June 19, 2013

Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Grand Velas Riviera Maya; hotel review + restaurant review

U.S. 877-418-2963, Mexico 01-800-831-1165.  491 suites.  All-inclusive.  8 restaurants; 24-hour room service and minibars are included. 

Located on a property encompassing 80 acres of protected mangroves, jungle, and cenotes (natural freshwater wells), this impressive resort features a long white sand beach.  With three separate and self-contained hotel areas, accommodation options are diverse—choose an exotic garden suite, an ocean-view suite, or an oceanfront suite with private plunge pool.    

guest room view at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
guest room view at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico


The main cafeteria restaurant offers a large variety of delicious options, including chilaquiles for breakfast.  The don’t-miss special restaurant is Frida.  Named for Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, this sleek spot offers Mexican fine-dining in a contemporary setting. The menu is upscale and fussy—perhaps a grilled flank fillet with roasted cactus leaves and a chipotle chili pepper stuffed with cheese, or duck tacos with anise and mole poblano.  Frida also offers a margarita menu, and a roving mixologist visits every table with a top-shelf tequila trolley. 

mural at Frida restaurant at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
mural at Frida restaurant at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
in Playa del Carmen, Mexico



More things to do in the Riviera Maya.

More ideas for exploring Canada and Mexico.


images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


No comments:

Post a Comment

Popular Posts