Reviews: Grand Velas Riviera Maya

The ambiance at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya is elegant and bright. As far as the accommodations, the hotel has 491 generously sized rooms in three different buildings (two are family-friendly, one is adult-only) with big windows and an airy, open, tropical aura with Yucatan touches.

You can choose from the stylish and romantic oceanfront Grand Class Suites with plunge pools on their terraces, or the family-friendly, ocean-view Ambassador Suites; and the Zen Grand Suites that are near the conference facilities. All rooms feature dedicated butler service.

Amenities comprise the spa, piano and karaoke bar, free Wi-Fi, complimentary 24-hour gourmet suite service, pool concierge, beach concierge, the LifeFitness Center and fitness classes, the Kids' Club with daily activities program, the state-of-the-art Teens' Club, and recreational activities program for adults and kids.

There are also 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space. For dining, there are eight restaurants instead of the usual buffet. You might encounter a tequila tasting! Their holistic spa was named one of the 30 Most Luxurious Spas in the World by Forbes magazine.

Among the services in these sophisticated environs are butler service and airport transfer. Staff is extremely accommodating, friendly and helpful everywhere you go.

Royal Hideaway Playacar in Play del Carmen is adults-only and all-inclusive. The member of the luxurious Leading Hotels of the World brand is one of the poshest properties in the area.

It features a lovely, small but private beach, gorgeous gardens and Jacuzzis nestled around the property, and a teeming bird life, six pools and a splendid spa. We also love the villa butlers who feel much like personal assistants. The resort has 200 rooms.

All-inclusive rates start at just $300 a night. While this is by no means "cheap," it still gets a "$" rating compared to prices at other properties.

Amenities include six outdoor swimming pools, the lovely little private beach, kayaks for use, a nightclub, a full-service spa, a health club, hidden Jacuzzis and lush gardens with rich bird life.

There’s also a business center, dry cleaning and laundry services, three meeting rooms for events, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. For nibbles, there are six restaurants, and you can also order room service around the clock.

The 200 air-conditioned are furnished in an elegant and airy style and feature private balconies. Amenities en-suite include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, satellite programming, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, jetted bathtubs and designer bath goodies.

Each villa courtyard gets its own "villa butler" who will help with anything from making dinner reservations to booking water sports activities for you.

Where the jungle meets the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Xcaret Mexico calls itself "the most complete leisure experience in Cancun and the Riviera Maya." The cosmopolitan resort, with an eco-integrating design, is all-inclusive, offers sustainable luxury. It features over 50 attractions including an immersive aviary, a one-of-a-kind Coral Reef Aquarium, underground rivers, and a natural white-sand beach.

Pick from garden views, sea views or swim-up suites and patios with Mexican hammocks. Enjoy special events such as the sacred Mayan ceremony and check out the ancient Pole archaeological site. It is landscaped beautifully with rivers and water elements and near the Xcaret and is 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

Rates at the Hotel Xcaret Mexico start at around $740 a night but can go up to around $1,200. The Adults-Only Presidential Suite will set you back about $3,700.

Amenities range from infinity pools, the Muluk Spa & Wellness (which is built into natural caves), tennis and paddle courts, three gyms and an outdoor workout circuit to white sand beaches, rivers, coves and beaches, jungle trails, a ceremonial site and chapel for celebrations to shops, ten restaurants, eight bars and a Kids and family club

As far as withdrawing to your quarters after a full day of fun and sun, there are Suites, Junior Suites, Master Suites, and Swim Up Suites. These suites are spread across buildings called “Casas,” with each one representing a natural element important to Mayan cultures such as Viento (wind), Terra (earth), Aqua (water), Espiral (spirit) and Fuego (fire).

Here are some highlights to give you a taste of what’s in store inside the rooms: rain showers, backpacks for kids, a balcony with Mexican traditional hammocks, 300 thread-count Egyptian cotton bed linen, butler service and even a scale, should you want to weigh yourself after indulging at one of the eight restaurants.

Service here is nothing short of amazing. Also cool: Their ALL-FUN INCLUSIVE® concept means full access to Xcaret parks, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, Xenses, and the Xenotes and Xichen tours, plus food and beverages and free transportation to and between parks and free airport shuttle. Wow.

Are you looking for a Las Vegas-style, all-inclusive and adult-only party scene?

Set between the jungle and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean ocean, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is your winning ticket. This resort belongs to the five-hotel The Grand Collection of Iberostar complex, and guests can use the amenities of all five properties. It’s an opulent place set on lush grounds, featuring 310 rooms, several pools, a full-service spa, sports, golf, parties and more.

Rates here start at circa $380 a night, which is a great deal for such a luxe spot.

The decor is luxurious throughout, from the mosaic marble floors to the artisanal furnishings and beautifully landscaped grounds. Chill at the spa or get a spot of Zen at the serene relaxation pool. The other pools are for splashing and water play.

Enjoy decadent dining and premium liquor. More on the spa: it features a Turkish and Roman baths, thalassotherapy, Mayan Temazcal steam bath along with Jacuzzis, solarium, sauna and more.

You can also partake in yoga, Tai Chi, spinning, dancing lessons, and work out at the fitness center. As far as resting your head after a full day of fun, choose from 310 large and upscale rooms that feature personalized minibars, glass shower stalls, and jetted tubs.

Service is high-end, featuring Champagne upon arrival. There’s also personalized service from butlers who provide in-room check-in, unpacking services, and private transport. Poolside concierge services comprise towels, sunbathing products, and reading materials.