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
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
Pros
Free-flow access to Secrets St. James effectively doubles the restaurant and pool options — a meaningful benefit on week-long stays when single-property dining rotation gets repetitive.
Jerk chicken and beef patty carts circulating the pool and beach are one of the more enjoyable included food features at any Secrets property.
The Blue Mountain restaurant delivering genuine Jamaican-Caribbean cuisine sets this property apart from generic Caribbean all-inclusives where the local food culture is an afterthought.
The beach is over a half-mile long with calm, shallow bay water — genuinely good swimming conditions.
Cons
Pool chair availability at the main freeform pool requires early morning arrival during peak season — cabinet rentals (for Preferred Club excluded) carry extra charges.
Vacation club sales pitches are flagged in multiple reviews as persistent — know how to decline politely in advance.
Some room elements show age despite the 2019 renovation — guests have flagged HVAC performance and minor wear-and-tear issues on room fixtures.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay has more dining venues, while Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay offers more activities.
