Our family had an extraordinary experience at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. We visited in July with our two boys, aged 2 and 5 at the time. From the accommodations to the cuisine to the service, everything was impeccable.
Arrival and Check-in
Upon landing at Cancun International Airport, we had a swift 25-minute ride to the resort. Once we arrived, our baggage was promptly handled, and a concierge personally escorted us to the lunch buffet at Azul. He explained a few amenities, including setting up the WhatsApp app on our phones for direct communication with our personal concierge during our stay.
Accommodations
The resort comprises three main areas: Grand Class (adults-only), Ambassador (the largest area for families), and Zen Grand (also family-friendly). We stayed in an Ambassador Family Suite on the top floor with a breathtaking view of the pool and ocean. The room was spacious, easily accommodating the four of us.
The rooms were remarkably quiet. Despite being close to outdoor entertainment in the evenings, our balcony provided a peaceful retreat. Our 5-year-old slept on a queen bed, while the resort provided a mini crib for our 2-year-old. Additionally, we brought bed tents to create room division for a restful night's sleep. The SlumberPod proved invaluable for traveling with a baby or toddler.
The mini fridge was stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks, perfect for a family with young children. Complimentary wine and Mezcal were also available. Enjoying a glass of wine on the balcony after the kids went to bed was a delightful indulgence.
The bathroom boasted ample amenities, rendering my overpacked toiletries unnecessary. A word of caution: supervise toddlers during bath time to prevent them from drinking the water!
The closet was impressively spacious, serving as a convenient storage spot for our stroller and beach items, keeping the main room clutter-free.
The resort provides Baby Concierge services. Visit the website to view the list of items available. This will save you from packing some of these baby essentials.
Service
Service at Grand Velas was exemplary. From assisting us in securing pool chairs upon our arrival to providing a bucket of bottled water and ice, we felt thoroughly pampered throughout our stay. A convenient feature was the ability to communicate with our concierge via text through WhatsApp.
Dining
The resort's restaurants were outstanding. Dinner reservations need to be made in advance, so it's beneficial to peruse the menus beforehand. Inform the staff if you're celebrating a special occasion; they went above and beyond to make our son's 6th birthday memorable.
Azul:
The lunch buffet at Azul exceeded expectations. Offering upscale options including pasta, beef, chicken, seafood, and even pizza for the kids, it was a hit with the whole family. The dessert station featured delectable treats, and servers were attentive to drink orders.
Lucca:
We dined at Lucca twice during our stay, enjoying its Italian cuisine. The authentic Italian-style pizzas and exceptional lasagna were favorites with the kids.
Piaf:
We hired a babysitter through the resort to enjoy an adults-only dinner at Piaf, the French-inspired restaurant. The short rib entree was exceptional, and we highly recommend indulging in adults-only dining experiences.
Cocina de Autor:
Our meal at Cocina de Autor was a culinary journey. The 9-course meal was a feast for the senses, with each dish being uniquely delightful. While the portions were small, the experience was unforgettable.
Frida:
As previously mentioned, this was hands down our favorite restaurant. We ordered a second appetizer of the tasty guacamole, and I was in heaven eating the corn ice cream dessert.
Room Service:
Don't overlook room service, especially when traveling with kids. Ordering breakfast every morning made mornings hassle-free. Room service also proved handy for evening meals when we hired a babysitter for our toddler. You can even order bottles of wine to your room to enjoy in the evening after the kids are in bed.
Spa Services
The spa at Grand Velas is luxurious. While I didn't indulge in regular spa treatments, poolside massages are available at a fraction of the cost. The Spa Cabanas offer outdoor massage services, providing a relaxing retreat.
Kids Club
The kids club at Grand Velas is superbly designed, offering fun activities and games throughout the day. My son eagerly attended, often requesting to stay longer. The Summer Camp program, featuring trampolines, rock climbing, and a zip line, was a highlight. With buffet dinner options, it's perfect for an adults-only evening.
Pools
Given the hot and humid weather in July, we spent most of our free time at the pools. The Ambassador Pool, being the largest, was our go-to spot, while the Zen Pool offered a quieter ambiance and attentive service.
For a special treat for the kids, bring them to the swim up bar to order a paleta, which is a fruit ice pop they will be sure to enjoy.
Photography
Grand Velas offers photography services at the resort. Booking a session resulted in stunning beach photos, with no obligation to purchase. We were delighted with the results and recommend scheduling a session for memorable family portraits.
In conclusion, our stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya was exceptional, and we're eager to return. For a luxurious family-friendly resort experience in Mexico, Grand Velas receives our highest recommendation.
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