Grand Suites Make Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort a Reunion Destination - My Family Travels

The family that collapsed at the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort table next to me must have just arrived. First, they pulled off their traveling shoes and wiggled their toes in the sand. Then Mom and Dad ordered margaritas… and lunch almost as an afterthought. The two kids — a girl about age 7 and a boy around 5 — started to dig under the Heaven Beach Bar and Grill

Within minutes, the little boy had excavated a series of long roads through the sand. He proceeded to take all the family’s shoes for an animated drive. Looking dreamy and satisfied, his sister sculpted a series of small mounds under the table. Ice cream cones? Fairy berms?

Two kids with snorkel masks smile in the pool at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort.
Practice snorkeling in the family pool at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort before you head out to the Puerto Morelos coral reef.

As the parents sipped their drinks and gazed out at the blue Caribbean, they began to lose their glassy eyed looks. Jump start to vacation… time was beginning to slow.

Relax and ease your way into a Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort vacation. The resort is laid back, yet polished and elegant enough for a multigenerational family reunion. It’s not too big and has only 144 suites, so it never feels crowded. The atmosphere is less three-ring-circus-inclusive and rather quieter. Read on to discover how Grand Residences Riviera Cancun appreciates guests’ need to unwind without too much noise and frenzy — families with children and grandchildren included.

My Kind of Big Rooms at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Couple sits on patio at Grand Residences Cancun Resort and overlook the Caribbean Sea.
All generations can relax on the patio of family-sized suites at this Riviera Maya resort.

I’m always on the hunt for family accommodations with a living room, kitchen, and multiple en suite bedrooms. That’s to accommodate our reunions with kids, their spouses and now the grandchildren without any adult children whining over getting the smallest room. Or, heaven forbid, the bunkroom. 

We’ve stayed in countless large rental homes, villas and condos so we have enough space to both socialize with — and get away from — each other. 

When I walked into the foyer of the Grand Residence Cancun’s suites, I felt like shouting, “This is it!” At Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, two junior suites and one master suite have separate entrances within a foyer. Together, these suites offer accommodations for up to 11 on a family reunion.

Multi-Generational Accommodations at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Some splurge suites at Grand Residences Cancun Resort have private plunge pools that overlook the Caribbean Sea.
Some splurge suites at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort have private plunge pools that overlook the Caribbean Sea.

Updated Spanish Colonial best describes the style of the residences. They’re not particularly beachy or Mexican folk art themed. However, floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace doors bring the beach and pools inside and dominate the views.

The dark wood paneling of that Spanish Colonial interior hides one murphy bed in junior suites and three murphy beds in the one-bedroom suites. That’s an all-time record for anywhere I’ve ever stayed. Luckily, they are easy to pull down and the rooms are plenty spacious to accommodate them. Cribs and baby gear are always available.

Two-room master suites are enormous with a full kitchen, living room, long dining room table, outdoor decks with eating areas and a hot tub. Spread out in the large king bedroom, bath and two walk-in closets. Relegate the kids to junior suites with a sitting area, kitchenette, king or two double beds and a terrace overlooking the pool or beach.  

Bonus Points if You’re Feeling Flush for a Splurge Stay

Fourteen of the ground floor master suites have their own private swimming pool and they’re perfect for families with kids of all ages. On either side of the swimming pool are small lawns and petite wading pools, and there’s a hot tub and plenty of seating. 

One to three-bedroom penthouses and an 8,800 square foot presidential suite all have their own private rooftop terraces, gardens, pools and patios, Jacuzzis, grills and plenty of places to stretch out or dine. Plus, kids under 12 stay for free. You can make one of these your reunion central.  

Eat Well at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Man prepares an authentic guacamole tableside at Grand Residences Cancun dining room.
Enjoy an authentic guacamole prepared tableside when dining at the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort.

An “all-inclusive” resort means all meals included, so you never have to cook or clean. Although you can drop the inclusive part and cook for yourself, you shouldn’t. You should ensure a completely relaxing and pampered vacation. Fortunately, Grand Residence Cancun upholds its reputation as a 5-star luxury resort with top tier service and gourmet food.

A lavish breakfast buffet is a good place to start. Enjoy American, European and Mexican favorites like poblano pepper tamales and tropical fruits. Even the pickiest eaters find a vast set of appealing choices. You can also order room service breakfast, or any time of day, as it’s part of the package.

Fish tacos and burgers are highlights at the beachfront bar and grill and, of course, poolside cocktails – as many as you dare. Follow it up with a trip to the lobby espresso bar.

El Faro Grill offers an international menu with signature fresh seafood and steak dishes along with weekly themed menus like Italian and French nights. Flor de Canela Restaurant offers an authentic and elevated menu reflecting the dishes of Mexico. Three days a week, indulge in a fancy high tea with finger sandwiches and pastries .

The kids’ menu has all the big hits, plus more healthy fare such as grilled chicken with salad. For dessert, kids can try a child-sized Mexican milk cake or an Oreo stuffed with coconut ice cream. Children are welcome to order off of the adult menu, too.

When you want a special occasion dinner for everyone, you can hire one of the resort’s private chefs to prepare a dinner for your group for a reasonable extra charge.

Pools and Beach Highlight the Resort’s Relaxing Vibe

One of the family pools overlooks the beach at Grand Residences Cancun Resort.
One of the family pools overlooks the beach at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort.

