Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Playa del Carmen
Vibe
Three distinct ambiances stretch across coastal jungle and white sand, connecting mangrove trails, oceanfront pools, and open-air cocktail lounges.
“Coastal jungle playground”
Personal concierges attend to expansive oceanview suites appointed with indoor whirlpool tubs and private plunge pools.
An eight-step Water Journey hydrotherapy circuit anchors ancestral Mayan healing rituals, eucalyptus steam, clay rooms, and cold plunges.
Three sprawling jungle and oceanfront ambiances offer multi-tiered pools, beachside cabanas, teen lounges, and Michelin-starred dining.
Across two hundred acres of jungle and mangroves, ten minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
“Amid a vast forest of mangroves on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, Grand Velas Riviera Maya sits on 86 acres… and is thoroughly modern resort with a contemporary-tropical style.”
Rooms
Expansive suites feature travertine floors, indoor whirlpool tubs, and private terraces, with plunge pools in the oceanfront Grand Class section.
“At this "modern, beautifully designed beachfront all-inclusive," the light-blue and turquoise exterior reflects the waterfront setting, while the curved architecture mimics the waves.”
Wellness
The holistic spa centers on an eight-step hydrotherapy journey with eucalyptus steam, clay and ice rooms, and waterfall sensation pools.
“The AAA Five-Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya features 491 spacious suites boasting sweeping views of the shimmering Caribbean Sea or lush jungle vegetation.”
Eat & drink
Dine on avant-garde tasting menus at Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor, or sip evening cocktails at the rooftop Sky Bar overlooking the sea.
The neighborhood
Preserved Mayan jungle and natural cenotes frame the property, located on the Caribbean coast ten minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.