For a winter escape, Justin and I chose to stay at the five star property, Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort & Spa in Mexico. Relaxing at a beautiful property and soaking up gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea, what more could we ask for?
There are four hotels at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya: TRS Yucatan, Grand Palladium Select White Sand, Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, and Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa.
When you stay at one, you have the opportunity to enjoy all four. We stayed at two properties, TRS Yucatan and Grand Palladium White Sand.
While we'll be able to provide a more in-depth look at our rooms at those hotels, we will provide an overview of our entire stay at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya and help you choose which of the four hotels you'd like to book.
After a week in paradise, we know the ins and outs of the resorts and what you simply must do when you go there. So, grab a coffee and get comfortable: here's our in-depth guide to the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort near Cancun, Mexico.
Jump to:
- Watch our Grand Palladium Video
- Overview of our Stay at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya
- Grand Palladium Select White Sand
- Colonial And Kantenah Resorts
- The Beach in Riviera Maya
- Activities at the Resort
- The Zentropia Palladium Spa
- TRS Yucatan Resort
- Restaurants and Dining
- Chic Cabaret
- Resort Excursions
- Top Riviera Maya Resorts
- Getting There
- More All-Inclusive Resort Reviews
- Don't forget travel insurance!
Watch our Grand Palladium Video
Do you prefer videos over reading? Do you love both? Check out this corresponding YouTube video that I've made which highlights our trip to Grand Palladium Riviera Maya.
The video is called Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort Travel Video.
If you want to stay in touch, I suggest subscribing to our channel on YouTube.
Overview of our Stay at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya
After an early morning flight to Cancun, we embarked on a private transfer to the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, just beyond Playa del Carmen. We couldn't wait to get settled at our new home for the week.
During our week at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, we spent three nights at the Grand Palladium Select White Sand and four nights at TRS Yucatan.
On our arrival to the Grand Palladium Select White Sand, we were given the 5-star treatment. From hot towels to a tropical beverage, we were immediately welcomed to the resort by the staff.
Feel free to connect back to the outside world right way if you'd like. The entire resort complex has complimentary Wi-Fi that's high speed. We never had any connectivity issues during our week at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya.
There are restaurants, swimming pools, and common areas at each resort, but these spaces are available for guests staying at any of the resorts. You can move freely between each resort.
However, there are a few spots designed for guests of the TRS Yucatan or those with VIP bracelets (the TRS pool, TRS restaurants, and the VIP beach area).
In total, there are 20 restaurants and bars, and several freshwater pools around the complex with both adults-only and kid-friendly options.
Grand Palladium Select White Sand
We stayed in a suite on the third floor of one of the buildings on the Grand Palladium Select White Sand property. White Sand is a family friendly resort, not limited to only adults.
Out of the three family resorts (White Sand, Colonial and Kantenah), the White Sand section was the quietest and most peaceful.
A river runs through the property, surrounded by a natural mangrove forest. You have the option of staying in small huts on this lagoon, and you can even canoe up to your front door.
Although we didn't stay in one of these huts, I really loved the concept.
Our Suite at Grand Palladium Select White Sand
There are 425 suites in total at the Grand Palladium Select White Sand, including Ambassador suites, Junior suites, Romance bungalows by the lake, and Romance villa suites. GR White Sand only has suites.
Our accommodation was stylish and elegant, featuring two separate rooms. In one room, there's a sofa, TV, and a balcony. The mini bar is beneath the TV, with beer and soft drinks that's always kept fully stocked.
Next, the bedroom has a king-sized bed, another flatscreen TV, and its own second balcony. There are plush bathrobes and slippers, too.
This balcony offers a view overlooking one of the swimming pools off in the distance. Both balconies are surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
Tropical birds in a rainbow of colors flutter and chirp happily from tree to tree. We had so much space in this suite for just the two of us.
The spacious bathroom exudes luxury, from the jetted tub to the separate rainfall shower. There are complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, and a magnification mirror.
