Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa review

Updated for 2025:
This review of Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa has been updated for 2025, and share the latest information on amenities, dining, snorkelling, and travel tips to help you plan your holiday! 

Key Takeaways

• Massive all-inclusive resort perfect for families who want variety and don’t mind walking (or taking golf buggies)
• Outstanding value for money with excellent pools, lazy river, and incredible snorkeling right off the beach
• Exceptionally friendly staff who genuinely made our holiday special
• Two distinct resort sections (Mayan Beach and Riviera Maya) that share all facilities
• About 90 minutes from Cancun airport so factor in transfer time
• Best for families who want adventure, wildlife spotting, and don’t need boutique luxury

I will start this blog post by saying that I feel SO lucky to have been able to start travelling to more far-flung destinations once again! I also confess that we weren’t actually originally supposed to be heading to Mexico and the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa – which we booked with TUI as a package, we were actually booked into the Grand Sirenis in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, but due to two of the children contracting Covid (for the second time in 3 months) a month before we were due to depart the UK, I knew deep down that one of them wouldn’t pass the required PCR test to enter the DR, so a swift change of destination to Mexico (no testing required) was made. 

And boy do we have no regrets! 

Location: Where Exactly is Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya?

The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa sits about 90 minutes south of Cancun International Airport, nestled along the stunning Caribbean coastline in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It’s positioned perfectly between the bustling Playa del Carmen (about 30 minutes north) and the bohemian beach town of Tulum (about 20 minutes south).

While I’d read some slightly nerve-wracking stories about Mexico before we left, I can honestly say that our entire experience put our minds completely at ease. The resort area feels safe, well-maintained, and incredibly welcoming. The helpful, exceptionally friendly staff were a HUGE part of this.

Getting There from the UK

The flight from London to Cancun is roughly 10 hours, which I won’t lie, is a bit of a slog with kids. We flew overnight which helped, though the youngest got a bit restless around hour seven (don’t they always?). Pack tablets, download films, bring snacks, you know the drill.

Our transfer from Cancun airport was arranged through TUI and took about 90 minutes. I’ll save my full Cancun airport rant for another post, but let’s just say it’s a bit chaotic on arrival. Once you’re through customs and have your luggage though, finding your transfer is straightforward enough. The drive itself was largely uneventful, which after a 10-hour flight with three tired children is exactly what you want.

First Impressions: Arriving at Grand Sirenis

The moment we arrived at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa, we were greeted by genuinely friendly staff who spoke perfect English. I was immediately gobsmacked by the sheer SIZE of the lobby and the scale of the entire complex. It’s enormous, but somehow it doesn’t feel cold or cavernous like some mega-resorts can. It’s definitely not for those looking for small and cosy though!

After check-in (which took a little while as it was busy), we were driven in a golf buggy with all our luggage to our room. Can I just say what a RELIEF that was? Nobody wants to be schlepping suitcases after a 10-hour flight. Nearly keeling over with tiredness, we located toothbrushes and PJs and immediately hit the hay so we could feel fresh in the morning.

Understanding the Resort Layout: Mayan Beach vs Riviera Maya

Here’s something really important to understand about Grand Sirenis: it’s actually TWO resorts that merged into one mega-complex. You’ve got the Mayan Beach side and the Riviera Maya side, and honestly, knowing the difference will make your stay so much better.

The Two Sides Explained

Mayan Beach Side:

• Right side of the property
• Has its own pool, lazy river, and beach area
• Generally quieter and more family-oriented
• Slightly further walk to some restaurants
• Beautiful jungle setting with tons of wildlife

Riviera Maya Side:

• Left side of the property
• Central to most restaurants
• Tends to be busier
• Closer to the main spa and gym
• More party atmosphere at the pool

The brilliant thing? You can use ALL the facilities on both sides, regardless of where your room is. There are golf buggies running between sections, or you can walk (though it’s quite a trek if you’ve got little ones).

We stayed on the Mayan Beach side and loved it, though we did walk over to the Riviera side for dinner most evenings. If I’m completely honest, I’d probably request the Riviera side next time just to be closer to the restaurants, but it really depends on whether you prefer convenience or a quieter vibe.

When it comes to this review, I thought I would split it into ‘categories’ and give our opinion on different areas/factors of the hotel, kicking off with our hotel room…

The Rooms: What to Actually Expect

Let’s talk rooms, because photos can be deceiving, can’t they? We had a standard Junior Suite, and I’ll give you the unvarnished truth.

