Grand Velas Riviera Maya

The Grand Velas in Playa del Carmen did not disappoint. We were there for 6 nights and everything was perfection. Our personal concierge Jorge and Antonio were beyond helpful, always a step ahead of us. They sent us daily activity schedules and reminders of our reservations. Luz our server at the Zen pool was AMAZING. She was so friendly and attentive. Day after day she greeted us warmly and took care of our family. Do yourself a favor and book a spa treatment with a water ceremony. It was such an impressive spa with the best service I’ve ever had. Overall our family loved our entire stay and we can’t wait to return next year.

Our stay was from March 23-28, 2026 at the Zen garden suites. Pros: Peaceful and quiet stay at Zen gardens resort - not crowded and quiet. The rooms are large but dated. Family friendly - very family focused, child care is available, lots of activities for kids. Zen pool - the Ambassador pool is crowded and hard to find a spot after 9 am. Zen pool was a beautiful setting and kids could still have fun without being over crowded. Cons: Constantly felt hounded for tips. I’ve never felt like this before at an all inclusive. We stayed at Palamia (5 star hotel) last year (2025) and were not presented a check after each bar or restaurant trip and still left tips. They wouldn’t let you get up and leave without being presented a tab. Which was often wrong and not anything we ordered. Food and drinks - good but I’m surprised so many are impressed. We ate at Cocina de Autor - again it was good, but not like other Michelin restaurants we’ve had. I got a stomach bug during our visit after eating at Sen Lin (3/25/26) and likely have to be tested for E. coli poisoning if it doesn’t clear up. The drinks were super light in alcohol. I usually feel tipsy after a drink and I could drink three margaritas easily without feeling a buzz - which look, I get it as most people drink all day. I was only looking for just one strong drink. This is the biggest bummer - the beach!! Which is why we come to Mexico. It’s covered - and I mean covered in seaweed. Cleaning is impossible because there is so much. We only went to the beach one day and immediately turned around and stayed at the pool because the smell and inability to swim. Also, the rock structure and sand bags make it look a million times worse.

Our trip to Grand Velas was one of, if not the best, resort experiences we have had. The resort was incredibly clean, the attention to detail was impeccable, the food was delectable, and in general the service was prompt and professional. Above all, our concierge, Braulio Lopez, made this experience for us as smooth as could be. He was quick to answer our questions, and provided details of resort events and our personal registrations daily. Every day he always greeted us with a smile and conversation that made us feel seen and heard. His professionalism and kindness truly sealed the deal for us and our experience. It wouldn’t have been the same without him and we are truly grateful. We cannot recommend this resort and it’s staff enough. We hope to return to GV in the future!

The resort and staff were excellent. It was a very rejouvenating experience. Our Concierge, Iza, was a particular highlight, always there when needed without being intrusive. Highly recommend for those wanting to decompress, experience excellent food, and enjoy themselves.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya was an incredibly relaxing experience for my wife and me. All the food, at the coffee shop, the restaurants, room service, or at the beach, was delicious and artistically presented. Our concierge Braulio and the rest of the staff provided the best service I’ve ever experienced. Thank you for a memorable respite!