A large window allows plenty of light to flow into the bathroom. I highly recommend making full use of the jacuzzi bathtub for a rejuvenating experience.
A Beautiful Property
Allow us to take you on a virtual walk through the Grand Palladium Select White Sand Resort. We'll showcase the front lobby and the public spaces around the lagoon and pools.
It's interesting to note that the Grand Palladium has strict environmental protections that respect the natural flora and fauna of the area. You can wander down paths that wind through the mangrove forest, and several bridges cross the lagoon.
Swimming Pools
There are family pools and adults only swimming pools here as well. These swimming pools were never busy and we rarely saw people around them.
The pools at the Colonial resort were much more popular with families as one of them had water slides. The Colonial resort is also closer to the beach and the ocean.
Colonial And Kantenah Resorts
Now that I've shown you around the Grand Palladium White Sand, allow me to highlight the Colonial and Kantenah resorts. All four of these resorts (including the TRS Yucatan, which I'll introduce later) are connected to one another.
You can ride a train between each of the three resorts or walk. I enjoyed mostly walking around to get some exercise, and I didn't find the property to be too big that I couldn't walk it.
The train stops at each of the three hotel lobbies (Colonial, Kantenah, and White Sand), as well as the spa and activities area.
When you're staying at the TRS Yucatan, a private shuttle car will pick you up and drop you off wherever you like on the resort. This property also offers a butler service.
Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa
Here are some photos of the public spaces at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa. As for the rooms, the Colonial Resort has 413 rooms including standard rooms, junior suites, Maya suites and suites.
The swimming pools are between the Colonial and Kantenah resorts.
Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa
Here are some photos of the public spaces at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa. As for the rooms, the Kantenah Resort has 422 rooms including standard rooms, junior suites, Maya suites and suites.
The Beach in Riviera Maya
If the name, "Grand Palladium White Sand" is any indication, you'd better believe there are white sand beaches there. Calm turquoise waters and a powdery white sandy beach is exactly what you'll find.
With just about 1km of beachfront to explore, this is the place for pure relaxation.
Walk along the beach, go for a swim, lounge on a deck chair, or participate in water sports. There's something for everyone.
Activities at the Resort
Speaking of water sports, there are so many activities to keep you busy and entertained at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing, and pedal boating.
There's an entire sports complex at the resort. Justin and I spent one morning playing shuffleboard and basketball.
There's also beach volleyball (both at the sports complex and at the beach), tennis courts, soccer fields, badminton courts, archery, ping pong, rifle practice, and mini golf.
The Zentropia Palladium Spa
Ah, it's one of our favourite spaces at Grand Palladium Riviera Maya. The Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Centre has a swimming pool, a water spa, a fitness centre, and massage rooms.
Justin and I went for a soothing Swedish massage on the last day of our trip, and it was one of the best massages I've ever had.
For guests of the TRS Yucatan, or those with a spa appointment, you're welcome to enjoy the invigorating water spa. Alternatively, guests of the resort can visit this area for around $100.
There's a swimming pool, hot pools, cold pools, a steam room, a sauna, and more. Alternate between hot and cold pools, much like traditional Nordic spas. Some of the pools are indoors and some are outdoors.
At one point in a circular hot tub with an open ceiling, it started to rain. It was an incredible experience to have the rain falling from overhead while soaking in a jetted hot tub.
There's also a fitness centre on site, with a vast array of cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, and an exercise room for yoga and other classes.
After your workout, why not grab a juice from the juice bar?
TRS Yucatan Resort
For the second half of our week in Mexico, we moved one resort over to The Royal Suites Yucatan. It's an adults only, all-inclusive, luxury resort.
You might recognize this resort as the one where the couples took their honeymoon in Love is Blind Season 4!
While every property at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is a five star resort, TRS Yucatan is even more luxurious and the staff is somehow even more attentive.
Every building has three butlers that are ready to cater to your every need. For us, our butlers were a friendly face to greet us upon returning to our suite.
They also put fresh flowers and fruit in our room. Anytime we wanted a ride to a restaurant or another resort, they quickly arranged for a shuttle to pick us up and take us wherever we wanted.
