Carretero Federal Chetumal Km 300
Zona Hotelera, 77710 Playa del Carmen
Quintana Roo, Mexico
+ (52) 984 877 4500
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. 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, a proper rating is a 3.5, as that luxe flavour sought in readers' lodgings was just not present—though the property was nice and certainly suitable for a friends and family excursion.
THE HOTEL & WHAT TO DO:
The Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda is nestled along the highway in Riviera Maya—also known as the Mayan Riviera—just 40 minutes South of Cancun and its international airport. It is just a short (and cheap; $20 USD) cab ride to Playa del Carmen. The resort has three swimming pools, with separate areas for children, a 24-hour sports bar, two tennis courts, a volleyball court, theatre, fully equipped gym and a massive, stunning spa. Whether looking for a late night drink at the sports bar, or relaxing at the swing bar watching the cruise ships in the horizon, traveling to Cozumel, the property is sure to keep you occupied and content for the duration of your stay. Though, don’t let the great amenities distract from getting off the resort. Just down the road is Xcaret, a massive eco archaeological park, and the bustling shops along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen are just a short cab ride away.
The resort has 6 à la carte restaurants, a sit down buffet and numerous pool-side dining options. There is a conference centre that can accommodate 650 people, a shopping area with gift boutiques, newsstand and tobacco shop. It also has 500 metres of private beachfront, just steps away from one of the many pools. The property is very clean, and is home to a variety of wildlife from exotic birds to the coati mundi, which visitors will see on the lawns outside their buildings each morning.
THE ROOMS:
The rooms are large, and spread throughout eight buildings; with open hallways, and every suite has some form of outdoor space. There are the expected resort finishes, such as plain walls and tiled hallways, but the rooms are comfortable and clean. The property is surrounded by jungle, with landscaped paths connecting all the buildings and amenities; mangrove swamps just off the paths offer plenty of eerie noises after dark. Basic suites are fit with a queen size bed, beautiful bathroom and a relaxing balcony
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 that might have been 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 EATS:
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. If feeling lazy or in a rush: opt for the international buffet-style restaurant, or to have breakfast/lunch by the pool. For those who wish to sit and order, Blue Bay offers 6 à la carte restaurants where guests are required not only to dress more formally, but also to make prior reservations.
These restaurants include:
- Il Cuore De Rossi—Italian cuisine
- Don Isi—Mexican cuisine
- L’Atelier—French cuisine
- Sea Food—the title is self-explanatory
- Steak House—American specialty meats
- Oriental—Asian cuisine
VERDICT:
Although it’s not the Grand Velas or Fairmont Mayakoba, the resort is actually quite nice. Whether bringing family, or vacationing with friends, the expansive property is bound to satisfy everyone's needs.
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)
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