Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Mexico, Playa del Carmen

Based on 5734 traveller reviews

90% of travellers recommended this hotel

All Inclusive luxurious resort set on a white sandy beach near Playa del Carmen in Mexico
Fine dining and casual restaurants serving local and international delicacies
The world-class, award-winning spa facility offers traditional and advanced treatments
The resort comprises three exclusive zones: Zen, Grand Class (Adults Only) and Ambassador

Set on the coastline where the Caribbean Sea meets the Yucatan jungle, a few minutes’ walk from Playa del Carmen, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a member of the prestigious 'The Leading Hotels of the World' group, which takes guests beyond all-inclusive and raises the bar for luxurious hospitality in Mexico.

On arrival you will be amazed by the grand entrance that is simply stunning. The whole hotel is very grand in every sense from the moment you arrive, redefining the concept of all inclusive. With beautiful bougainvillea spread throughout the grounds and verdant gardens, it is a tranquil haven away from the everyday.

The hotel is divided into three exclusive zones, each reflecting a unique theme: a regenerating Zen Grand Ambiance in the middle of the jungle, a Grand Class Ambiance adult only for romance seekers, and the family friendly Ambassador. Grand Class and Ambassador enjoy a beachfront location with direct access to the beach, while the Zen Zone is just a few minutes away by shuttle bus.

Choose from a wide range of fine and gourmet cuisine curated by celebrated chefs from all over the world. From decadent French gastronomy to authentic Italian dishes and Asian fusion, the restaurants at Grand Velas Riviera Maya will keep your senses alive throughout your entire stay at the resort. You can make reservations for dinner up to a month in advance before your trip, and Sovereign can help you with this.

Rooms are beautifully decorated with light colours and bright, airy spaces. In the Ambassador and Zen Zones there is the option of connecting rooms for that added space. There is also a number of accessible rooms and there are ramps situated around the hotel.

Other facilities and services include, a Kids and Teens Club, an award-winning holistic spa, a private white sand beach, refreshing pools and 24-hour room service. The quality, warmth and passion come across in every aspect of this hotel offering a different style of luxury.

Facilities

Bars & Restaurants

Piaf

Situated in the Grand Class zone of the resort, Piaf is a French fine dining restaurant named in honour of Edith Piaf.

Open: 18:00- 23:00

The dress code is Smart Casual.

Bistro

This diner boasts a beachfront setting and serves exclusive French brasserie style dishes, as well as Riviera Maya specialities.

Open: 07:00- 15:00

The dress code is Casual.

Azul

Azul is situated in the Ambassador section of the resort and offers all day dining options with spectacular ocean views.

Open: 07:00 - 17:00

The dress code is Casual.

Lucca

Featuring the best of Italian cuisine, Lucca’s Chef offers guests a selection of seafood, meat and pasta dishes.

Open: 18:00 - 23:00

The dress code is Casual.

Frida

Offering a unique Mexican culinary experience with a modern twist, Frida is located in the Ambassador section of the resort and is perfect for families with children.

Open: 18:00 - 23:00

The dress code is Casual.

Sen Lin

Sen Lin is an Asian fine dining restaurant, where Chef Jhonatan de Jesus Oy Pech takes guests on a culinary journey through Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. It is located in the Zen zone.

Open: 18:00 – 23:00

The dress code is Smart Casual.

Chaká

Chaka is a casual, open-air restaurant situated in the middle of a gorgeous tropical jungle. Its menu boasts a variety of healthy, organic international dishes.

Open: For breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The dress code is Casual.

Bars & Snack Bars

Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a range of bars and snack bars, where guests can enjoy the best cocktails, beer and wine selections in different ambiances and settings.

Cocina de Autor

The resort’s signature diner has a menu designed by Chef Nahum Velasco. Guests can enjoy an exceptional Mexican and Caribbean menu showcasing the best classic dishes.

Open: 18:00 – 21:45

The dress code is Smart Casual.

Beach & Pools

Swimming Pools

Each of the three zones in the resort has its own expansive freeform infinity pool with plenty of space for sunbathing. Some suites also come with a private whirlpool.

Beach

Mexico’s glorious white sands are located right in front of the hotel. Here you’ll find complimentary sun loungers, as well as a whole range of water sports.

For Families

Kids' Club

The Grand Velas Kids' Club is open throughout the day and offers a wide range of activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, movies, and board games.

Ages: 4 - 12 years

Open: 09:00 – 23:00

Teen's Club

The Teen’s Club features a chill lounge equipped with the latest video games, a karaoke zone, disco floor, teen bar, and sound system.

