Barbi Partlow, Luxury Vacation Advisor in Covington’s downtown James Center office, recently traveled to Cancun and Riviera Maya as a reward for being a top agent with the tour operator Pleasant Holidays. Even when on vacation, Barbi is always looking out for what’s best for the travelers who entrust their vacation planning to her. She shares her findings with Travel Maestro and calls ‘em like she sees ‘em. In Part 1 of her tale of two resorts, she shares her perceptions of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which is a luxury resort 5 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, Mexico and a 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

Grand Velas – Gourmet Luxury in Riviera Maya

The Grand Velas is an experience. A wonderful one. Although it is a very large property where you need to shuttle around (and those are nice air conditioned Mercedes shuttle vans), it was not an issue to go from one part of the hotel to another.

The Grand Class section is adults only, which my husband and I prefer. With 90 oversized 1,300 square foot suites, we were swallowed up in marble tile. A large screen TV is situated as a sort of divider between the sleeping and living areas, and the cabinet underneath the TV houses the stocked minibar. This all-inclusive hotel offers premium spirits, beer and wine, and palatable snacks. The sleeping area has a king bed or two doubles and the other side of the room is a large sofa/seating area.

The room also has Nespresso coffee machine, CD player and other upgraded features. Outside on your patio or balcony, there are a small table and chairs, lounger chair, and a plunge pool.

Palatial bathrooms feature oversized jetted tubs and walk-in rain shower, plus vanity with double sinks. Barbi’s Tip: The L’Occitane bath products in Verbena are a lovely scent, but maybe not for everyone! The closet is walk-in with ample storage.

Public areas are again, palatial and frankly, a bit “sterile” in the Grand Class. A visit to Ambassador section for families was more lively. The Zen Jungle section is for families also; it houses the spa complex and meeting space, as well.

While I’m thinking of it…let me say that the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Spa is a destination itself! I experienced the Mayan Grand Velas Massage, an 80 minute ritual that has me wanting to go back. The full hydrotherapy circuit is great, so don’t skimp, give yourself plenty of time. For this particular massage, the skilled therapist uses lemons (limes, really!) to massage you, and also there is stretching with sarongs…you will get a bit of a stretching workout if not very flexible. But it was GREAT. I won’t reveal all of the secrets of this excellent massage choice…suffice it to say, IT’S WORTH IT! Barbi’s tip: You can lounge in the spa complex for the whole day complimentary when you take a spa service, or it’s well worth the cost to buy a day pass.

Food outlets are all gourmet. This ain’t your typical Mexican food! We visited Frida for “Fine Mexican Cuisine”, where every plate is a work of art and culinary creations are offered with interesting ingredients. We had breakfast at Bistro daily, with wonderful fresh offerings and service with class. Because we were with a group for the first part of this trip, we unfortunately were unable to sample the other restaurants, but did partake of a banquet dinner at the conference facility, and it was equally appealing. Barbi’s tip: For molecular gourmet cuisine, visit signature restaurant Cocina de Autor, the only Five Diamond Restaurant in the world within an all-inclusive luxury hotel.

The beach area was a reasonably wide stretch of sand, with comfortable loungers and towel attendant. The sand is soft and pretty. For travelers used to upscale luxury and quiet, the Grand Class at Grand Velas works…but if you crave more a lively adult atmosphere, it’s best to discuss other options with your knowledgeable Travel Advisor.

Be sure to return to see what Barbi has to say about the Hyatt Ziva Cancun. Meanwhile, contact any of Covington’s professional vacation advisors for reservations and information.