Goldilocks And The Riviera Maya

I returned from the Riviera Maya feeling as if I lived a fairy tale. It wasn’t the postcard perfect beaches, scrumptious cocktails or rich Mayan culture that induced my feeling of fiction come to life. It was the three marvelous, yet completely different hotels that had me wondering if I would encounter a girl with golden curls running from three opinionated bears. Among The Viceroy, Grand Velas or Belmond Maroma, one will be “just right” for whatever you are looking for in the Riviera Maya.

I flew into Cancun International and took a 40 minute ride to the adults only Viceroy Riviera Maya.  The resort is conducive to romance and relaxation. Every “room” is a stand alone bungalow, traditional in décor, with a private plunge pool and in some cases an outdoor shower. The resort is not all inclusive but full breakfast is offered as a special amenity when you book through Avenue Two Travel. The covered cabanas lining the beach are perfect for nuzzling close and watching the blue waters. With no children and impeccable service, the Viceroy is perfect for couples looking for an indulgent, secluded, intimate retreat.

My next stop was the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Boasting 500 rooms, this resort was the complete opposite of the intimate Viceroy. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya is perfect for families. It is an all-inclusive with 8 restaurants (some of which are AAA Diamond rated). There are multiple pools including an adult only option and tons of activities available including teens and kids clubs.
They even have a “Baby Concierge” for those travelling with wee little ones. The rooms are all large and modern and some even have small plunge pools on their decks. Grand Velas knows how to keep everyone in the family happy and is excellent at maintaining a high standard of service while doing it. The hotel has high energy and an ambience that makes for a great family vacation.

My final stay was at Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa which welcomes families and only has about 60 rooms. There are two restaurants and two bars and while not all-inclusive, a meal plan option is available. The warm and welcoming room decor felt more representative of Mexico than the other two properties. There is a kids club available and the atmosphere is serene but not so intimate that children are out of place. The Belmond is definitely a hybrid of the first two resorts, small and boutique-y like the Viceroy, but a place where families can be together and have fun like Grand Velas.

Depending on the type of Goldilocks you are, any one of these three resorts can be just right for you. Do you like small and intimate, adults only, or large and active? It is my pleasure to help navigate the options and give you more insider scoops once we decide on the perfect fit!