Room Size and Layout

The rooms are properly spacious, I’ll give them that. We had a king bed, a sofa bed for one of the kids, and enough floor space that we didn’t feel like we were living on top of each other. The bathroom was HUGE with a massive jetted tub (which the kids took full advantage of every single night) and a separate shower.

There’s a minibar that’s restocked daily with soft drinks, water, and a couple of beers. The balcony or terrace has a table and chairs, perfect for an evening drink once the kids are asleep.

The Reality Check

Now, are these rooms “5-star luxury”? Not really, if I’m being honest. They’re perfectly comfortable and clean, but they’re showing their age a bit. Some of the furniture looks tired, and our duvet cover had a small hole in it (we got it changed straight away). The decor is that sort of modern-minimalist style that was trendy about 10-15 years ago.

But here’s the thing: we barely spent any time in the room except to sleep and get changed. With three pools, a lazy river, the beach, evening entertainment, and restaurants to try, who wants to sit in their room anyway?

The suite was extremely clean and everything well kept, and we made sure we left a tip each day for the maids, who did a cracking job of entertaining the children with much-anticipated towel art! The only downside with all sharing a room, and having no separate area for the children, was that jet lag meant that for the first few days of our trip someone woke at 4.30am, subsequently disturbing everyone else. Still, manage to get a few hours work done before breakfast! #EveryCloud

Top Tip for Room Location

If you can, try to get a room in the lower-numbered buildings (1000s or 1100s on Riviera Maya side) if you want to be close to the main action. We were in building 22 on the Mayan Beach side which was lovely and quiet but meant quite a walk to dinner.

Some rooms have ocean views (you’ll pay extra), but honestly? Save your money. The views are nice but you’ll be spending your time at the pools and beach anyway.

Wildlife: Living in the Jungle

One of the most magical things about Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is the incredible wildlife. From day one, we were spotting amazing creatures everywhere!

The resort really is surrounded by subtropical forest (jungle sounds more exciting though, doesn’t it?), and the hotel has done a brilliant job of integrating the buildings without destroying the natural habitat.

What We Saw

• Agoutis: These little guinea-pig-like creatures with long legs had the kids squealing with delight
• Coatis: Like raccoons but cuter, often spotted near the restaurants
• Iguanas: EVERYWHERE. Some absolutely massive ones sunbathing by the pools
• Spider Monkeys: Swinging through the trees near our building
• Tropical Birds: Including toucans and parrots
• Hermit Crabs: All along the beach at night

The massive entertainment theatre is semi-outdoor and designed to blend with the surroundings, which I thought was really thoughtful. There’s always a team of friendly gardeners tending to the grounds and protecting the wildlife areas.

Wildlife Watching Tips

Early morning is best for spotting animals before it gets too hot and busy. The kids loved going on little “safari walks” before breakfast. Just remind them not to feed or touch the wildlife, no matter how cute and friendly it seems!

Hotel Grounds

The massive entertainment theatre is a great example of this- the biggest semi-outdoor theatre I’ve ever seen as part of a hotel – yet it has been designed to be sympathetic with the surroundings and classic Mexican/tropical climate design using some natural materials. Each building containing hotel rooms was built with a Mexican (Mayan?) temple-esque vibe, and the hotel as a whole has a feeling of luxury whilst remaining welcoming and un-snobby, something I suspect is normally quite hard to achieve. 

As well as the hotel rooms and restaurants, there are a few bars (including a sports bar), some shops selling souvenirs and essentials, a medical centre (thankfully not needed) and a few cafes where you could grab a coffee (I still need my coffee, even in 30 degree heat!). Just as I mentioned travel souvenirs, instead of just buying souvenirs from a local shop, you can also customize mexico-related souvenirs online. Custom enamel pins are a great idea. Whether you’ve explored the Chichen Itza, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, or Tulum Ruins, these enamel pins will help you relive those cherished memories and inspire you to plan your next adventure. You could even create personalised luggage tags Canada travelers would love, making your trips even more memorable by adding a personal touch to your travel gear. Attach them to your backpack, jacket, or hat, and let the world know about your wanderlust spirit. Attach them to your backpack, jacket, or hat, and let the world know about your wanderlust spirit.

Food: The Good, The Bad, and The Delicious

Alright, let’s talk food because this seems to be where opinions really divide on Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya.

