Traveling with a group is always tricky, and finding a resort to fit everyone’s needs is even harder. We’ve partnered with family travel expert Keryn Means from Walking On Travels to get the inside scoop on Barcelo Maya Grand Resort for multigenerational and group travel. 

Photo courtesy of Keryn Means/Walking On Travels

Every group requires something a little different, and not every hotel can cater to every group’s needs. Families need kid-friendly amenities. Singles want nightlife and swim up bars (OK, who are we kidding, parents want the swim up bar too). Grandparents want an easy way to connect with their kids and grandkids, but need quiet, downtime alone in their own room. While adults-only, all-inclusive resorts are great for singles and couples, and resorts aimed at families have their place, this doesn’t work for large family gatherings or those friend reunions. That’s where Barcelo Maya Grand Resort comes to the rescue.

Welcome to Barcelo Maya Grand Resort

The first thing you need to know about this resort is that it is actually five resorts in one—Barcelo Maya Palace, Barcelo Maya Tropical, Barcelo Maya Colonial, Barcelo Maya Caribe and Barcelo Maya Beach. This can feel massive, but it’s really not. The only confusing thing is that if you stay at Barcelo Maya Palace, you have access to everything at the other four resorts. If you book at one of the other four resorts, you only have access to four of the resorts, not the amenities at Barcelo Maya Palace. If you get confused, just ask a staff member. They are happy to help. Basically it is the kid’s club at the Barcelo Maya Palace (there is another at Caribe), the waterpark and the restaurants that other guests can’t access.

Photo courtesy of Keryn Means/Walking On Travels

For Singles and Couples

Aunts, uncles, friends without kids, and anyone else can kick back in a hammock or on a lounge chair at the beach for the day. Nights heat up at the club or theater where live performances are put on most nights. Swim up bars plus pool and beach side service make it easy to maximize relaxation time as well. A la carte restaurant reservations do fill up fast, so make sure you book them before you arrive to make sure you get your table at the desired time or you may find yourself having to eat earlier than you want.

For Families

Moms and dads deserve a little quiet, but their kids deserve a lot of fun on vacation. Mothers and daughters can enjoy a day at the spa. While mom relaxes at hydrotherapy, her daughter can get her hair done or have a mani/pedi at the children’s spa. Parents can drop their children off at the Barcy Club (included kids club) for activities throughout the day while they rest on the beach or snooze at El Cielo, the adults-only pool (for Barcelo Maya Palace guests only). The buffets offer great options for parents, but our favorite amenity was the kid-height buffet. Cute pastries and kid-friendly food options were so popular we saw more than one adult stooping down to pick out a few desserts.

Photo courtesy of Keryn Means/Walking On Travels

For Grandparents

Multigenerational travel is on the rise as more grandparents retire and want to travel with their children and grandchildren. Barcelo Maya Grand Resort makes it easy by giving grandparents comfortable rooms. The VIP Junior suite with swim up pools bring added quiet away from the larger pool complexes. They can still play with their grandchildren and younger 20-something kids, but they don’t have to keep up with the early morning toddler hours or late night party scene. Excursions are easy to book if anyone in the family wants to explore, but there is plenty to do for family members who want to kick back and just read a book or play a round of tennis.

Photo courtesy of Keryn Means/Walking On Travels

What Sets Barcelo Maya Grand Resort Apart?

So, now you know who in your group of family and friends should book, but here is where you can really convince your clan to come. The amenities are pretty impressive. The U Spa and Fitness Center is massive! The hydrotherapy is worth a day pass even if you don’t get a treatment. Check out the fitness center too. It may be better than your gym back home. There are classes every day that are included with your stay.

Also included in your stay:

• All non-motorized water sports
• Multiple shows
• Room service
• Buffet and a la carte meals
• Mini bar in room
• Full bars throughout the property
• Kids club
• Multiple activities (check your schedule)

The thing that really wows families and adventure enthusiasts at this property is the Flow Rider though. It is the only Flow Rider in the Riviera Maya. Flow Rider time is for an additional fee. Instructors are on site at the paid waterpark to show you how it’s done. Book a surf or boogie board lesson. Just make sure you wear the right swimsuit ladies or your bikini could go flying!

The Barcelo Maya Grand Resort also boasts the only bowling alley at a resort in Riviera Maya. This, along with mini golf, gives grandparents, kids and parents plenty to do after dinner as they wind down from a day in the sun. If you can’t miss the big game, there is a massive television with theater seating in the bowling alley too.

Photo courtesy of Keryn Means/Walking On Travels

When there is this much to do, coupled with the warm Mexican sun, soft sand and spectacular blue water of the Caribbean Sea, you may not want to leave. That’s OK. The Barcelo staff is happy to take care of you throughout your stay. So grab another mojito, snag yourself a lounge chair by the waterpark with the kids and enjoy!

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Keryn Means

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