The resort’s four-to-five story buildings surround palm-, mangrove- and bougainvillea-shaded courtyards and a series of tiered infinity pools overlooking the beach. The top level, adults-only pool has a swim-up bar. Lap swimmers make a beeline for another separate, longer pool around the corner from the main action. It’s open to all ages who want a quieter place to exercise. 

The expansive family pool has a wide shallow area for little ones that’s like a huge step the size of a school auditorium. Beyond that, look for a large, deeper pool that’s perfect for water games and splashing around. There’s also a family Jacuzzi off to the side and another one for adults.

The beach has its requisite white sand flanked by lounge chairs and umbrellas. A lifeguard watches out over swimmers, who have a buoy “fence” to keep them within the safety of the property and away from the protected reef offshore.

Kids will want to keep an eye on the poolside concierges at 2pm — that’s Popsicle Hour. Parents usually start with the 1pm Fruit Skewer Service for a healthy snack before the thrill of frozen treats. 

Activities for Children Are a Standout at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Four children are seated and playing a board game while a woman watches them.
The supervised kids club at the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun provides you some “me time” and shade and A/C when your kids tire of the beach, sand and sun.

The bright and spacious children’s club is open daily. Parents and kids ages 4-10 can peruse each day’s programs published on the resort’s activity sheets. iPads linked to the center’s webcam provide a bird’s-eye view of what your little ones are up to throughout the day. 

When we were there, the kids were working on a giant hot air balloon pinata that we imagined they’d be breaking later that week. We noted sandcastle building competitions, pool and board games, treasure hunts and other crafts like ceramics painting on the schedule. Older kids have their own teen club where they can sign up for activities like beach soccer, water polo and movie time. Babysitters are easily hired through the resort.

All-Inclusive Activities for All Ages

Learn to make mole or mix a mezcal cocktail. Take yoga, pilates, or Salsa classes. Hit the activities desk for racquets and head to the resort’s two tennis courts. Borrow equipment for games, snorkeling or motorized sports. Ride bicycles the short distance into the small town of Puerto Morelos to do some souvenir shopping. Activities are scheduled throughout the week and range from vigorous soccer games on the beach and ping pong tournaments to more sedate bracelet making and language lessons.

A fully equipped and staffed gym was empty when we peeked in around noon one day. It seemed that everyone was lounging out by the pool or on the beach.   

I indulged in a much needed Swedish massage at the small but attractive spa. My companions blissfully sampled the hot rock and Lomi Lomi treatments.  If you don’t have time for a mani-pedi before you leave home you can get it here, along with facials and other luxuries like milk baths and body wraps.

Active and Cultural Yucatan Excursions Near Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Parrots at Xcaret ecological park, Mexico
Xcaret has bird zones full of parrots, lots of Mayan cenotes to swim in, a cultural show and trails to explore the jungle.

The resort is close to all kinds of interesting day trips, like Isla Mujeres, the sacred Mayan site at the UNESCO-designated Tulum, Xcaret eco-park and zipline tours. Take the family to swim with the dolphin experiences if you can tear yourselves away.

Offshore is the world’s second longest reef, protected since 1998 by the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park. You can easily spot the line of white froth where the surf breaks over the coral.  Boats with guides out of Puerto Morelos can be hired to take you on a snorkeling trip. Pick up the free loaner equipment at the resort’s activities desk first. We ventured out with Lighthouse Tours for a very safe, guided expedition to observe all kinds of brightly colored fish and interesting coral formations.

Vacation Planning Details for a Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Escape

Author Laura Sutherland at the nearby Port of Puerto Morelos.
Author Laura Sutherland at the nearby Port of Puerto Morelos.

Grand Residence Riviera Cancun Resort is midway between Cancun and Cozumel. It’s on a quieter stretch of coast just south of the small town of Puerto Morelos. Count on a 30-minute drive from the Cancun airport depending on traffic. Resort transportation picks up all guests , so getting there couldn’t be simpler. If your rent a car, a safe parking lot is adjacent to the resort.

All-inclusive rates for a junior suite with a king bed start at $440 a night for two people. Master suites for two start at $585 a night. Rates go up slightly for peak season and for ocean front units. Children under 12 are free when staying with adults.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

1 Reply to “Grand Suites Make Grand Residences Riviera Cancun Resort a Reunion Destination”

  • Asim Siddiqui

    This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.

  • elite

    Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!

  • Explore now

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  • smor

    Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.

  • Rilakkuma

    Great read! I really appreciated the insights you shared—especially the way you broke things down in a clear and relatable way. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!

  • agen

    Thanks very nice blog!

  • Th?

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is very good.

  • Anna

    This article was very informative thank you!
    For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂

  • ht

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
    for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  • Southwest Airlines Vacation Packages

    This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!

  • SGV

    Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it. The way you explained everything in such simple and clear words made it easy to follow. Sometimes blogs can get too technical or confusing, but this one was straight to the point and very helpful.

  • drover

    I got good info from your blog

  • drover

    Keep working ,great job!

  • drover

    I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  • Mattie

    I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.

    There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.

    It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.

    If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

  • Daisel

    The article is full of information , thanks for such a good knowledge.

  • HLS Holidays

    This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!

  • Cure for ED

    Great article! I completely agree with your points.

    Keep up the good work

  • Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Thanks!

  • HABANERO88

    Hi, yes this post is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.

  • Dinesh

    Excellent post! I found your analysis both engaging and informative. Well done.

  • zor

    I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  • zor

    Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!

  • zor

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  • Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.

    Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.

    Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.

  • Davide

    Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!

  • Kia

    It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
    I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing

  • luxurytoursofturkey

    Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/

Comment on this article

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.