Our Suite at TRS Yucatan Resort
Our suite was on the third floor and had a spectacular view of the infinity pool and the ocean. There were other suites on the first floor that had their own private swimming pool.
We adored the view and I really enjoyed sitting on the balcony every morning with a cup of Nespresso coffee from the room.
I'll take you on a tour of our suite at TRS Yucatan. It's ultra modern with tons of mirrors, and an open concept layout with the sinks and bathtub all in the same space as the bedroom.
There's a separate stall for the shower and the toilet, and a jetted tub in the middle of the room. With the couch, flatscreen TV, and mini bar, you can really make yourself right at home here.
I also adored that I could make myself a delicious cup of coffee in the room.
Now, allow us to sweep you off your feet with this beautiful balcony and scenery. And trust me, the sunrises are worth waking up early for.
Private Pools and VIP Beach
If you stay at The Royal Suites Yucatan, you truly get the royal treatment. There are several private pools for guests of TRS Yucatan at the resort, including an infinity pool and a saltwater pool.
The infinity pool is picture perfect with views of that stunning ocean. If you're looking to relax, there are plush loungers or even full beds to enjoy an afternoon snooze in the sunshine.
The saltwater pool is super unique and allows water to flow in and out of the ocean itself. As you can imagine, it was actually filled with tropical fish that swam in from the ocean.
It was so interesting to see fish in a swimming pool like this, as they can come and go freely as they please. I even saw a guest snorkeling in the swimming pool!
As there isn't any beach right in front of TRS Yucatan, you need to move to the opposite side of the resort for the private beach.
Over by the Kantenah Resort, guests of TRS Yucatan have access to a VIP beach that's quiet with lots of loungers. Lay among the palm trees and savour the scenery of white sands and brilliant waters.
Restaurants and Dining
As a vegan, the chefs were able to prepare delicious, plant-based meals. While there weren't any vegan choices on the regular menu, it was simple for them to make a variation of a dish or an entirely new meal.
You can read about this in more detail in our Vegan Guide to Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort.
From Mexican food to sushi, there were restaurants featuring several cuisines from around the world, so you'll never get tired of eating the same thing every day.
In total, there are 9 a la carte themed restaurants, 5 buffet restaurants, and 1 exclusive restaurant for guests of TRS Yucatan.
Chic Cabaret
At TRS Yucatan (and available to all guests), there's a dinner theatre show called Chic Cabaret. At an additional cost of $100 per person, it's an extravagant evening where you're served several meal courses while watching an impressive stage show.
Chic Cabaret has talented performers who sing, dance, and even perform acrobatics. It was a feast for the senses: our eyes, our ears, and our taste buds.
It's easy to have a vegan meal, too. Some of my dishes included a unique sushi dish made out of fruit, tofu with garlic, and a sweet treat for dessert.
The singers belted out popular tunes and we were encouraged to sing along. Lasting about three hours, it was an excellent way to spend an evening together.
Resort Excursions
Even though it's tempting to stay on the resort, you might want to consider getting out there and exploring the region. The Mayan Riviera is home to ancient Maya ruins, island getaways, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba.
We decided to try something a little different this time and embark on a sunset sailing cruise on the Caribbean Sea. It was a magical experience to watch the sun go down from out on the water. Book your tour here.
If you're looking for more excursions and activities, check out our guide to the best things to do in Riviera Maya and how to spend a day in Playa del Carmen.
Top Riviera Maya Resorts
Seeking a tropical destination to relax and get away from it all? We highly recommend the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya and all four of its resorts.
Whether you're staying at the family friendly White Sand Resort or the ultra luxurious TRS Yucatan Resort, you'll certainly have a memorable and rejuvenating experience.
Our week totally flew by in an instant as we were having so much fun together. It's moments like these that we'll always cherish.
Nothing beats visiting a spectacular destination with the person you love the most. From being pampered at the spa to gorging on yummy food for a week straight, we'd love to return someday to experience it all over again.
