Some might say luxury is an overused term these days, especially when it comes to travel. What makes one resort more luxurious than the other? The pillows? Activities and amenities? Services? Luxury is a feeling… a feeling you get from a place, or from an experience. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World®, captures that feeling of luxury in many ways. The word “residences” describes the destination perfectly as the resort provides all the luxuries of a well appointed home but with all the perks of a resort.

It starts with the staff to guest ratio: there are 400 employees tending to guests in the resort’s 144 suites. From bowls of fresh fruit delivered to guest rooms each morning and poolside servers delivering cold towels and sunscreen to in-suite spa treatments, the level of service is exceptional.

Your destiny with luxury begins with a driver and private car service that whisks you from the airport to Grand Residences. The resort sits at the end of a long private road that is perfectly secluded, yet accessible to the quaint fishing village of Puerto Morelos. The architecture is reminiscent of Mexican haciendas with stark white buildings bordered with dark, rustic wood. The resort’s lobby is as welcoming as the cocktail is that is served on arrival.

The resort’s spacious and luxurious suites are designed for everything from romantic getaways to multi-generational family travel experiences. The junior, 1-, 2-, and 3- bedroom suites range from 635 square feet to 3,025 square feet. The penthouse suites can accommodate up to 13 guests, so your options are endless in terms of accommodations and budget. Large patios and balconies offer much more than an ocean view as they are outfitted with private plunge pools and outdoor Jacuzzis. The suites are beautifully appointed with elegant furniture, full kitchens and a washer and dryer. Fresh flowers are just an added and gracious touch.

Living areas are spacious and offer a place to gather with friends and family, and Murphy beds provide additional sleeping options without intruding on space. Nothing is more important for a good night’s rest on vacation than high quality linens and a selection of pillows that fit your level of comfort. Often, it’s the smallest touches that capture that feeling of luxury. From the padded hangers in the his and her closets to the full size bath sheets, Grand Residences has thought of everything, and truly pamper their guests. 

Luxury Amenities that Pamper Guests: Leave those TSA-approved toiletries at home and treat yourself to the resort’s Bvlgari® products. You will appreciate that the mini bar features premium liquor brands, including a complimentary bottle of Mezcal and healthy snacks like dried fruit and nuts. There is even a complimentary bottle of bug spray for those late night strolls on the beach.

Personalized and Intuitive Service: You will know you are somewhere special simply by the attention of the staff. With roughly one staff member per guest, your every need is tended to. It’s almost intuitive. When lounging poolside on a hot day, a pool server will arrive with iced Evian facial spray bottles, chilled towels and cold fruit skewers. Kids are treated to frozen lollipops. The resort’s spa is small and intimate with treatments designed for the ultimate relaxation. For our favorite overall experience, choose one of the in-room spa baths and let the spa staff draw a bath with your choice of milk, vanilla or sea crystals. After your bath, opt for an in-room massage. Being a small, service-oriented resort does have its advantages when it comes to personalizing every experience.

Elevated, Authentic Mexican Cuisine: With a new chef on board, resort dining is at its finest. Chef Rafael Borbolla plays on his experience throughout Mexico to deliver cuisine that elevates local ingredients. The resort’s signature restaurant, El Faro Grill, serves seafood and steaks with a Mediterranean influence. Flor de Canela serves authentic, upscale Mexican cuisine and seafood in a festive setting. You cannot beat the fresh ceviche at the beach bar. Twice a week, themed dinners turn into a pool party with festive lights, music and exceptional food. Room service is a fine dining experience whether you dine in your room or oceanfront on your balcony. Be sure to sign up for Chef’s weekly cooking class where guests learn to make one of the resort’s classic dishes.

When it comes to hospitality, luxury is often not about the tangible items, but it is about the feeling and the overall experience. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun has taken care of every detail to ensure that this feeling of luxury comes through in every aspect of the resort, while seemingly effortless by each member of the staff.