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
Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa
Pros
The Sunset Bluff pool on the cliff edge has one of the most dramatic views of any Caribbean all-inclusive pool — seek it out on the first day
Soy Sushi Bar on the cliff is positioned with bay views that no interior restaurant can match — visit at least once for the setting
The 'Stay at 1, Play at 3' program effectively adds 27 more restaurants and two more beaches to your available options at no extra cost
Post-2025 renovation means the Rondoval Village and updated facilities are in excellent condition
George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is approximately 10 minutes away — one of the shortest airport transfers in St. Lucia
Cons
The 220-acre hillside estate requires shuttle use for guests with mobility limitations — the terrain is genuinely challenging without it
La Toc Beach occasionally experiences larger waves that limit water sports — confirm current conditions with beach staff before booking specific activities
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa offers more activities.
Pool bars can occasionally run low on specific cocktail ingredients during high-occupancy periods
Guests who don't actively use the 'Stay at 1, Play at 3' program may find La Toc's own dining options feel limited for longer stays without shuttling to sister properties