Main Buffet Restaurant

For most of our stay, we used the main dining buffet for breakfast and dinner. Is it Michelin-star quality? Absolutely not. But was there plenty of variety and enough to keep everyone happy? Yes!

Breakfast: Loads of options including cooked breakfast items, pastries, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurts. The coffee was pretty good (important!). The kids loved making their own waffles.

Lunch: We often used the smaller Cajun-style buffet near the family pool which was more convenient than trekking to the main buffet. Burgers, salads, Mexican dishes, pasta, always something hot and fresh.

Dinner: The main buffet dinner service has themed nights (Mexican night, Caribbean night, etc.) which adds variety. There’s always a massive selection, and we never went hungry. Is it the most exciting food you’ll ever eat? No. But it’s perfectly fine family-friendly fare.

For the duration of our stay at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa we mostly used the main dining buffet for breakfast and dinner, and then a smaller buffet restaurant nearer the family pool that we liked to use when it came to lunch.

À La Carte Restaurants (Much Better!)

Here’s where the food really steps up a notch. You get to book three à la carte restaurant experiences during your stay (more if you want to pay extra). We chose the Italian and steak restaurants, and honestly, the food was superb.

The chefs in these restaurants clearly know what they’re doing. The Italian had proper authentic pasta dishes, and the steak restaurant? Adam’s ribeye was cooked to perfection.

The One Hiccup: At the steak restaurant, our food and drinks took FOREVER to come out. Nearly an hour for drinks, then two hours for food. By the time we were served, Adam and I were pretty tipsy because the waiter kept topping up our wine (presumably to distract from the delay!). It was quite funny in retrospect, but not ideal when dining with hungry kids.

Restaurant Booking Tips

Book your à la carte restaurants as soon as you check in! They fill up fast, especially the popular ones like Thai and Japanese. We really wanted Thai but it was fully booked for our entire stay, which was disappointing.

Each building has a concierge who can make reservations for you, or you can book via the resort’s website using the QR code they give you at check-in.

Special Dietary Requirements

They’re pretty good with dietary requirements. Just make sure you tell them at check-in and remind the restaurant staff when you arrive. We had no issues with the kids’ preferences, though if you have serious allergies, definitely confirm everything carefully.

The Pools: An Absolute Highlight

Right, can we just talk about how BRILLIANT the pools are at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya? Because this is where the resort really shines, especially for families.

Pool Options (Yes, Multiple!)

There are three main pool areas, plus a lazy river, plus separate kids’ pools. Let me break it down:

Family Pool (Our Favourite): This is where we spent most of our time. Different depth levels meant all three kids could enjoy it regardless of swimming ability. There’s a swim-up bar (yes please!), music playing, and organized activities throughout the day. Freddie and I got stuck into a pool volleyball match one day with about 16 other guests, which was absolutely brilliant fun.

The massive inflatable obstacle course was a huge hit with all three kids. And can I just say? Arlo actually learned to swim properly in this pool, something months of swimming lessons at home hadn’t achieved. The warm water and relaxed atmosphere just gave him the confidence he needed. Parenting win!

The Lazy River: Oh, the lazy river! This winds throughout the resort grounds and is absolutely perfect for a relaxing float with a drink in hand. The kids could’ve spent all day in it. You can bring your own inflatables or hire tubes from the resort. Word of warning though: it gets busy, so go early morning or later afternoon for a more peaceful experience.

Quiet Pool: For those times when you want peace and quiet without music or kids’ activities, there’s a dedicated adult/quiet pool. Perfect for couples or if you just fancy reading your book without pool volleyball happening around you.

Pool Cleanliness

I’m quite particular about pool cleanliness (aren’t we all?), and I genuinely couldn’t fault it. The pools are sparkling clean, clearly maintained daily, and the pool bars are well-stocked with attentive, friendly bartenders. We never had to wait long for drinks, even at busy times.

The children in particular enjoyed the ‘lazy river’, and there is also a huge ‘quieter’ pool more suited to adults who don’t want music blaring out, so something for everyone.

The only ‘downside’ if I’m being fussy is that the kids pool with a few little water slides is only really suitable for those up until about age 6. Arlo enjoyed the slides, and Sasha came on with him a few times to humour him, but Freddie was really too big now. If waterslides are a deal breaker, then this isn’t the hotel for you.

