Luxury and the Grand Velas Riviera Maya are interchangeable terms.

It is often said that the most overused word in the travel business is luxury. Hoteliers often claim that they offer the highest level of luxury. Sometimes even a 3-star resort in Cuba will use the word luxury in their hotel description since there no benchmark for the definition.

This is where my role as a travel advisor becomes so important. I have the experience and ability to compare the resort offerings and help YOU decide on the best resort for YOU, not what the hotels want you to believe.

For those who follow my blog, you know that I have stayed at many resorts in my travels. While travelling I have experienced luxury and I have experienced the “claim “of luxury. It wasn’t until my most recent visit to the Grand Velas Riviera Maya that I experienced a truly All-Inclusive Resort. A resort that offered the same service, food, and amenities as the world’s most luxurious resorts like Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.

The Zen Pool

I find it so difficult to even put into words all the little details that made this resort so fabulous. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya offered many of the amenities that you would expect from any great resort including good food, friendly service, and top-shelf alcohol, etc. But the Grand Velas Riviera May took all of those features a step further, made all the little details more spectacular, made us feels so extra special.

Details like…the mini-bar. Some resorts that boast that they are luxurious offer a mini bar in the room which includes some drinks and maybe a few snacks. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a full snack bar stocked with treats, including chocolate bars, chips, and pretzels – you know the type that high-end hotels carry and charge you $8 for? All this is included.

We are lounging by the pool and we had forgotten our sunscreen. With a simple glance in our butler’s direction, he found us the correct SPF and brought it to our lounge chair. There was no need to get off our chair and drag ourselves to the gift shop to purchase an overpriced bottle. When we offered to return it after our use, we were told to keep it.

How about when it was mid-morning and our tummies were beginning to grumble, and it wasn’t even lunchtime yet? Before we knew it, the beach butler is back at our cabana with a tray of goodies for us to pick from. All included.

The ultimate luxury that we experienced during our visit was the 10-course tasting menu expertly paired with wine. This fabulous experience at Cocina De Autor superseded those experiences where I paid over $150 per person at the poshest of restaurants in NYC and Paris. And once again, it was included! No additional upcharge, no wine fee…nothing! All part of the all-inclusive luxurious experience.

The list goes on with all the details that were not overlooked, including the:

  • air-conditioned vans that whisked us around the property (no golf carts or trolleys)
  • the step stool that was placed at our feet as we exited the van
  • welcome fruit infused tea upon arrival
  • over-sized beach towels that were replaced with fresh ones when we weren’t looking
  • genuine smiles and warmth of all the staff
  • perfectly curated meals that not only looked phenomenal but tasted divine.

This experience is one that I hope to repeat with my family. I know my kids will love the amazing kid’s clubs! The whole family will love the great food, the big pools, and expansive beach. We will all fall in love with spacious rooms, and most likely be most impressed with the mini-bar. It’s the little things that added together that make this resort truly luxurious!

If Riviera Maya is on your travel wish list this is a fabulous property however if you wish to travel to Riviera Nayarit or Los Cabos, you will find their sister properties waiting to spoil you as well.

When booking this resort with me, I can offer you additional perks* including;

  • complimentary direct airport transfer
  • USD 50 Spa Credit per adult
  • a welcome bottle of Mezcal
  • early check-in/late check-out plus upgrade upon check-in (based on availability).

For assistance with your future vacation plans, schedule an appointment to chat with us HERE.

For photos of my trip, click here to find my gallery.

Happy Travels!

*Resort perks change seasonally. Check with Power Travel for the updates. This post is not sponsored. Photographs are from the Velas Resorts website.