Ages: 13-18 years

Open: 11:00 - 00:00

Baby Concierge Service

Guests travelling with babies can pre-order a range of baby equipment to use during their stay, such as cots, pushchairs, highchairs, rattles, bottles, and bottle sterilisers, through the hotel's Baby Concierge.

Spa & Wellness

Spa

The wonderful Grand Velas SE Spa is bordered by a jungle and comprises 42 treatment rooms offering refreshing and relaxing treatment options. There are also 8 unique water experiences so you can feel truly pampered.

Life Fitness Centre

The hotel’s Life Fitness Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art machines, including cross trainers, treadmills and bikes, along with a weight training station. It also offers a variety of fitness classes for the resort’s guests.

Activities & Entertainment

Outdoor and Indoor Activities

Guests of Grand Velas Riviera Maya can enjoy a range of activities offered by the resort such as yoga classes and bike tours.

Watersports

Take to the crystal clear waters in front of the hotel with a variety of water sports, including snorkelling and sailing. Scuba diving trips can also be arranged.

About the location

The Riviera Maya is a famous touristic district south of Cancun, in Mexico. It is well known for the variety of all inclusive luxurious resorts and an ancient tourism base of charming boutique hotels and fine dining outlets. Attractively presented along the famous Fed 307 Highway, the hotels and restaurants feature spectacular views over the white sandy beaches that meet the Caribbean Ocean.

The Riviera Maya’s beautiful eco-parks offer a wide range of thrilling day activities such as river tubing, snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing, horse riding and zip lining. For nightlife lovers, Playa del Carmen’s stylish paved boulevards are lined with hundreds of world class bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Transfer time

Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a 35-minute drive from Cancun Airport.

Zen Grand Nature View

Max 2 adults, 2 children

Zen Grand Suites are located in the jungle approximately 1km (2 minutes) from the beach (a shuttle bus is available). They feature 1 king size or 2 queen size beds, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, safe, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar, iron & ironing board, seating area with sofa, bathroom with whirlpool bath, rain shower, L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers and a balcony or terrace overlooking the verdant jungle vegetation.

Facilities

Room Service

Ironing facilities

Minibar

Bath

Air conditioning

WiFi

Pillow Menu

Separate shower

Grand-Velas-2023-Zen-Grand-Nature-View-001-117854-Hybris

Zen Grand Pool Suite Nature View

Max 2 adults, 2 children

Zen Grand Pool Suites are located in the jungle approximately 1km (2 minutes) from the beach (a shuttle bus is available). They feature 1 king size or 2 queen size beds, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, safe, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar, iron & ironing board, seating area with sofa, bathroom with whirlpool bath, rain shower, L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers and a terrace overlooking the Mayan jungle vegetation. These suites feature a private plunge pool on their terrace.

Facilities

Room Service

Ironing facilities

Minibar

Bath

Air conditioning

WiFi

Pillow Menu

Separate shower

Grand-Velas-2023-Ambassador-Suite-002-117854-Hybris

Ambassador Two Bedroom Family Suite Ocean View

Max 6 adults or 4 adults, 4 children and 2 infants

Ideal for families, the Ambassador Two Bedroom Family Suite features two interconnecting rooms, one with a king-sized bed and the other with two queen sized beds. Both rooms have an ensuite as well as private outdoor areas. These suites also offer a Baby Concierge and child friendly amenities.

220m²

Facilities

Grand-Velas-2023-Ambassador-Suite-001-117854-Hybris

Ambassador Suite Ocean View

Max 3 adults, 1 child

Ambassador Suites are located around the main infinity pool. They feature 1 king size or 2 queen size beds, air conditioning, walk-in wardrobe, cable TV, telephone, safe, coffee machine, minibar, iron & ironing board, seating area with sofa, bathroom with whirlpool bath, rain shower, L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers and a balcony or terrace with ocean views.

Facilities

Room Service

Ironing facilities

Minibar

Bath

Air conditioning

WiFi

Pillow Menu

Separate shower

Grand-Velas-2023-Ambassador-Suite-003-117854-Hybris

Ambassador Pool Ocean Front

Max 3 adults , 1 child

Ambassador Pool Suites feature their own private pools on the terrace. They feature 1 king size or 2 queen size beds, air conditioning, walk-in wardrobe, cable TV, telephone, safe, coffee machine, minibar, iron & ironing board, seating area with sofa, bathroom with whirlpool bath, rain shower, L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers, and spectacular ocean views.

