A Journey to the Heart of Paradise
There are places in the world that beckon to the soul, calling out with a siren’s song that promises not just an escape, but a deep, transformative experience. Magical Riviera Maya, where ancient Mayan ruins whisper tales of the past, and the crystal-clear waters of hidden cenotes invite you to dive deep into nature’s wonders.
A slice of paradise that stretches along the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Here, where the sun kisses the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, and the ancient Mayan ruins stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era, wanderlust is not just a feeling but a journey into the heart of something magical.
Imagine starting your day with the whisper of the Caribbean breeze in your ear, as you walk along powder-soft white sand that feels like silk beneath your feet. The turquoise waters lap gently at the shore, inviting you to dive in and explore the vibrant coral reefs that lie just below the surface. But the Riviera Maya is more than just a beach destination. It is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to reconnect with the earth, with history, and with yourself. The ancient Mayan traditions tell stories of a civilization that was as advanced as it was mysterious, you can almost hear the echoes of the past—whispers carried on the wind that speak of rituals, gods, and a deep connection to the cosmos.
There are few places on Earth where the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the luxury of modern comfort converge so seamlessly as they do at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, this AAA Five Diamond resort is not just a destination—it’s a journey into the heart of paradise.
At Grand Velas, luxury is redefined through experiences that touch both the body and the soul. Imagine waking up in your private villa, where the plunge pool stretches out towards the horizon, blurring the line between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the sky. The scent of the ocean mingles with the intoxicating aromas of the surrounding flora, creating a sensory experience that is as soothing as it is invigorating.
Each detail at Grand Velas is designed with your comfort in mind. Private concierge services are available 24-7 to fulfill your every desire, whether it’s booking a table at the resort’s award-winning restaurants, arranging a day of adventure exploring hidden cenotes, or simply ensuring that your favorite margarita is waiting for you by the pool. This is a place where your every wish is anticipated and met with warmth and genuine care.
A World-Class Spa Experience
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is home to the SE Spa, a sanctuary where ancient Mayan healing traditions are blended with modern wellness techniques to create a transformative experience. The journey begins with the Water Ceremony, a seven-step hydrotherapy ritual designed to cleanse both body and spirit. Guided by a personal spa valet, you’ll move through a series of water-based facilities, including a clay room, an ice room, a steam room, and a central infinity pool with powerful massaging faucets. And every treatment is complemented with special skincare, haircare and water based drinks to enhance your experience.
The spa offers a range of signature treatments that draw upon the rich natural resources of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Organic Kaab Honey Experience, for example, uses honey harvested daily from the resort’s own beehives. This 80-minute treatment begins with a relaxing massage and concludes with a bath infused with elixir from the medicinal Chaka tree, known for its ability to heal the body’s energy. The treatment is completed with a balm made from Mayan vanilla, leaving your skin soft, nourished, and glowing.
For a truly unique experience, the Páak’am Treatment harnesses the soothing and healing properties of the prickly pear cactus, native to Mexico. The treatment begins with a sunflower cactus scrub, followed by a massage using warm nopal pads, which release a rich liquid full of vitamins and antioxidants that soak into the skin. The result is a brightened complexion and a renewed sense of vitality.
I absolutely loved the Comfort Skin Facial—it’s designed to not only rejuvenate but also protect your skin. This luxurious treatment blends powerful repairing ingredients that visibly reduce congestion and redness, while phyto-therapeutic extracts work their magic, soothing and strengthening your skin against inflammation. The facial also restores youthful collagen levels and shields your skin from external aggressors, truly reawakening your natural beauty. I have to mention that the skincare products used were from the amazing Natura Bissé line. After the treatment, I felt completely rejuvenated, and my skin had a radiant glow.
Unparalleled Experiences
At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, every moment is an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. The resort also offers a variety of cultural experiences, including Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing tasting that blend culinary traditions with a modern twist.
Dining at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a journey through the flavors of Mexico and beyond. The resort is home to Cocina de Autor, a restaurant that has been awarded one MICHELIN star in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to Mexico. The multi-course tasting experience with superb wine pairing is designed to enhance the palate, highlighting the diversity of Mexican cuisine and local ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, carefully crafted to tell a story of the land, the people, and the culture.
French dining experience at Piaf, where the art of French cuisine meets the soul of live music in a setting that exudes romance and allure. As you dine beneath the shimmering Swarovski crystal curtains and bask in the glow of designer lighting, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of refined extravagance. Named in tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf and adorned in rich tones of red and black, this exquisite space transports you to the opulent Parisian luxury of the 1940s. Experience the magic, elegance, and timeless charm that only Piaf can offer.
Another favorite, Frida restaurant, nestled within the resort, effortlessly combines modern Mexican flavors with an air of refined elegance. I chose to sit on the bougainvillea-covered terrace, where the gentle sound of the waves and the stunning beach views created a serene atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was when a skilled mixologist approached my table with a tequila trolley, stocked with top-shelf selections. Watching as he meticulously crafted a margarita felt like a personal performance. I opted for a unique coconut version, served in a chilled flute and rimmed with toasted coconut—an unexpected twist that was both refreshing and indulgent. Every detail at Frida, from the innovative cocktails to the elegant ambiance, made the dinner an unforgettable experience.
But the culinary delights at Grand Velas extend far beyond Cocina de Autor and Frida. Grand Velas Riviera Maya has unveiled a new sanctuary, the Meliponario, dedicated to preserving the endangered Maya Melipona Bee. The resort offers an elevated experience of the honey tasting, which is a must-try. The honey, produced by the western honey bee found only in the Yucatan Peninsula, is harvested daily and incorporated into various dishes and spa treatments. The honey tasting, led by the resort’s chef, Chef Nahum Velasco of the hotel’s highly regarded Cocina de Autor restaurant leads guests through the experience with samples of honey from different parts of the country. The honey and cheese are served alongside Velasco’s homemade mead creating a symphony of flavors that are both unique and unforgettable.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the region is evident in its extensive conservation efforts. The ecological tour offers a visit to the mangroves, where guests learn about the resort’s efforts to protect and sustain the ecosystem. The tour also includes a visit to the reforestation jungle area, where over 15,000 trees have been planted to help protect native plants and animals. Guests have the opportunity to visit the resort’s cenotes, natural pools of fresh water that are rich in biodiversity, and learn about their continuous development over hundreds of years.
The Riviera Maya is a destination that inspires wanderlust in its truest form—a longing not just to see the world, but to experience it in all its beauty and complexity.
This is a place where luxury meets authenticity, where every detail is designed to enhance your experience, and where the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the comfort of modern amenities come together to create a journey unlike any other.
As you walk along the white-sand beaches, explore the ancient ruins, or indulge in the resort’s world-class spa and dining experiences, you will feel a sense of wonder and awe that is uniquely Riviera Maya. This is more than just a vacation; it is a journey to the heart of paradise, where the magic of the Grand Velas Riviera Maya awaits.
Pack your bags and set out on an adventure that will awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, paradise is not just a place—it’s a state of mind.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Telephone #: 011 52 984 877 4400
www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
Words by Elena Vasilevsky
