hydrotherapy, hot stone massages, body wraps and more in its 40 beautifully appointed spa suites.
Sites to See and Things to Do
Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen offer visitors a multitude of truly unique sites and attractions. Ancient Mayan history is rich within this part of the Mexican Caribbean with historical wonders, such as the ruins of Cobá, Tulum, and Uxmal. The world famous Mayan site of Chichen Itza is only a day trip away. In addition to exploring the native Mayan culture, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and geological marvels of Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor and Rio Secreto.
A short ride from Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the heart of Playa del Carmen where you can browse through shops containing original Mexican artwork, locally-crafted jewelry, native handicrafts, and beach accessories. Additional shopping venues in the nearby vacation hotspot of Cancun include the Kukulkan Shopping Plaza, Flamingo Plaza, Plaza la Isla, and Plaza Caracol with plenty of duty-free shops, exclusive boutiques, and jewelry stores to satisfy the most seasoned shopper.
After a long day in the sun or pounding the shopping pavement, relax and have a tropical cocktail at one of Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s bars. Up for something more? Take a quick trip into Playa del Carmen to Pure, a local club featuring Latin music, or venture to Cancun and sample its famous nightlife with a visit to some of best clubs in the area, such as Coco Bongo, The City, and Mandala.