Facilities

Room Service

Ironing facilities

Minibar

Bath

Air conditioning

WiFi

Pillow Menu

Separate shower

Grand-Velas-2023-Grand-Class-003-117854-Hybris

Grand Class Oceanfront

Max 3 adults

Grand Class Suites feature a king size bed, air conditioning, walk-in wardrobe, cable TV, telephone, safe, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar, iron & ironing board, seating area with sofa, bathroom with whirlpool bath, rain shower, L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes & slippers and a balcony or terrace with a private plunge pool and oceanfront views. Children under 16 years are not allowed in the Grand Class section of the resort.

Facilities

Room Service

Ironing facilities

Minibar

Bath

Air conditioning

WiFi

Pillow Menu

Separate shower

Based on 5734 traveller reviews

90% of travellers recommended this hotel

Travellers Ratings

Excellent

4930

Very Good

517

Average

164

Poor

Terrible

What to expect

Sleep Quality

Location

Rooms

Service

Value

Cleanliness

Reviews

“

Amazing stay at Zen

Melissa B,

Nov 16 2024

Zen Pool is quiet and beautiful. Gabriel at the pool is beyond attentive, pleasant and helpful. Our concierge Santos Has been on point each day and Cucina De Autor was absolutely fantastic! Highly...

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“

Return trip

Kimb35, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Nov 16 2024

I am currently at grand velas for the 6 th visit. We are staying at zen building and I can honestly say my trip has been made more enjoyable because of the pool waiter Gabriel. He has honestly been...

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“

Great Time at Gran Velas

Mark J, Calgary, Canada

Nov 13 2024

Our experience at Gran Velas overall was excelent. I will preface it to the fact it was low season and quite quiet at the hotel. The service was immaculate. Very conscientious in all aspects. First impressions checking into the Grand Class was a little underwhelming. No great views or grandiose lobby. Check in was a little regimented but effecient. On arrival to our room we had deficient air conditioning - a neccessity at 35 Degrees and 90% humidity. They moved us to a new room with little inconvenience. The food was excellant. Make sure you book all your restaurant reservations well in advance of your trip or you will be eating at 8:30 to 9:00 PM. Again the retaurants were fantastic - all of them. Because it was off season there was never a problem with chairs around the pools or beach. It may be different during high volume times. Coming from other all Inclusives tipping was a little confusing but after figuring it out it was a better set up. At the end of each meal/pool service/bar service you are presented with a zero balance bill with a place to leave a tip. No more tipping every drink at the bar. A nice touch. We had some excellant service from Daniel and Donata at the Grand Class adult pool. Bringing our favourite drinks before we even sat down and ensuring we were comfortable all day. This is definately not the typical all inclusive. The food and dining options were similar to an exclusive restaurant. The pools and service were not the usual line up and load up. Just refined and peaceful. Really comfortable and elegent. We spent most of our time at the adult pool in the Grand Class so it may be a little more lively in the larger pool at the Ambassador. The Zen pool is described as a jungle like setting. It is but it is also quite small and tranquil relative to the Ambassodor pool. The beach was okay - not spectacular. Great fine Caribean white sand. No waves if you like to play. Great for little ones. A little rocky in places to go out in. No snorkelling to speak of. Most of that is off of Cozumel - a ferry away from Play Del Carmen. To preserve the beach they have erected large concrete strips out in the ocean (all the nearby reorts have done this in this area). Unsightly but probably a necessity to preserve the beach. The workout facility was adequate. Mostly treadmills with the odd elliptical and one spin bike. Strength training with machines and dumbells. No real free weights. There is the odd aroma that floats down the resort from the north. Its variable and occasionally strong. Not sure but suspect and heard its sewage from Playa Del Carmen. No fault of the resort but it is a little putrid and offputting at times depending on the breeze. Overall as shown would highly recommend the Gran Velas as a high end all inclusive resort. Loved our time there.

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Facilities

Bars & Restaurants

Piaf

Bistro

Azul

Lucca

Frida

Sen Lin

Chaká

Bars & Snack Bars

Cocina de Autor

Beach & Pools

Swimming Pools

Beach

For Families

Kids' Club

Teen's Club

Baby Concierge Service

Spa & Wellness

Spa

Life Fitness Centre

Activities & Entertainment

Outdoor and Indoor Activities

Watersports

About the location

Transfer time

Zen Grand Nature View

Facilities

Zen Grand Pool Suite Nature View

Facilities

Ambassador Two Bedroom Family Suite Ocean View

Facilities

Ambassador Suite Ocean View

Facilities

Ambassador Pool Ocean Front

Facilities

Grand Class Oceanfront

Facilities

What our guests think