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
The in-pool DJ booth and Mermaid Pool are genuinely distinctive design elements — few Caribbean all-inclusives have this specific setup
Tandori Indian restaurant is one of the standout specialty restaurants at any Royalton property
The Saona Island excursion departs from Uvero Alto, making it slightly closer than from Bavaro properties
Whale-watching excursions are available January–March from this area — a rare wildlife experience accessible from a Caribbean all-inclusive
The 2021 full renovation means the facilities are in better condition than many older all-inclusives in this region
Cons
Uvero Alto Beach's Atlantic exposure means the ocean is often too rough for comfortable swimming — the beach is scenic but more for sunbathing
Stone surfaces throughout the resort are a real slip hazard when wet — appropriate footwear is necessary, especially around the pool
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.
