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
St. James's Club & Villas
Pros
Two entirely different beaches on opposite sides of the peninsula is unusual and practically useful — most all-inclusives offer one beach environment with limited variation.
The 2-bedroom (1,600 sq ft) and 3-bedroom (2,000 sq ft) villa configurations make St. James's Club viable for multi-family bookings in a way hotel-room-only properties aren't.
Complimentary non-motorized water sports including Hobie Cat sailing are genuinely comprehensive — more than most Caribbean all-inclusives include at no extra charge.
Afternoon tea in the garden is a charming and distinctive British colonial touch that guests consistently mention positively.
Cons
Wi-Fi is persistently unreliable — plan for limited connectivity and don't book this property if reliable internet access is a work requirement.
Buffet food quality has temperature and consistency complaints — arrive early in service periods for the best results.
Room maintenance issues (fixtures, hot water, cleanliness in some rooms) appear in a subset of reviews — request a room inspection if something isn't right on arrival.
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 St. James's Club & Villas offers more activities.