The Beach and Snorkeling: Nature at Its Best

The beach at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is stunning. Soft white sand, turquoise water, and unlike some all-inclusive resorts, it actually has fantastic snorkeling right off the shore.

What Makes the Beach Special

One of the unique things about this resort is that it has both sandy swimming areas AND rocky areas with coral, which attracts absolutely tons of tropical fish. We saw parrotfish, sergeant majors, angelfish, and even spotted a couple of sea turtles! The kids were absolutely mesmerized.

There’s an authentic Mayan ruin right on the property in a heart-shaped inlet, which is one of the prettiest spots for snorkeling. How cool is that? An actual ancient ruin on the beach!

Beach Facilities

Plenty of sun loungers and beach towels available (you collect these from the towel stations using your room card). There are shaded palapas if you need a break from the sun, and beach bars serving drinks and snacks.

The only thing to note is that the beach is rocky in places, so you’ll want water shoes for the kids and possibly for yourself. We packed ours from home, but you can buy them in the resort shop if you forget.

Snorkelling at Grand Sirenis: What You Need to Know

Water Conditions

The sea can get a bit choppy depending on the day, so keep an eye on the flag system. The kids loved jumping the waves, but the 8-year-old sometimes found it a bit much if it was particularly rough. There are calmer cove areas you can head to if needed. 

Evening Entertainment

The nightly shows in the massive outdoor theatre are pretty impressive. We saw a circus-style acrobatic show that had us all on the edge of our seats, plus various music and dance performances. The theatre is enormous but still feels intimate somehow.

After the shows, there’s a disco bar if you’re feeling energetic. We usually just headed back to our room to collapse into bed!

The Spa: Mum and Dad’s Escape

Look, as much as we love spending time with the kids, every parent needs a little “me time” on holiday, don’t they? Adam and I each took a couple of hours to visit the spa, and it was absolutely worth it.

Spa Facilities

The spa at Grand Sirenis is one of the best in the Riviera Maya area (so we were told, and I believe it!). We both had massages, which were heavenly, and I also tried the hydrotherapy circuit which includes:

• Hot tubs
• Plunge pools
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Turkish bath
• Various water jets and massage stations

The whole experience was incredibly relaxing, and the staff were professional and welcoming. It’s not included in the all-inclusive package, so you do pay extra, but honestly? Treat yourself. You deserve it after a 10-hour flight with kids!

Gym

There’s a well-equipped gym within the spa complex with ice-cold air conditioning (thank goodness!). Adam visited a few times and said the equipment was good quality and never too busy. The view from the treadmills overlooks the jungle, which beats staring at a wall in your local gym!

Kids’ Club and Family Activities

The resort does have a kids’ club called Galaxy Kids (ages 4-6) and Rap Club (ages 7-12), though our lot didn’t sign up because it would have meant splitting Arlo from his siblings by age, and none of them wanted that.

Daily Activities

There’s a packed schedule of activities throughout the day:

• Pool games and competitions
• Beach volleyball
• Water aerobics
• Archery
• Air rifle shooting
• Dance classes
• Spanish lessons
• Bingo nights
• Evening shows

The entertainment team are genuinely enthusiastic and great at getting everyone involved. We loved the mix of active and relaxed activities, so you can do as much or as little as you fancy.

Excursions: Exploring Beyond the Resort

While there’s plenty to keep you busy on-site, you’d be mad not to explore the incredible area around Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya.

What We Did

Tulum Ruins: An absolute must-see! These ancient Mayan ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean are breathtaking. We booked a half-day trip through our TUI rep (who has an office under reception), and it was brilliant even with the kids. The ruins aren’t huge, so it doesn’t require marathon walking, but the history and views are spectacular.

Cenote Visit: Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater, and they’re absolutely magical. We visited one on the same trip as Tulum, and the whole family loved swimming in the cool, clear water. It feels like something from a fantasy film!

Mayan Village: Part of our excursion included visiting a traditional Mayan village where we learned about their culture, tried some local food, and the kids got to see how chocolate is traditionally made. Really interesting and educational without feeling too “touristy.”

Other Options

The resort offers tons of other excursions:

• Chichen Itza (one of the Wonders of the World!)
• Xel-Ha water park
• Xcaret eco-park
• Playa del Carmen shopping
• Diving and snorkeling trips
• Dolphin Discovery (at the resort)

Booking Excursions

You can book through the TUI rep at the resort, or there are other tour operators in the lobby. I’d recommend booking at least one big excursion before you go, as some popular ones fill up quickly, especially during school holidays.

