Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a 5-star luxury all-inclusive resort in Mexico with the motto, “Beyond all inclusive, beyond all compare”. MY kind of place! I’ve become quite obsessed with Mexico lately. It’s a short flight from Atlanta and you can be laying on the beach within three hours of takeoff. Mexico is a great fit for any type of traveler – honeymoons, weekend getaways, girls trips, family trips, couples trips, spring breaks. It’s rare to find a destination that has such a distinct offering for any travel desire. There are so many gorgeous properties in Mexico, but I want to tell you about this 5-star gem, Grand Velas.

The Rooms and Areas of the Resort

There are three classes of accommodations at Grand Velas – Zen Class, Ambassador Class and Grand Class. The purpose of Zen Class is all in the name. It’s in a separate section of the resort and each room has a jungle or lagoon view. It’s a zen retreat in the midst of foliage and quiet. The Spa is located in the Zen area, as is a pool and multiple restaurants. (More about the spa in a bit, because it’s fantastic). One thing to note about Zen Class is that it is further away from the main resort area. There are restaurants here and the lagoon, but you do have to take a short shuttle to the beach and main resort. You can walk, but it is a sold walking distance. I personally think that Zen is great for a romantic getaway where you really want to escape as a couple in quiet together. 

Ambassador Class is the largest section of the resort, with ocean view rooms and plunge pool rooms. This is perfect for families, as many of the rooms have connecting options. It’s located directly in front of the family pool and is a short stroll to most restaurants and the beach.

Speaking of kids, Grand Velas has a baby concierge service so that all you have to do is pack the baby. Seriously, this service is crazy cool. Grand Velas will provide you with pacifiers, a crib, blankets, a baby bath, toys, bottles and more. It takes any aspect of work out of your family vacation. My favorite detail is the little robes for your little ones!

If you want to take your vacation to the next level, Grand Class is the place to be. These large rooms feature plunge pools, an outdoor daybed, huge bathroom and living area. The adults-only pool, with a swim-up bar and separate beach section, is located in the Grand Class section. Grand Class is truly the way to elevate your getaway. Plus, every guest get’s a chic hat to protect yourself from the hot Mexico sun.

I know when I say all-inclusive that it makes some people cringe and want to sprint in the other direction. But Grand Velas all-inclusive is on a different level. Each restaurant is located in its own environment within the resort and features a uniquely curated menu. The plates are small and the courses are many. It’s almost as if you are eating Michelin starred cuisine. You get the best of all worlds with this elevated all-inclusive experience.

THE SPA. My favorite part of every resort. We all need a little R&R. Grand Velas’ SE Spa was recently voted one of the Top 30’s Best Spa’s in the World by Forbes. As soon as you enter the spa, the accolade is obvious. Before your treatment, you have an option to complete a water ceremony. This 80-minute experience walks you through a sauna, hot shower, steam room, cold shower, mud bath, cold pools and hot pools. It is a really, really cool process! Then you get to head to your massage feeling all relaxed and zen.

Be warned if you ask me about Grand Velas in person because I will talk your ear off about how amazingly, incredibly wonderful it was! Ready to go? Let’s make it happen!