Memorial Day weekend officially marks the beginning of Summer for most watchlifestylers and watch collectors in the U.S., this time we are once again featuring the luxurious Grand Velas Resort in Riviera Maya, which happens to be one of our favorite destinations in that part of the world. Riviera Maya is a tourism paradise located in the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This secluded beach destination only 25 miles south of Cancun and 5 miles away from Playa del Carmen is a paradisiac oasis where luxury, fine dining and relaxation are the common denominators. Pack your Vilebrequin trunks and your watches and get ready to experience service at its finest.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya opened in 2008 as the first and only luxurious all-inclusive resort in the area. This place is unlike any other 'all-inclusive' resort. Grand Velas gives new meaning and sense to the over utilized and devalued 'all-inclusive' label. This exclusive resort features five chef-inspired 'haute cuisine' restaurants and one buffet restaurant that can compete with any Michelin rated restaurant in the world. The best part, is that the dinner restaurants have a strict dress code where shorts, t-shirts, sneakers or sandals are not allowed. Treat yourself to a great Mexican dinner at 'Frida', get transported to the molecular gastronomy of the Basque country with 'Cocina de Autor', Experience the best French cuisine at 'Piaf' or just enjoy a worry free evening with superb Asian fusion cuisine at 'Sen Lin'.
Additionally, Grand Velas features a world-class spa like no other in the region located next to the Zen class pool. If you are brave enough, get a foot fish treatment with the famous Garra rufa fish a.k.a. the doctor fish. The serenity at this pool will help you continue to relax after that long spa retreat and will make you feel wholesome again after you start sipping that Negroni mixed to perfection by their bartenders. If you feel like heading to the beach instead, treat yourself to some 'ceviches' or 'pulpo al ajillo' —octopus with garlic, red guajillo peppers and olive oil— while laying on your comfy lounge chair. If you happen to have a sweet tooth, they'll even bring some desserts beach side.
Grand Velas offers superb service, a tranquil beach without crowds and upscale guests from all over the world. If you are looking for a resort where the world and Mexican elite hang out, then this is the place. The best part, is that watch collectors can wear their timepieces with confidence and under the most secure and safe environment. You'll recognize the real watchlifestylers from the rest by their swimwear choice. If you feel like doing some underwater photography, there's a small reef only 10 minutes away via kayak. This time instead, we decided to enjoy breakfast on the terrace and do some underwater pool photography; however, the reef is definitely well worth it. For those of you that thought that you couldn't enjoy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Safari underwater, these pictures will convince you otherwise.
During this wonderful retreat, our faithful watch companions were the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Safari ref. 26170ST.OO.D091CR.01 reviewed here and the Omega Seamaster 600M Planet Ocean XL ref. 2200.51 reviewed here.
In the afternoons, be prepared to take some nice beach walks along their super long beachfront, enjoy a good Cuban cigar with a scotch and call it a day. Until next time Grand Velas.
For more info on Grand Velas click here.
