Mexico’s Exquisite Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Google Hotel Rating: 5-star Hotel

Recent Awards: 2023 Travelers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ recipient, 5 Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, 2022-2023 “Most Spawesome Experience” by Cheap Caribbean travel agency

Physical Address: Riviera Maya, Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62 Playa Del Carmen, 77710 Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico


Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Photo Credit: Jeremy Long / Full Metal Traveler

The Riviera Maya is a beautiful stretch of coastline on the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico that lures millions of visitors each year to its shores in pursuit of the perfect vacation. The white sand beaches are lined with palm trees that dance in the breeze, while the crystal clear waters’ waves carry worries far from troubled minds. 

In addition to the beautiful beaches, the Riviera Maya also has a rich history and culture. There are a multitude of Mayan ruins to explore, such as Chichen Itza, one of the new Wonders of the World, and nearby Tulum, which we visited in early 2023

It’s also a playground for those looking for all-inclusive fun and an elevated travel experience. While hotspots such as Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Cozumel keep the parties jumping throughout the night, this area is home to numerous resort options hidden behind iron gates and giant walls to keep curious onlookers at bay.

Where are you? 

Along this gorgeous blend of sand and steel, you’ll find the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort, which sits just minutes away from the steady beat of pulse-pounding music of Playa del Carmen.  

A bit about the property 

This particularly stunning bit of Heaven is one of six (soon to be seven) luxury properties owned and operated by Velas Resorts around Mexico. It offers a lot of the all-inclusive standards that you might expect: meals at some incredible fine dining restaurants, tasty drinks from cocktail bars littered across the property, in-room dining into the late night hours, a daily stocked mini-bar with tons of included options, pool-side waiter and concierge services, wellness activities, plus water sports and entertainment.

In addition to its suites and palatial oceanfront villas, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a plethora of meeting and event spaces as well as stop-in-your-tracks wedding venues.

What makes it an elevated experience?

What sets the Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort apart from other all-inclusive resorts are the three unique experiences you can choose from on this one property: the Grand Class, the Ambassador Experience, and the Zen Grand Experience. 

The Grand Class is where you can soak up stunning sunsets on your terrace before stepping into a private plunge pool where you can have a floating tray of curated culinary and beverage selections delivered to you so you don’t ever have to leave the bliss you’ve discovered for yourself. 

You get three amazing restaurants to choose from, plus a world-class spa that will help melt away any remaining stresses. 

The Ambassador Experience is a reimagined family vacation option that puts you close to the kids and teen zones on the property. You still have all the amenities to choose from, like optional plunge pools, jacuzzis, and fitness center access, plus open seating areas with enough space for the entire group. 

The Zen Grand Experience allows your family to surround itself with the ease and tranquility of the lush Mayan jungle from your private terrace as you enjoy a Nespresso while you decide which of the two restaurants you’ll dine at that evening. It has exclusive access to a private pool area and a beautiful Koi pond. 

Why is Grand Velas Riviera Maya perfect for couples?

When people utter the words “all-inclusive,” this is what they dream about. Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a near-perfect resort for couples who truly want to spend time on themselves and on each other.

The spa treatments beg you to leave your troubles at the door. The gourmet foods invite you to sit and try something new (or fall back in love with an old favorite). If you want excitement, the playfulness of the sand and surf or the nearby cities have it. The Yucatan Peninsula is a rich hotbed of culture and heritage if you want something more.

Even if you and your partner decide that the best way to experience the area is by never leaving your suite.

At the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, that could be just what you both need.

Jeremy Long is a writer and content creator based in Las Vegas. The Full Metal Traveler can be found on many travel websites including FullMetalTraveler.com, Matador Network, Hilton, Wanderlust, The Travel, and more. He is the host of a weekly radio program called Unscaled on KSHP 107.1FM / 1400AM in Las Vegas, where he discusses all things travel. He is also the author of several published books including the ‘Ghost Snare’ paranormal humor series.