This is part of the All-Inclusive Resort Winners Review series.
Audio ONLY Podcast playlist here:
This is the first time a guest has brought props to a live with me. I LOVED IT. Tami Santini, offered candor on the “well dones” and “needs work” on this property. For the luxury appreciating, discerning travelers this is a resort to consider!
Tami is available for both travel professionals to run questions by and is also accepting new clients. Tamisantini.com
Format:
M: Where are we going today?
T: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
M: When were you last on property?
T: The first week in December 2020.
M: What can you tell us about travel requirements headed into the country?
T: A covid test is not required to enter Mexico.
M: So, you visited during the time of Covid… what was it like arriving on the Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: They had temperature screening as well as they checked our oxygen levels. They gave us fresh towels to clean our hands and even wiped down our passports and credit cards before putting them on a tray to give back to us.
M: Who is the best guest for Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: Discerning travelers looking for an elevated experience. Adults, families, groups.
M: What about accessibility? Is this a flat type property?
T: The property is flat. Since the Zen Ambience was closed, I was not able to walk back there to get a better feel for walking distance. I know there are golf carts available if needed.
M: How about tipping? What is appropriate on this resort?
T: Yes, tipping was appropriate and expected since it is a high level of service.
M: Is there a loyalty club, timeshare or similar sales pitches on property?
T: We were not approached about a membership and I am unaware of any program they offer to guests.
M: Did you get to experience the spa at Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: The spa was not opened, so they were offering services on the beach or in your suite.
M: Is there butler service available?
T: There is a personal concierge and the concierge was very attentive. All the staff was willing to go the extra mile. One time we wanted a fresh coconut because we saw other guests with some, and the bell man was on the hunt to help us. They ended up delivering them to our room because they couldn’t find us. Then, when we left, the bellman had two waiting for us for our drive.
M: Are there water sport options available at Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: Yes, they have non-motorized water sports like Hobie Cats, Kayaks, stand up paddle boards
M: How would you describe this beach at Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: The beach is beautiful with plenty of space to spread out. It is a lovely long stretch of beach, ideal for talking walks.
M: Is golfing an option on this Grand Velas Rivera Maya? Is it included?
T: One round of golf is included at nearby courses.
M: Everyone loves a swim up bar. Does Grand Velas Rivera Maya have them?
T: Yes. The pools here are fantastic and they have great swim up bars.
M: Please share your favorite meal at Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: My favorite dinner was at Piaf. This is their French restaurant where the sommelier will serve you wine that pairs with each course of the meal. For breakfast, their French toast was phenomenal
M: How are they handling testing at Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: Didn’t have to deal with this at my time of travel. They are offering on site exit testing.
M: What else am I missing about Grand Velas Rivera Maya?
T: Since the other ambiences were closed during our stay, the resort put all the guests in the adult only Grand Class section of the property.
For anyone who wants a lavish suite with a large balcony so that they can have space to enjoy but they’re possibly concerned about being around others, it is ideal.
The teen club and kids club were in operation. My husband and I wanted to stay in the teens club, and not just because it was stocked with Reeses and Pringles
We have to be better at preparing our clients and setting their expectation. The restaurants weren’t all opened, the spa wasn’t opened, the Zen Ambience that I really wanted to experience was not opened. We had the menus of the different restaurants at the main restaurant, which was nice, but dining in the Mexican restaurant or the Asian restaurant would have been a better overall experience.
There is beach and pool concierge, so we didn’t have to leave our chair if we didn’t want to. Many times we were the only one by the pool and on the beach.
Room service was served in suite.
Check in – passports and cc wiped down, temp screening, oxygen level tested and cloths to wipe down our hands.
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