Where I Stayed in Mexico: Barceló Maya Grand Resort
My first time in an all-inclusive resort was our honeymoon in St Lucia (yes, the one I keep banging on about because it was sooooooo amazing – That one!). Planning for Mexico, we had different options to chose from; we knew we were going to Riviera Maya so we wanted a hotel with beach front and also wanted a very lazy feel to it so from experience, we knew a resort would be the best option. Enter Barceló Maya Resort! It is a part of the Barceló Group which consists of Barceló Hotels and Resorts, Allegro hotels, Royal Hideaway Luxury Suites and Occident Hotels & Resorts.
This was a package deal with British Airways holidays and it was the first time I had heard of this resort however; we got to find out that it is quite a popular chain (along with its affiliates) throughout the Caribbean countries. So after I did my usual research on reserving travel accommodation, we were booked!
What are the things I look out for before I book my travel accommodation? Well, read here. I explain in depth every thing I tick off my checklist before I book.
The best thing about Barceló Maya Grand Resort is that it has 4 different hotels and even though you are assigned to 1 once you check in, you have the luxury of using the facilities in all 4 hotels. The 4 hotels are Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, Barceló Maya Tropical and Barceló Colonial.
All 4 hotels are spread across the long property.
We stayed in Caribe.
The Private Beach
We spent a lot of our evenings on the beach watching the sunset and just relaxing. The pool areas always had some sort of party vibe going on during the day and early evenings so on the days we did not feel like being extra friendly lol, this was our slice of peace. You know what I mean right? I feel like with resorts, everyone is so happy and chatty and tbh, most times, I just want to relax and zen out.
More on Mexico? Check out these related posts
Swim-Up Pool & Bar
For all the draaaaaannkkkks!
Ok, I loved this. Get in the pool, dance and order your drink! Basically, live your best life every afternoon, repeat!
Breakfast Area
Outdoor Dining
Some Cultural Pieces
The resort was beautifully littered with pieces representing the Mayan culture, Catholicism and other Mexican traditions.
The Grounds
Sometimes, pictures speak louder than words and I hope this worked on this occasion.
Is there anything I did not like about the resort?
YES!
Unfortunately, it is a big one which would probably have changed my opinion about booking the resort.
BARCELO MAYA HAS A DOLPHINARIUM.
I did not know they had one so imagine the shock the day I found out.
Picture this.
We had just watched the sunset and thought to walk down the beach strip to the next hotel and then we heard a weird noise. I remember thinking that we should run (I’ve obvs watched too many horror documentaries) but Mr E was trying to investigate smh. Anyway, we saw a pool at the other end of our hotel and I saw the first dolphin then the 2nd and 3rd. I really don’t know how many dolphins were in the pool but I felt quite disappointed in myself.
I did remember the concierge telling us about a Dolphin show when we checked in a few days before; but I must not have been paying attention because I thought she was referring to the one off site. Oh well, lesson learnt and next time, I will NOT be giving my money to a facility that practices animal cruelty.
If you would like to read more on Dolphin cruelty, click here.
That took a weird turn, didn’t it? Anyway, I recommend you do your googles and while I will never tell you how to spend your coins, as a conscious traveller, I will tell you all about my experience and you can decide what to do with it. I don’t swim with dolphins or ride elephants or pose with coatis or any of those things that involve an animal out if its natural habitat. That’s my own little way of being a responsible traveller.
Booking a hotel or resort or air bnb? See related post
Anyway, this concludes my Mexico series and I hope you enjoyed it. Other than the unfortunate dolphin incident, I loved the resort and enjoyed staying there. I loved the vibe, the staff were very helpful and friendly and the beach was perfect for the most incredible sunsets (oh and that epic sunrise).
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
