Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda, Riviera Maya
The Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda is set on an expansive property along the Riviera Maya highway stretch between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The resort is spread throughout eight buildings with numerous pools, a lovely spa and a pristine beachfront. I was in Mexico for a world tourism conference being held just down the road, having been my first Blue Bay experience, I am antsy to visit their other properties — I always love comparing.
The resort is quite popular among the all-inclusives in the region, having been awarded ‘Top All Inclusives Riviera Maya’ by Expedia in 2010. Though it is a five-star property, I would rate the resort three and a half, as is was lacking that luxe flavour I seek in lodgings — though the property was nice and certainly suitable for a friends and family excursion.
My most cherished memory from this trip was Garfield, an orange tabby. Though he was technically a feral cat, just lounging about the resort grounds, he was the kindest kitty I have ever met. Each morning as I sat by the pool to enjoy the breakfast buffet, Garfield would slink towards me, rubbing against my legs. I would then proceed to sneakily drop strips of bacon, or other food, for him to nibble on.
He was the highlight of my stay.
The most impressive feature in the room was the marble rainforest shower that took up nearly half the bathroom. Aside from that, the room was fairly standard. Though the resort does also house suites with swim-up pools, a nice way to spruce up first floor units in the buildings.
Other units have Jacuzzis on the terrace.
The hotel likely achieved its five-star status from the minor features, such as an iron and ironing board, or the shuttles that bring guests about the resort. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the relief staff is kind and friendly.The wireless Internet connection was dodgy at times, though I am unsure whether that was due to the cloudy skies or the birds that were making a nest atop the modem-pole. Best to use the Internet Centre for any major uploads.
The room was kept very tidy; each day there was a different piece of towel and tissue art, sculpted into swans and flowers. The bags were delivered promptly, within 20 minutes of arriving.
All-inclusive dining is, well, all-inclusive dining: not too ornate and typically oversaturated with all-you-can-eat buffets and mediocre room service. However, at Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda, there are numerous options when it comes to eats. For those who wish to sit and order, Blue Bay offers 6 à la carte restaurants where guests are required to dress more formally and make prior reservations.
Although it’s not the Grand Velas or Fairmont Mayakoba, the resort is actually quite nice. Whether bringing the family, or vacationing with friends, the expansive property is bound to satisfy all of your needs.
I would return to Blue Bay.
Blue Bay Hotels & Resorts has properties across Mexico, in Dominican Republic, Cuba and in Spain.
For Grand Esmerelda, Riviera Maya: bluebayresorts.com; 979 luxury double rooms & suites—Jacuzzi and swim-up suites are also available—starting at $700/wk (USD)
Find the resort at: Carretero Federal Chetumal Km 300, Zona Hotelera 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico — Tel:+(52) 984 877 4500
