Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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Barceló Maya Grand Resort: The Best Beach at an All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya
Located 12 miles south of Playa del Carmen and 47 miles from the Cancun International Airport, the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort is home to one of the best beaches and beautiful tropical landscapes in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The all-inclusive resort is made up of 6 smaller resorts.
- Barceló Adults Only (New)
- Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe
- Barceló Maya Colonial & Tropical
- Barceló Maya Beach & Caribe
Which Barcelo Maya Resort Is Best?
It depends on your needs. If you want a quieter vacation without children, then you will want to choose adults only. The adults-only section was recently built on the beach and opened at the end of 2019, so it still has that brand-new feel. It features a magnificent infinity pool that you won’t find elsewhere on the property. So this is the part of the resort you will want to book if you want to treat yourself. The Barcelo Maya Palace will give you access to everything in the resort beside the new adults-only section.
The Barcelo Maya Colonial and Tropical are moderate-level pricing and have the same amenities but different lobbies. They are located between the palace and Caribe. Beach and Caribe are located near the adults-only sections, but you will not have access to that part of the resort. I like the swimming pools here because they are next to each other and right on the beach. If you are budget conscious, take a look at these, but know that you cannot use the other amenities in the upgrade locations of the resort. What I like about the resort is the layout for each of these areas. They are beside one another so that you can walk from one end of the resort to the other via the beach or walkway, and it is fairly easy to distinguish between each section.
When you book with a travel agent or online, you will receive airfare, accommodations, food, drinks, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, and activities, all at one low price. The only money you need at the resort is for tips. Reserve your vacation now! book here
The resort’s layout is such that it is a little easier to navigate than many other larger resorts. A complimentary double-decker bus takes guests from one end of the resort to the other, stopping at various points along the way. After dinner, we sometimes rode the bus around the resort for a relaxing ride and to people-watch.
We stayed in the Barcelo Maya Beach and Caribe section the first time we visited this resort and the Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe most recently. When staying at the Palace, you can use all of the facilities in the Palace and the Beach and Caribe, and the Colonial and Tropical. The new Barcelo Adults Only section was being built when we stayed at the Palace, but a sneak peek at the constructions revealed the possibility of a more luxurious and modern resort with the largest infinity pool in Riviera Maya. The new adults-only section is set on the most pristine part of the beach. Our goal is to stay there sometime in the future.
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The Best Beach in Riviera Maya Mexico
Because of the smooth fine sand and clear blue sparkling water teeming with aquamarine life, we have voted this 1.2-mile beach the best at an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya that we have visited so far. You can bring your own snorkeling gear, but even without equipment, you can see the schools of fish and sea turtles while you wade waist-deep in the sea. The best part of the beach to view this amazing array of sea life is to walk directly out into the sea in front of the statue of the jaguar.
Plenty of loungers on the beach with much-needed shade if you need a break from the sun. The new adults-only section is set on the most pristine part of the beach. Drinks are not served on the beach in any of the resorts, which may be one reason it is so clean and well-kept.
Poolside
The pool in the Barcelo Palace section, which is located at the opposite end of the property from the new adults-only section, is enormous. You can enjoy drinks at the swim-up bar or relax in a jacuzzi nestled in the central part of the pool. There is also a natural rock waterfall. With plenty of sun loungers, you can find a spot for sunbathing or with a little shade.
In addition to the large pool, there is a smaller, more private pool in the Palace resort. The entrance to the pool is rather elegant and stately, flanked by lush greenery and statues. Here you have your own bartender and wait staff. Loungers are set around the pool and there are built-in loungers inside the pool to cool off on a hot day. There are special beds that you can reserve around the pool for an extra fee. This pool was relaxing and quiet. There is a lap pool for those who want to stay fit that is used later in the day for other watersports like volleyball.
Easy to Navigate for a Large Resort
For a large resort, the Barcelo has an easy-to-navigate layout. There are lots of trees and statues dotted throughout a path that weaves along the beach for a leisurely stroll. The Palace, which is the luxury area of the resort, has beautiful views of the sea. We especially enjoyed the restaurants for lunch and breakfast that had an open circular area with seating that provided inspirational views. It was a perfect way to start our day or a great place to hang out in the afternoon, have a few drinks, and enjoy the scenery. The a la carte restaurants at the Palace also have magnificent views of the sea.
Other activities that you can use but are not in the Grand resort include the dolphinarium located between the Maya Beach and Maya Caribe, the 18-hole miniature golf, Pirate’s Island Water Park (charge applies) with Surf Rider, 4 lane bowling alley, sports bar, casino, and teen disco located in Maya Caribe. All are located within walking distance, or you can use the complimentary transportation provided by the resort.
Mayan Coffee at the Barcelo
The first time we traveled to Riviera Maya, our waiter asked us if we would like a Mayan coffee after dinner. I didn’t know it then, but the preparation of the Mayan coffee is entertainment in itself as the waiter coats the rim of the glasses with sugar and then pours the alcohol into what looks like metal gravy boats, then lights the alcohol on fire. Once lit, there is a careful pouring of the flaming alcohol from one vessel to another, with one held high and the other low to catch the glowing “elixir.” After a few repetitions, It is added to the coffee and topped with foaming cream…some have used ice cream. Delicioso! Ask your waiter if he offers the Mayan coffee experience. Please don’t forget to tip generously for this service.
