Grand Oasis Palm

The Grand Oasis Palm is a large all-inclusive
family-oriented resort with an abundance of activities from morning to night; common areas have a generally busy feel. The lobby, spacious and
high-ceilinged, is modern and minimalist in its decor, done up in black and
white color with pops of fuchsia here and there. There are a few Mexican
touches about the lobby, including terracotta planters with cacti and a series
of large, impressive paintings, but otherwise the lobby is nondescript and not
particularly cozy or inviting. The outdoor spaces are more thought out, with a relaxed, tropical feeling. And there’s an abundance
of space in the property’s wide hallways and on the grounds, where peacocks and
other wildlife freely roam among the fountains, lawns, and lily ponds, much to
the enjoyment of younger guests. The beach is activity central, with surf ascalm as a bathtub most of the time. (Surfers may want to look elsewhere for
more wave excitement.) Couples seeking a romantic getaway will
likely find the large percentage of families disruptive, but
parents who want to sneak in some adult time at the bar or spa will be pleased with the array of supervised activities for kids.

The Grand Oasis is located on a wide,
palm-lined boulevard at the north end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, overlooking
placid Nichupte Lagoon. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants within
walking distance of the property, with a running path right out front for
dedicated athletes. The Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano is a 10-minute walk
away, while the the ferry to Isla Mujeres is also nearby for daytrippers.
Cancun International Airport is around a 25-minute drive south. 

Guest units at the Grand Oasis are spotlessly clean and large, with wide expanses of white tile floors and plenty of room to move
around. The style is Mexican-rustic, with wrought iron and knotty wood
furnishings, although some items are showing a bit of wear and tear. Rooms and
suites have a similar decor with minor variations in textiles and layout.
Interesting Mexican-themed paintings hang on walls, and picture windows
offer lagoon or pool views. Not all rooms have balconies, which are narrow and
furnished with plastic lawn furniture. (Guests should request a terrace if they’re
set on having one.) Bathrooms are spacious, with green marble
tiles and counters, shower/tub combos, and free toiletries. Some suites have
fun kids' rooms with specially-themed decor. General amenities also include free
bottled water, flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view movies (although
English-speaking channels are sparse), and laptop safes that require a fee for usage. Walls tend to be thin and noise travels.

The Grand
Oasis features a variety of non-motorized water sports along a private white
sand beach, including kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, although the shallow surf
may not be the most exciting for advanced sports folk. For an extra
charge, guests can Jet Ski, ride a banana boat, or try offshore parasailing. The resort has tennis and basketball courts as well as a soccer
pitch, and there are regular beach volleyball games, both organized and
impromptu. Aerobics, dance classes, yoga, and cooking lessons are also available. Putters are free to use the nine-hole par three golf course at the property’s
sister resort, although equipment rentals cost extra. An on-site fitness center
has a variety of cardio machines and weight equipment along with picture
windows that open onto a jungle landscape.Kin Ha Spa offers a complete treatment and massage menu, including
body wraps and scrubs, beachside body work, and outdoor hottubs and sunbeds set on wooden platforms in the jungle. A sauna and steam room
as well as a beauty salon are also available. The heartbeat of the Grand
Oasis Palm are its beach and pool areas. The Beach Club features a shady palm
grove lined with Balinese sunbeds built from rustic wood, with elegant white
mattresses and bright fuchsia throw pillows for stylish lounging. Both the
beach and pool feature numerous snack and liquor bars, including a swim-up bar.
The pool is large and free-form in style, lined with sun beds and palm trees.
Kids have their own pool, waterslides, playground, and arcade, with a full day
of supervised activities provided. Evening entertainment includes live music, magic, and circus
performances. Though the resort is clearly geared towards relaxation and fun, the
hotel also has a modern business center and several meeting and event
rooms. Wi-Fi does cost extra. 

The Grand Oasis hosts a plethora of themed restaurants, including
the Italian Dos Lunas, a coffee shop, the buffet and rodizio Las
Palmas, and an outdoor sushi bar. A Tequila Lounge has shelf after shelf of
interesting spirits, and a more formal Mexican gourmet dining room, Aires delNorte, is decorated with buffalo skulls, cacti, terracotta pots, hand-painted
pottery, and paintings. Snack bars include a taco stand and a hamburger hut. A
kids’ buffet is also available, serving lunch and dinner while parents try
one of the more upscale eateries. This is an all-inclusive property, but expect to pay extra for bottled wine and liquor.