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 Royal Curaçao
Pros
The Dos Awa two-level infinity pool is architecturally distinctive — a Sandals brand first that's genuinely different from the standard resort pool format
Butler-level guests staying 7+ nights get a complimentary MINI Cooper convertible for island exploration — one of the most useful resort perks in the Sandals portfolio
Curaçao has excellent diving conditions — clear water, wall dives, and healthy reefs that rank among the top Caribbean dive destinations
The beachside food truck format (three trucks) is a Sandals brand first — casual dining in an outdoor format that works well in the Caribbean climate
The property opened in 2022 from a full renovation — facilities are current and modern compared to older Sandals properties
Cons
The resort is 26–45 minutes from Willemstad and sits on an isolated estate — guests who want easy access to local restaurants, culture, and shopping will find it inconvenient
The beach directly in front of the main pool has a rocky coastline — it's not swimmable from that section; guests need to know which beach areas are sandy
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Curaçao has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Curaçao has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Curaçao offers more activities.