Best Coronas Served in Riviera Maya Resorts
We were served the best tasting Coronas in frozen glasses at the bar by the beach and caribe resort lobby. This bar has a more formal feel to it. Usually, there were hors d’oeuvres on a small buffet off to the side to enjoy. Most memorable was the assortment of olives. Both times we visited this resort, we enjoyed listening to a piano player and sipping drinks here.
Water Sports at Barcelo
The water sports include kayaks, paddleboards, and gigantic water tricycles for two. We were fortunate enough the second time we were there to take a tricycle out on the water because the water was practically flat. When the waves are rougher, the trikes are out of commission. You can take a catamaran out at no charge after you schedule a lesson and feel comfortable sailing.
Barcelo Restaurants
The restaurants include Italian, where I had a delicious stuffed eggplant, a French restaurant, where I had salmon, and my husband chateaubriand. Per my request, they served gluten-free bread for me that was tasty. Their Brazilian restaurant was fabulous, with an assortment of skewered meats cooked perfectly and brought to your table to be carved, and the service was excellent. There is a great seafood restaurant, and as always, there is a very good Mexican restaurant too. Make your reservations for dinner when you arrive so that you do not miss out on this fine dining. Save room for dessert! It’s all included.
If casual dining is your style, you can always eat at the buffet in the evening, but during covid, some of the buffets are not available. This is changing daily, so check with the resort for the latest.
Maya Mall at Barcelo Resorts
If you don’t want to have a formal dinner, there is a sports bar in the mall called Strikers. You can watch sports (including American sports) in comfy seats while being served typical game-day foods like chicken wings, nachos, and fries. This place is for you if you want to hang out with a crowd. At night the entertainment in the theater is rather late, and there is very little to do on the property. The Maya Mall has some activities and shops.
Visit the Barcelo U Spa
Purchase a U Spa day pass to use the hydrotherapy facilities, including a sauna, steam, aromatherapy showers, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and more.
The day pass costs $30 US per person or $50 per couple.
Treat yourself to a day of wellness, health, and beauty at the U Spa. Experience a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments. Beauty treatments include hairstyling, braids, makeup, pedicures, manicures, and waxing. The fitness center is open to those 18 years old and older and includes pilates, yoga, spinning, and aerobics classes. Payment for services can be charged to your room or paid with a major credit card.
Ventura Fly & Ride Park
Adventure is only steps away from your room when you visit the Ventura Fly & Ride located in the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. According to the Ventura Fly & Ride Park website, “…Ventura Fly & Ride™ gives you a chance to experience world-class attractions in a fully secure environment, mixing the thrill of the skies and roads, without having to leave your hotel’s grounds. 11 jam-packed attractions grant guests the perfect dose of fun to pair with a perfect day on the beach.”
“Ventura Fly hosts eight unique aerial attractions, where guests can ripple through the air in a seven cable zip-line circuit, be challenged by a ten rope-course circuit, confronted by a bungee swing, and enchanted at the Aquazip. Endure a controlled free-fall from a real airplane’s wing called a Parachute Landing while children make their own adventure through the ©Netland labyrinth. Experience being launched in the world-acclaimed zip coaster ©Tarzania.”
“Ventura Ride offers three types of vehicles to test your driving skills. The all-family Quad Cycles let you venture within a classic circuit crossing two ship containers, Off-Road Polaris side-by-side cars to be tested in a precision track, and a 1,272 ft long challenging Go-Kart track to put the pedal to the metal. Get the fullest out of your vacation, with a nonstop rush of excitement, experiencing these attractions as many times as you like without having to leave the hotel.”
The cost for an adult is $60, and a child under 4 ft. is $35. Check here online for discount prices. https://www.venturaflyandride.com/
Overall, the Barcelo is a wonderful resort with excellent service, accommodations, food, and activities. We would be interested in going back to try the new adults-only section. For those who like to stay up late, there are plenty of activities, including nightly entertainment in the theaters and a nightclub. And If you love the beach, this resort is for you.
Looking for a similar resort? Check out my Iberostar Lindo and Delmar resort video.
Booking Your Travel
When traveling to Riviera Maya, we always book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and will have the added layer of a professional whom you can contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend contacting Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699 or emailing him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, click on the ad below.
Resorts in Mexico are so popular! My family has been and highly recommend them.
This looks like a fantastic property! So much to do and so beautiful. I am so intrigued by the Mayan coffee – definitely want to try that!
I must admit it has been awhile since we last visited an all inclusive. It was a great thing when our kids were younger. But the idea of an adults only all inclusive like Barcelo Maya might tempt me to consider it again. And those long sand beaches on the Riviera Maya would be a draw for sure.
Wow i can see why this was your voted best beach, it is stunning reminds me of a cross between some of the sandy beaches of Goa and Fiji.
I’m going to Playa del Carmen soon, and I would love to use your tips and recommendations. Barcelo Maya Grand Resort looks fabulous! I would love to stay there.
Since I’m rather travelling than vacationing, resorts are not really for me. I love to explore the local culture. However, they are certainly great for people who just want to relax and take it easy. Therefore, the resort you are introducing here sounds like a good place for a brief beach break.
This beach looks so dreamy! The sand looks super soft I could lay on it all day! Thanks for sharing
Mayan coffee looks so interesting!! The resort is great for a relaxing vacation. Loved it.
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