(LifeWire) - Sirenis is a Spanish resort chain with a handful of properties in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Mexico — all opened within the past decade. The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya, a large all-inclusive resort, opened in 2006 along with adjacent sister resort, the Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach. More resorts are planned for this location.
The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya is in the Akumal area, one-hour drive south of Cancún International Airport and 20 miles from the city of Playa del Carmen. It's located on the
Riviera Maya, a
great area for families, with much to explore outside the beach resorts
(-Mayan ruins, coral reef, eco-theme park, and more.) This expansive property is not only linked to a string of five beaches, but also Mayan ruins and
cenotes (natural
pools.)
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Features:
- Suites with terraces and balconies
- Numerous restaurants (including air-conditioned buffet restaurants); beach service
- Two swimming pools and a long lazy river
- good snorkeling on the coral reef, right at the resort. Yal-ku Lagoon is nearby.
- A tennis court, gym, diving center, spa; beach volleyball and football facilities
- Windsurfing, snorkeling and introductory diving lessons at no extra charge
- Theme nights and shows
- each building has a concierge to help with reservations etc.
For Families:
- "Mini club" with supervised activities for children ages 4 to 12
- Children’s pool and playground; table tennis and other games
- Rooms suited to families of five (up to 3 children under age 11) available
- Excursions can be arranged at the tour desk (extra fee) or you can explore the Mayan Riviera on your own
- families can take local transport for a day trip to Playa del Carmen
- Cribs and babysitting are available (extra fee)
Keep in Mind about Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya:
- Some activities -- such as fishing or tennis lessons -- and internet access cost extra.
- Book early for the specialty restaurants; check for dress code, too.
- Rooms are available for guests with limited mobility.
- this very large property is fairly stroller-friendly but does have many stairs.
- Visitors recommend bringing water shoes (-- parts of the beach are rocky--) and your own snorkeling gear.
- guests can visit the cenotes, but as a paid excursion.
- many rooms have an opening in the wall between the bath and sleeping areas.
Find Out More:
- See the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya site and the Sirenis Hotels site.
- Check the resort’s rating at the popular family vacation packager Apple Vacations. (At time of writing: five Red Apples, or “Superior First Class.” Six Red Apples is “Luxurious,” while one Golden Apple is “Exceptional.”)
- Read a detailed review at VacationKids.com.
- Read visitors' comments at TripAdvisor.com.
- Check prices.
This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person.
*Always check resort sites for updates!