All the trips we did felt very safe and well-organized. Guides spoke excellent English, transport was comfortable and air-conditioned (essential in that heat!), and timing was generally good.

Practical Information You Actually Need

What to Pack

Essentials:

• High factor sun cream (and LOTS of it)
• After-sun and aloe vera
• Water shoes for rocky beach areas
• Insect repellent (especially for evenings)
• Reusable water bottle
• Snorkel gear if you have it (saves hiring)
• Light evening cover-ups for restaurants
• Medications (bring more than you think you’ll need)

Don’t Bother Packing:

• Beach towels (provided)
• Hairdryer (in rooms)
• Shampoo/conditioner (basic ones provided)
• Too many dressy outfits (it’s casual!)

Money and Tipping

Mexico uses pesos, though US dollars are widely accepted. We found it easier to have some pesos for tips and the odd purchase. There’s a currency exchange at the resort, but the rates aren’t great. Better to get some before you leave the UK or use the ATM at the airport.

As for tipping, it’s expected in Mexico:

• $1-2 per drink at bars
• $5-10 for room cleaning (we left this at the end of stay)
• $10-20 for excellent restaurant service
• $5-10 for golf buggy drivers

Weather and Best Time to Visit

We visited in February, which was absolutely perfect. Temperatures around 26-28°C, lovely and warm but not unbearably hot. Very little rain, though we did get one afternoon shower.

Best months: December to April (dry season, perfect weather) Busiest times: Christmas, February half-term, Easter Hurricane season: June to November (we’d avoid September/October)

WiFi and Staying Connected

WiFi is free throughout the resort, though you need to register at check-in. It’s decent in public areas but can be a bit patchy in rooms depending on where you are. Perfect for checking messages and social media, maybe not for streaming films.

Want to know a secret? The kids barely asked for WiFi once. They were so busy with activities, swimming, and exploring that screens just weren’t on their radar. That’s the sign of a good holiday!

All-Inclusive Package: What’s Included?

Your all-inclusive package covers:

• All meals at buffet restaurants
• Snacks throughout the day
• All drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at bars and restaurants
• Three à la carte dinners
• Access to all pools, beach, and facilities
• Daily activities and evening entertainment
• Non-motorized water sports
• Gym access

What costs extra:

• Spa treatments
• Excursions
• Dolphin encounter
• Premium spirits at some bars
• Room service (there is a charge)
• Laundry service

Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya: The Honest Verdict

What We Loved

The Staff: Honestly, the friendly, helpful, smiley staff made our holiday. From the cleaners to the bartenders to the entertainment team, everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there and went out of their way to make our stay special.

The Pools and Beach: Absolutely fantastic. Clean, well-maintained, and with enough variety that we never got bored. The snorkeling was a real bonus.

Value for Money: For what you get with the all-inclusive package, it’s brilliant value. We had a week-long holiday for a family of five without worrying about every meal or drink, which takes a lot of stress out of travel.

Wildlife and Nature: Living amongst agoutis, monkeys, and iguanas felt like a proper adventure for the kids.

Family-Friendly: Everything about this resort works for families. Multiple pool options, kids’ activities, casual dining, early dinner times, it’s all set up perfectly.

What Could Be Better

Room Quality: They’re fine but definitely showing their age. For somewhere marketed as 5-star, they’re more like a comfortable 4-star.

Restaurant Wait Times: That two-hour wait for food at the steak restaurant wasn’t great, and we heard similar stories from other guests. The à la carte restaurants need to sort out their kitchen timing.

Size of Resort: While we liked the space, if you have mobility issues or very young children, the distances can be challenging. You’re reliant on golf buggies unless you fancy a lot of walking.

Buffet Food Quality: It’s absolutely fine, but don’t expect anything spectacular. Quantity over quality, as they say.

Who Would Love This Resort?

• Families with children of any age
• Couples who like a lively atmosphere
• People who want good value all-inclusive
• Water lovers (pools, beach, snorkeling)
• Those who don’t need boutique luxury

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

• Anyone wanting small and intimate
• Guests needing cutting-edge modern rooms
• Foodies wanting Michelin-quality dining
• People who prefer ultra-quiet, adults-only vibes

Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya

Is Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa actually 5-star?