Getting There
To reach Riviera Maya, you should fly to the Cancun airport. To get to your resort or hotel from the airport, book a Cancun airport transfer in advance for a seamless journey.
More All-Inclusive Resort Reviews
Here are some other all-inclusive resorts that we have reviewed that might interest you. Check out our 30 best tips and hacks for all-inclusive resorts before you travel!
Want more travel tips and inspiration? Follow me on Instagram! I share daily adventures, whether I'm at home in Ontario, Canada, or halfway across the world!
Don't forget travel insurance!
Heading out of the country? Don't forget to get travel insurance. It's best to be covered in case of an emergency, cancellation or accident.
Jessica says
Thank you for the detailed review, I have a quick question and I’m just wondering what the difference difference between the three resorts were. Not including the At all only section as we will be bringing our three year-old. We want to go to this resort, but I’m just not sure which section to choose. I definitely want to have access to VIP areas as well.
Lauren Yakiwchuk says
If you stay in any of the Grand Palladium resorts, you'll have access to all of them. If you stay at the TRS Yucatan, you have access to that property and all of the Grand Palladium as well. It is definitely an upgraded and more private experience (VIP). However, I believe TRS Yucatan is adults-only, so I would stay at one of the Grand Palladium resorts that's kid-friendly!
Kim B says
What a wonderful blog. Thank you for this! Can you tell me what the nighttime entertainment is like? We like resorts that have a lot going on and good music going at the pools during the day:)
Wayne Stanley says
Can you review more of the food, including the non-vegan food, at the resorts and restaurants?
Lauren says
Hi Wayne! Thanks so much for stopping by. I love reviewing the food I eat as I travel. Unfortunately, I'm unable to review the non-vegan food as I only eat vegan food myself, and I don't want to review food that I'm not eating. But, I will try to post more menu photos that will show all of the options in the future! :)
Reda says
I wish you added little bit more information/observation about kids' situation there. Is there any noticeable activities was design for them, playground, playroom, pools, toys, games, bicycles, scooters, beach/sand toys, movies, food bar, or so on.
Otherwise, great review. A+ Keep writing.
Lauren says
Hi Reda! Thanks so much for this! We don't have any kids so we weren't able to personally experience much relating to this, hence not writing about it. Sorry about that!
Tara says
Hello! Can you tell me if the pools were heated at this resort?
Lauren says
Hi Tara, I don't think the pools were heated, but things might have changed since our visit.
Meg Tess says
Loved your resort review! Looks like you had a great time. You have such great pictures, do you use a smart phone or a special camera?
Lauren says
Thank you, Meg! We use a DSLR camera - we used a Panasonic GH4 here :)
Dianna Glenn says
Please answer this person's question in an earlier post..
"I stayed at this resort just over a year ago and LOVED it. Love your blog! One question – you mention 4 resorts at this one Grand Palladium…. when we stayed there, our lobby and resort property was called Riviera. There was also Yucatan Royal Suites, Colonial, Kantenah, and White Sands. Was there no Riviera lobby area when you were just there?? Wonder if it is renovating or what??"
Lauren says
When we stayed there, there was no lobby called Riviera. There's TRS Yucatan, White Sands, Colonial and Kantenah. There was an area under renovation that may have been the Riviera lobby. Please keep in mind that we stayed at the resort in early 2018 and things can change quite a bit as hotels renovate and rejuvenate their properties. Thanks!
Adena says
@Dianna Glenn, I stayed at the palladium in 2014 on a destination wedding trip, and I remember the Riviera too (we stayed in that section), I think looking at the map that it has been added/combined into the Royal Suites part according to what the map shows.
Loreto says
I was at this resort a few years ago. Excellent resort. I'm planning on going there in late Feb. Anybody know what the Sargassum seaweed situation is like. I was in Mexico 2yrs ago at another resort close to the Grand Palladium and the seaweed problem was horrendous. No one was able to swim in sea.
Lauren says
Loreto, I believe that they clean the seaweed here quite well. When we were in Playa del Carmen a year before this, there was seaweed everywhere. But at this resort, the beach was always very clean. We were pleasantly surprised! Be sure to update me on the situation once you return from your trip!
