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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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  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

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    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    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.

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    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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