Honestly? It’s marketed as 5-star, but in reality, it’s more like a solid 4-star resort. The facilities, pools, and service are excellent, but the rooms and some aspects of the food don’t quite hit that 5-star luxury mark. That said, for the price, it’s brilliant value.

How far is Grand Sirenis from Cancun Airport?

About 90 minutes by car or coach transfer, depending on traffic and road conditions. We hit some roadworks which added time. Factor in at least 1.5-2 hours for your transfer each way.

Does Grand Sirenis have a kids’ club?

Yes! There’s Galaxy Kids for ages 4-6 and Rap Club for ages 7-12, open daily from 10am-5pm. Our kids didn’t use it (they wanted to stick together), but we saw plenty of children having a brilliant time with the organized activities.

Can you walk between the Mayan Beach and Riviera Maya sides?

You can, but it’s quite a trek, especially in the heat. Golf buggies run regularly between the two sides, or there are shuttle stops along the internal roads. We usually hopped on a buggy rather than walking.

Is the food good at Grand Sirenis?

Mixed bag, to be honest. The buffet food is absolutely fine with loads of variety, but nothing to write home about. The à la carte restaurants are much better quality, so make sure you book those. You definitely won’t go hungry!

What’s the best room location at Grand Sirenis?

If you want to be close to restaurants and the main action, request the Riviera Maya side (buildings 1000-1100). If you prefer a quieter vibe and don’t mind walking or using buggies, the Mayan Beach side is lovely. We were on Mayan Beach and liked it, though I’d probably choose Riviera side next time for convenience.

Is Grand Sirenis good for families?

Absolutely brilliant for families! Three kids’ pools, lazy river, activities all day, beach with gentle swimming areas, casual dining, and plenty of space. Our three kids (ages 8, 13, and 14) all loved it, which is saying something with that age range!

Can you snorkel at Grand Sirenis?

Yes, and it’s one of the highlights! There’s excellent snorkeling right off the beach with coral, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. You can bring your own equipment or hire it from the resort. The heart-shaped inlet with the Mayan ruin is particularly good for snorkeling.

What’s the weather like in February at Grand Sirenis?

February is one of the best times to visit. We had temperatures around 26-28°C, lovely sunshine, and only one afternoon shower the whole week. It’s dry season, so you’re unlikely to hit much rain. Perfect beach and pool weather without being unbearably hot.

Do you need to tip at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico?

While tips aren’t technically required since it’s all-inclusive, they’re definitely appreciated and expected in Mexican culture. We tipped $1-2 per drink, left money for housekeeping at the end of our stay, and tipped generously for excellent service. The staff work incredibly hard and rely on tips as part of their income.

Are there any eco-friendly or sustainable practices at the resort?

Yes, this was one of the big appeals when I discovered this hotel! The resort has a focus on sustainability, with a turtle conservation program and is an eco-conscious hotel. You should also use reef-safe suncream when swimming in the sea at the resort, or if you book a trip to swim in one of the cenotes like we did (I’ve had a few comments asking this, so thought I’d put it in the blog!). We use Neutrogena mineral suncream, which is reef safe, but always check the product details before packing for your trip.

All in all, we had an absolutely amazing holiday at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa. Despite the flight time, the whole setup is incredibly family-friendly. Even Cancun airport was bearable on the way out (much easier than arriving!).

After this experience setting the bar high, we’re now keen to try the Grand Sirenis in Punta Cana, especially as that one has a waterpark too!

Would I recommend Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya for a family holiday? Absolutely, without hesitation. Just go in with realistic expectations. It’s not cutting-edge luxury, but it’s warm, welcoming, great value, and packed with things to do. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

The friendly staff, incredible pools, amazing snorkeling, and that gorgeous Mexican sunshine have left us with memories we’ll treasure forever. Plus, Arlo can finally swim properly, which makes the whole trip worth it on its own!

If you’re a UK family looking for an all-inclusive Mexican adventure without breaking the bank, give Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya serious consideration. Just remember to book those à la carte restaurants early, pack the sun cream, and prepare for your kids to become obsessed with agoutis.

Safe travels, and if you end up going, come back and tell me what you thought! I’d love to hear about your experience.

If you’re look for a bit more a visual tour of the resort, this YouTube video is great:

I hope I’ve covered lots of the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa hotel here in this review… if I think of anything else, I’ll add it, and if you have any questions, please do comment below and i’ll do my best to get back to you! 

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