Loreto says
K. Thx.
Will do.
Elizabeth says
Hello! I am wondering what year and what time of the year you visited grand palladium? Beach and the grounds look perfect ☺️
Lauren says
Elizabeth - we visited in January 2018. It was beautiful some days and other days it was a little on the cold side. But, that was a little bit strange and I don't think that usually happens. It wasn't that busy in January and I recommend going then! Enjoy!!
Bec says
I really enjoyed reading your review, my husband and I spent 10 nights at the colonial section in 2012 which was our first trip to the Caribbean from the UK. We have been to several other resorts and islands since but he has been very keen to return to grand Palladium. We have just booked 14 nights in TRS yukatan and it looks amazing.
It looks like you have some great travel plans ahead... Enjoy x
Jolene says
I stayed at this resort just over a year ago and LOVED it. Love your blog! One question - you mention 4 resorts at this one Grand Palladium.... when we stayed there, our lobby and resort property was called Riviera. There was also Yucatan Royal Suites, Colonial, Kantenah, and White Sands. Was there no Riviera lobby area when you were just there?? Wonder if it is renovating or what??
Hilton langille says
I would agree with everything you wrote, except for the beach. At the white sand end, one foot into the water, it is hell to try and walk. And too shallow to swim. If you wanted to see anything snorkel worthy, you had to go wayyyy out from shore.
Lydia Smith says
It feels and look Mexico. Grand Palladium is really a lovely hotel and I don't mind giving a lot to enjoy the luxury it offers. I love white sands more. But I love all the four resorts. This place is so beautiful, really.
Megan Jerrard says
Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort & Spa sounds AMAZING! Definitely the cure to Canadian winter blues!! Thanks for such an in depth guide – very cool that you got insight into all four resorts within the Palladium group. The TRS Yucatan resort appeals to me being adults only, though the rooms and grounds at white sand are just stunning! So luxurious – I can see why it gets stars! I love how they’ve incorporated the tropical theme with gardens and greenery throughout each resort – and cool that they’re all connected so you can get a change of scenery if you wanted to.
Everything from the food, to the entertainment, activities, and obviously the beach sounds superb - now for the hard part - choosing one of the four resorts!
Ami Bhat says
This place looks perfect - the rooms are comfortable - I like the contemporary decor it has. The open spaces add to the fun part of the place. The pools are enticing and the beach! Wow! I think that would be my highlight. I would be torn in terms of where to spend my time in the resort after the beach though
Anda says
It's been over 20 years since I visited Riviera Maya in Mexico. I guess Grand Palladium must be new because I can't remember seeing it there at that time. It definitely looks like a great place to stay. Your post made me want to go there again. I don't like the all-inclusive idea in a resort though. It keeps you tied down if you want to benefit from their food. Plus I'm tempted to eat too much when I see a big display of food, hahaha!
nicki says
So funny that I came across this just now as I was JUST looking for a hotel for our anniversary and am sold on this! My husband is really picky about hotels but I just know he will love the idea of being able to use the other properties as well - and it looks gorgeous
Carol Colborn says
What luxury! Unfortunately, we have bought a 3-month all-inclusive timeshare at El Cid Vacations Club. So, we will get to stay at Ventus instead when we are at the Riviera Maya and at El Cid Marina when we are in Mazatlan. But Grand Palladium does sound and look so luxurious!
Rashmi and Chalukya says
A stay at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort & Spa sounds like a perfect vacation with those unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea. The turquoise waters of the beach look surreal we can spend hours just looking that never-ending expanse of sea.
noel says
Wow that resort is huge along with your bedroom suite, I could definitely lounge their for a whole week and enjoy those swimming pools, beaches and outdoor activities. The dining experience also looks fantastic from your delicious images.
Indrani says
Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort is as grand as its name! The huge wall art at the entrance is impressive. The towel art is fantastic. :) and those toilet accessories look classy! Loved your elaborate review.