Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Princess Family Club Bavaro - All Inclusive
Pros
The Kids' Club has its own pool and beach-area pirate ship — the location and equipment are better than many Punta Cana competitors in this price range
Rebels Sports Bar's free arcade machines, pinball, and pool tables give older kids and teens a genuine evening option beyond the theater
Swim-out Junior Suites provide direct pool access from the terrace — children can move between room and water without parental logistics
The internal train gives access to the full Grand Bavaro Princess complex without walking long distances in the heat
Cons
Specialty à la carte restaurant reservations are consistently the most-cited frustration — guests who don't book immediately at check-in often find all slots taken
The beach is a 15-minute walk or short train ride from the Family Club buildings — not the same as having your sunbed outside your room
Complimentary wifi is inconsistent; the premium paid upgrade is effectively necessary if reliable internet matters
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Princess Family Club Bavaro - All Inclusive has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Princess Family Club Bavaro - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Princess Family Club Bavaro - All Inclusive offers more activities.
