The Art of the Honeymoon: Romance and Renewal at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Welcome to Grand Velas Riviera Maya, where sophistication is woven into every detail. Tucked between the lush Mayan jungle and the turquoise sparkle of the Caribbean Sea, this all-inclusive resort isn't your average beachfront "I do" destination. It's bold. It's elegant. And it might just be the spot for modern brides who want high design, impeccable service, and high-impact romance.
Throughout a four-day, invitation-only trip with Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, I experienced firsthand how this property doesn't just meet the needs of discerning couples—it anticipates them.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL + FIRST IMPRESSIONS
You're greeted like a long-lost royal with chilled towels, sparkling drinks, and that rare, spa-like silence that signals true refinement. The staff are impeccably trained (most bilingual, many trilingual), and unlike some destination properties, nothing feels mass-produced. Brides planning destination weddings here will appreciate how seamless logistics become when service reaches this caliber.
Your suite? Floor-to-ceiling glass, private terraces, ocean views, and soaking tubs. If you book the Presidential Suite, prepare to have your "honeymoon at home" standards ruined forever.
DAY TWO: EXPERT PLANNING + WELLNESS = BRIDAL SANITY
Experience dictates that without expert coordination, destination weddings can spiral quickly. That's where Grand Velas' wedding team excels. These aren't cookie-cutter planners handing you a binder—they're creative collaborators who help couples design a wedding that's authentically theirs, from custom menus to multi-day event planning with zero stress.
We started the day with breakfast in the Presidential Suite: cappuccinos with ocean views, fresh tropical fruit, and enough room service options to make you forget this was "included."
The property tour with the in-house wedding team revealed impressive versatility. The resort offers beachfront altars, garden ceremonies shaded by palms, chic modern ballrooms, and intimate jungle settings—all photographically stunning. Whatever your bridal aesthetic, you'll find the perfect backdrop. Bonus: they host only one wedding daily, ensuring your complete spotlight.
Post-tour, we slipped into spa robes for the afternoon at the award-winning SE Spa. If you're not scheduling a pre-wedding Water Ceremony and Wellness Massage here, you're missing the best-kept secret to stress-free bridal energy. It's serene, refined, and designed to align mind and body before the big day. (Grooms, this applies to you too.)
Dinner at Sen Lin, the resort's gourmet Asian fusion restaurant, was intimate and flavorful, and the presentation was beautiful. For rehearsal dinners or after-parties, this spot deserves serious consideration.
DAY THREE: BRIDAL GLAM, CUSTOM DETAILS, AND THAT FRIDA VIBE
For couples who want more than plug-and-play weddings, Grand Velas offers custom bridal experiences that make the journey as memorable as the destination.
Sunrise yoga started our day—a smart addition to any wedding week itinerary. It grounds your group, centers energy, and creates gorgeous content with the bridal party flowing through vinyasas surrounded by jungle with ocean views.
Next, we tried the floral wedding cake workshop, a hands-on experience available for bridal itineraries or welcome week activities. Want a signature cake with fresh blooms matching your bouquet? Consider it done. It's playful, sophisticated, and undeniably photogenic.
The Bridal Makeup Workshop followed, where beauty professionals break down elegant bridal looks and offer on-the-spot trials. Brides leave with both a polished plan and perfect glow for their big day.
We concluded with dinner at Frida, Grand Velas' elevated Mexican restaurant that blends culinary art with cultural homage. The atmosphere is romantic, the food flawless—honeymoon-date-night perfection.
DAY FOUR: FAREWELL FEASTS AND FOREVER VIBES
By Day Four, it was clear: Grand Velas transcends typical venue expectations—it's an immersive experience.
Morning breakfast at Azul offered ocean views that nearly upstaged the exceptional chilaquiles. Lunch at Chaka, nestled in jungle canopy, provided the final revelation. Natural yet refined, it's ideal for a farewell brunch your guests will remember long after departure.
SO... IS GRAND VELAS RIGHT FOR YOUR WEDDING?
What You'll Love:
• Exclusive one-wedding-per-day policy ensures VIP treatment
• Couture-level cuisine across multiple fine dining restaurants
• Exceptional service where staff anticipate every need
• Award-winning spa and comprehensive bridal wellness options
• Diverse venues for every style: beach, jungle, modern, garden
• Sophisticated suites perfect for honeymooners, families, and bridal parties
• Elevated all-inclusive experience—no wristbands, no buffets
What To Consider:
• This is investment-level luxury—budget accordingly. The value (with food, drinks, and resort activities included) is exceptional
• Outside vendors require advance coordination—they work with preferred partners, but customization is possible
• Prime dates book quickly—plan early
If you're a bride who wants her wedding to feel like a fashion editorial meets a refined retreat, and you want your honeymoon to begin the moment your welcome drink arrives, then Grand Velas Riviera Maya might be your forever place. Because when the scenery captivates, the spa rejuvenates, and the experience never falters, there's only one thing left to say: “I do.”
Visit velasweddings.com for more information.
>Written By: Veronica Bonazza