Riviera Maya is known as Mexico’s all-inclusive zone, with more than a dozen resorts on one stretch of road alone. It offers proximity to Tulum while also having a reputation as a more laid-back region than Cancun. The area has a few luxury properties, but on a recent trip, I discovered one that blew my socks off.

It had everything I would need but also encouraged me to explore much of the region. Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one resort I will be returning to soon, and here are a few reasons why:

Summer All Year Long

This might not be specific to the resort alone, but one great “amenity” is the weather. Peak seasons are in the New Year (January through April), and even the off-peak seasons are fun to visit because you get warmer weather just with a little bit of rain. The hotel also faces stunning Grand Class Beach, and with this type of weather, it is ideal for camping out for a day on the sand.

I took advantage while here and had a few Cadillac Margaritas while stretching out on a beach chair that dug into the white sand beach facing the Caribbean Sea.

An Ideal Wedding Destination

When I first checked into the hotel, I noticed a few wedding groups setting up camp and thought it might have been that time of year. I arrived right in the middle of the peak season, and the weather was almost on the magical side. Throughout my trip (and thanks to the ocean view I had in my room), I could see where the weddings took place. They were all on the resort’s property but facing the beach directly during what we North Americans call “golden hour.”

This showed me that if I ever got married, it would have to be someplace like this, not only because the beach was there but because it was so calm, and it almost felt like you were on a private beach. There were some onlookers, of course, but they didn’t interrupt the proceedings, and my friend and I shed a few tears while watching a stranger’s wedding.

Attainable Luxury

The hotel caters to more than one type of guest, and that’s what makes it dynamic. It has packages that range from romantic getaways to wellness and family adventures. It also maintains a level of luxury that makes any guest comfortable. Everything from the rooms to the pool areas is pristine, and it’s easy to forget there’s a world outside the hotel.

There are eight restaurants ranging from Mexican to Italian cuisines, and each is perfect for a date night or a casual outing with friends. There are three different types of suites—each with its own perks—with the biggest being the Grand Class Suites, which come in different variations, but all have a plunge pool on the terrace.

Everything is Included

This is a luxury all-inclusive resort, so it goes without saying everything is included. That’s not always the case at some properties, and here guests can enjoy different packages for things like solo traveling or holidays, but mostly everything is standard, and guest are free to dine at any of the eight restaurants. There are a few different premium bars on the property, but my favorite is the karaoke room.

Realistic Romanticism

One unique feature of this property is that you can come here with a friend or lover and that won’t change how much fun you have. The hotel is set up so all types of guests can come here and have a good time and not feel awkward or out of place. It carries a little bit of everything for everyone, and the amenities ensure that there are good vibes all around.

Even though I saw a few weddings here, I didn’t feel awkward about visiting the hotel with a close friend. We appreciated what was happening but didn’t think it made our stay uncomfortable. We could do things like a tequila-tasting and guacamole-making class without the pressure of feeling lonely because we didn’t have our significant partners around. We also laid out by the pool more than once, and that was pure relaxation because we both came from busy cities, and having the time to unwind and just relax was desperately needed.

If I haven’t convinced you why Grand Velas Riviera Maya should be your next favorite all-season, all-inclusive resort, then make plans to visit the next time you’re in the area. It’s on a beautiful beach and boasts some of the best amenities in the area. There are also tons of drinks, pools, and hammocks if you want to zen out.

This is what makes the resort unique in my mind. It caters to everyone’s sensibilities, and there are only so many places out there that can do that.

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