Grand Palladium Colonial and Kantenah Resorts- Background
This popular pair of resorts -- Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, and the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa-- share a half-mile of white sand beach in a four-resort complex on the Riviera Maya south of Cancun. Location is on Playa Kantena, three miles from the tourist development of Akumal.
The other two resorts -- all part of the giant Fiesta Hotel Group -- are Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa. Guests have access to all four resorts (except for “Royal Suite” facilities) ; the Colonial is the most central.
The Riviera Maya is a top spot for family getaways, with:
- second-largest barrier coral reef in the world
- snorkeling lagoons
- unique "eco-archeological" theme park, Xcaret, and sister park Xel-Ha
- "cenotes" (deep natural pools of clear water-- great for swims)
- fascinating ruins at Tulum and Coba
- day-trip to Cozumel island, leaving from busy tourist tan Playa del Carmen
The Grand Palladium resorts are in the southern end of the Riviera Maya; driving time from the Cancun airport is about an hour and 15 minutes. Xcaret eco-theme park, Tulum ruins, and Xel-ha eco-park are nearby.
Grand Palladium Colonial and Kantenah Resorts - Features
This property has lush landscaping on 173 acres, with flamingo ponds and orchid gardens; be prepared to do some walking, on pathways and wooden bridges.
Lodgings include villas, bungalows, rooms, suites, junior suites; some can sleep five. The Colonial side has Spanish Colonial style; the Kantenah style is Mayan.
Features include:
- white sand beach
- giant lagoon-style pool; adult pools; kiddie pool
- a la carte restaurants - Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Steakhouse
- playground
- fitness center and spa
- basketball, volleyball, soccer, day tennis, bocce ball, archery, mini golf; night tennis (fee)
- complimentary snorkeling and hobie cats; at an extra charge, fishing, sunfish sailing, scuba, windsurfing, snorkeling excursions
- kids club for ages 4 to 12, 9 to 5 daily; nightly kids' shows; teen program at peak times
- entertainment shows at night are reportedly good
- possible day trips include Chichen Itza Mayan ruins, or Cozumel island
Keep in mind about the Grand Palladium resorts:
- the arrival drive can be long, if the shuttle bus has to make many other stops
- you may find some European clientele (some parts of the beach may be topless)
- as with many all-inclusives, access to specialy restaurants is limited
- a family can save money by visiting Xcaret on their own, by cab
Find out more about the Grand Palladium Colonial and Kantenah Resorts :
- See the Fiesta Hotel Group site
- see details at Apple Vacations resort write-up
- check visitors' comments at TripAdvisor.com
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!
