With a Aaa Overall Beach Resort Rating, this Grand Velas property just north of Playa del Carmen is one of the best beach resorts in Mexico and among the very best on the Riviera Maya. It has an adults-only section and two other sections that welcome children, so it caters well to both couples and families. Rates can be quite high and on-site land and water sports options are somewhat limited for a property of this caliber; but the resort boasts an impeccable stretch of stunning white-sand beach, one of the best spas in Mexico, excellent all-inclusive restaurants with top-notch cuisine variety, six very upscale bars (including one swim-up), superior kids and teens clubs with plenty of activities (for ages 4-12 and 13-18, respectively), a babysitting service, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The impressive accommodations come with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, jacuzzi tubs, and over 1,100 square feet of space. The three sections (Zen, Ambassador, and Grand Class) are fairly distinct: the quiet Zen section houses the spa and is much farther from the beach, the luxurious Grand Class section is adults-only and has private plunge pools in all rooms, and the Ambassador section is home to the resort’s largest swimming pool and is best for families. Downtown Playa del Carmen is a short taxi ride away, but the resort is surrounded by tropical jungle, giving it a very secluded feel (especially in the Zen section). Activities include sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, yoga classes, Zumba classes, and Pilates classes, among others.
On-site COVID-19 antigen tests are available on a complimentary basis for guests returning to the United States (minimum three-night stay required). Results are sent via email within 24 hours. In the event of a positive test, the resort will provide a 75% discount for an extended stay until recovery.