Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort

Operating from 2006 to late 2014 as two resorts, the now combined Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya is massive. The two individual resorts were large in their own right and are now treated as a single property, giving guests double the fun, food, and space. The resort still operates both lobby areas, alleviating some of the congestion during the check-in and check-out rushes, while two large main pools are similar in design, but can have different vibes. The center of the resort is the large main buffet Tulum, flanked by the hotel's two large lobbies. Inside each high-ceilinged lobby is a lobby bar, lounge area, shops, and collection of tour operators. Also centrally located are the six a la carte restaurants and hip coffee bar, followed by the U-shaped relaxation pool and, finally, the beach. Originally dubbed Mayan Beach, the right side of the property holds a large buffet/steakhouse, main pool with pool bar, lazy river, yoga studio, and coral rock coast. The left side of the property has the kids' club, a main pool with pool bar, beach activities, sandy beach, rock-lain ruin, spa, and Dolphin Discovery. 

The combined resort property is so large that shuttle stops are set up along the interior roads. There are also placards denoting some of the wildlife that can be seen scampering across the roads, or swinging from the trees. Otherwise, the place is crawling with jovial guests who seem to be happy to be social or keep to themselves; families and couples, young and old. Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya is about as dead-on as you can get to a quintessential all-inclusive. 

Grand Sirenis is clearly (and boldly) marked from the north side of Highway 307. It's about an hour and change south of Cancun Airport, 30 minutes south of  Playa del Carmen, and 20 minutes north of the beachside ruins of Tulum -- all directly off main Highway 307. Popular adventure parks like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor, are all located off the main highway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Because of the resort's secluded off-highway location, there's nothing within walking distance. (Luckily, the resort's features leave little want for anything outside the gates.) The resort itself is on 550 acres of Mexican jungle, complete with wildlife, that hugs a rocky and picturesque coastline.

The Grand Sirenis' 948 rooms are split between two sections: Mayan Beach and Riviera Maya, on the south and north side of the resort, respectively. The spacious and mostly bright Junior Suites have an funky aesthetic with modern mid-century decor in reddish woods, creams, and browns. The large bathroom area has a big jetted tub, hydro-shower usually found in spas, and travertine floors, while the roomy sleeping area has a big bed, flat-screen, and geometric furniture. The sitting area has a (very) partial dividing wall, round table, couch, and desk nook that has a tendency to be poorly lit in some spaces. The minibar, coffeemaker, and ice bucket are hidden inside a cupboard outside the bathrooms. 

All units have outdoor space with seating, although the view changes drastically depending on what level and side of the property you are on. Upgrading to a Club Level room gets you more space, another TV, extra comforts like premium liquor, a computer area with high-speed Internet, a dining area, and iPod dock -- just in the next tier up. Upgrading to a Platinum Presidential Suite gets you a massive apartment-style unit with separate bedroom, living and dining room, and game console, and in the two-bedroom unit, a terrace with Bali beds, sauna, and a plunge pool.

Anyone expecting a long, sweeping beach at their doorstep may be a bit let down at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya. For a spot with nearly 1,000 rooms, the beach area is small, although deep. However, the sand is equipped with row after row after row of blue and white loungers, a good spotting of rustling palpa huts, and gorgeous views of the rocky coral coastline. While there’s not much space to swim due to the jagged rocks, the north side of the beach has boulders big enough to climb onto, and you can even make a short trek out to the bona fide (if small) Mayan ruin built into the rocks. Beach-goers take note: You’ll be sharing your sunny spaces with hordes of peckish birds and strong gusts of wind.

With two large and lively main pools, each with its own large swim-up pool bar, bubbling hot tub areas, and group activities; a seemingly endless lazy river; shady hairpin-shaped relaxing pool with adjacent health bars; and shallow fountain-style kids' pool located in the kids' club, Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya has the needs of just about every type of sunbather covered. Loungers are sturdy and plentiful (except at the kids' pool), although inner tubes for the lazy river can be on short supply when there are a lot of floaters. Unfortunately, the hot tubs are a bit of a letdown when you realize they aren’t heated (common for resorts in the area). 

At the heart of the property a massive main dual buffet restaurant with indoor, outdoor, and adult-only seating is open for all meals. Nearby, in a strip mall-like section off the relaxing pool, lies part of the hotel’s collection of eight a la carte restaurants, including a Brazilian steakhouse, Japanese sushi and hibachi restaurant, Hollywood-themed Italian spot, and cute and funky coffee shop -- to name a few. Reservations are required at the a la carte spots as is resort casual dress. For the more casual diner, a few snack bars, ice cream parlor, and other eateries are scattered throughout the property and around the main pool areas. Note that the large daytime snack bars in the main pool areas turn into a la carte spots at night. 

You will never go thirsty at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya. Whether you crave coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, or a beachside beer or daiquiri, with 13 spots to whet your whistle, you’ll hardly have to walk far to get it. There’s a snazzy bar located in each lobby, a large swim-up bar at each of the main pools, drinks at the beachside Yalku snack bar, the actual beach bar, a bar in the theater, health bars by the relaxing pool, an early morning coffee shop, and the late-night AK Disco.

Based on elements like earth, fire, and water, Riviera Maya’s nearly 10,000-square foot spa is not only one of the best in the area, but one of the most impressive we’ve seen. While only the slightly hot, multi-room gym -- complete with exercise room, cardio machines, and weights -- is included in your stay, you can take a few runs through the multifaceted hydrotherapy circuit (full of bubbling jets, massaging waterfalls, and different temperature pools) for a fraction of the price of floating massages or hydro treatments. There’s even a beauty salon and health bar inside to get you looking and feeling your best.

The combining of the two resorts gives Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya a breadth of activities and entertainment, and there's something to do within easy walking distance at all times. During the day, guests can participate in pool and beach activities like dance lessons and competitive games, play beachside games of volleyball or bocce, try their hand at archery or tennis in the sports area (due for an update), or find zen in a yoga class. There’s also an on-site (but independently operated) Dolphin Discovery where you can ride, watch, and swim with dolphins. At night, the theater has live shows, the lobby bars stay open late, and the AK disco club thumps until the early morning hours.

A unique feature of the resort are the animal-filled garden grounds. While most resorts in the area have raccoons, coati, and capybara scampering around the premises, Grand Sirenis also offers rare sightings of spider monkeys and a few different birds. There’s a dedicated eco-garden area busting with native plants, herbs, and statues depicting Mayan history and folklore. A stroll through the garden will take about 20 minutes and the best way to visit is on one of the hotel’s guided bike tours. 

Unfortunately, there are fees for Wi-Fi and use of the spa facilities (outside of the gym area), and you're only guaranteed a certain number of reservations at the a la carte spots dependent on your length of stay.