By, Sharron Livingston
1 min read
BySharron Livingston, Sharron Livingston
Wide, creamy, sandy shores sandwiched between the blue of the sunlit Caribbean Sea and the lush mangroves of Mexico's Riviera Maya makes for a colourful eyeful worth seeing. And you can see it in luxury at the three-in-one Grand Velas resort.
The complex comprises the Zen Grand, a hotel that emerges from the jungle, the family friendly Ambassador section and the exclusive, adults-only Grand Class section, which have prime positions around a shapely infinity pool the size of a lake and the wide, long beaches.
Entry is via tall, white, orange-lit walls along a lengthy driveway passing water features to a vast open marble reception. I was handed a drink and a towel to refresh while someone sorted out check-in. Soon, I was shuttled to my suite at the sprawling Zen resort via a wooden, open-sided aerial walkway that cut through jungle vegetation. It takes time to orient onself in this vast place and I got lost several times in the course of a few days, blessing the concierge who popped up on cue.
It's no exaggeration to say rooms are huge, with large spa baths, and ample balcony space with lush views of the richest chlorophyll green. It's serene too, save for the soundtrack of delicate birdsong and the general hum of nature's music.
The Zen pool, long and dotted with cabanas and sunbeds, is surrounded by palms and comes complete with its own poolside waiter.
But I wanted some beach-side frolics and for that I had to take the free shuttle to the other part of the resort, where a luxurious beach-side restaurant and on-the-beach cabanas beckoned.
Other restaurants included Frida, which serves Mexican fare, and the five-star Best of France restaurant offering the most artistic dishes that are almost a shame to eat. The chef uses trompe l'oeil to tease - for instance, a cube of watermelon is made to look like raw tuna.
Though there's no beach at Zen, there is a sensational spa that features a "journey of hydrotherapy" - a series of water-based experiences crowned with a body wrap and massage.
Night life could include a cheesy karaoke for the kids, but otherwise there are bars and dancing too. Incidentally, the facilities throughout the three zones are open to everyone and there is always a shuttle nearby.
Rates: From £256pp per night all-inclusive based on two sharing. rivieramaya.grandvelas.com