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Senior Travel Consultant Sophie tells us what it was like to stay at the Grand Velas Hotel, one of the Riviera Maya's most luxurious properties.

As we passed through the towering white wall that marked the entrance of the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Hotel I could feel my stress melt away as though I had walked through a portal into a very relaxing parallel dimension, which happened to be just ten minutes from Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

I could tell straightaway that this luxurious, all-inclusive hotel would live up to its accolade of being one of the Leading Hotels of the World; we were greeted with a refreshing drink and cold towel and were introduced to our personal butler, Roberto. Throughout our stay, Roberto discreetly ensured everything was perfect: he made our restaurant reservations, booked our spa appointments and was always available to answer any questions we had. We didn’t have to worry about a thing - and it was bliss!

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Our suite was a haven within this haven: sumptuously spacious, we had the choice of lounging in the separate living area, on the plush bed (one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in) or on the enormous balcony. With a plunge pool and stunning views over the picture-perfect palm trees, bright pink bougainvillea, white-sand beach and crystal clear ocean, it was truly a special spot.

And so, all we had to do was sit back, relax and watch the sun set over this lavish corner of paradise on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

You can read more about Mexico here, or why not browse our luxury holidays?

Last updated: 30 Jun 2017

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Real Latin american experts

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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