Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa
Riviera Maya, Mexico Luxury All-Inclusive Resort
The Grand Palladium White Sand is a Top Pick!
Th
e beautiful Grand Palladium White Sand is superbly integrated with the preserved tropical v
egetation. Foot paths weave through the lush flora and fauna to five freshwater pools and one salt water pool and to a pristine white sand beach and turquoise Caribbean oceanfront.
The hotel is an expansive ecological friendly resort with luxury surroundings and a magnificent artificial lagoon. The resort is built on an extension of land that is more than 1,329,800 square yards of beachfront with direct access to the beautiful white sandy beaches of “Kantenah”.
Guests vacationing at the hotel will enjoy spacious and elegant gardens with exuberant tropical vegetation and an extensive network of ecological paths and wooden bridges that invite the clients for walking. The hotel's design reflects a perfect harmony between the most modern and luxurious facilities protecting the natural habitat of the native Mayan land. The resort also features an ultramodern Spa that is 6000m2, which has the most advanced facilities and offers guests a wide variety of treatments and services.
“Stay at one, play at four” . . .
Guests staying at this all-inclusive luxury resort have full access to all of the facilities, bars and restaurants within the resort complex with the exception of the Royal Suites Yucatan and the Royal Gourmet Restaurant.
Grand Palladium is the "top-of-the-line" brand name for the Fiesta Hotels Chain from Ibiza Spain, and denotes quality, consistency and service.
From the desks of Judy and Maria
Grand Palladium White Sand Resort Review . . . 
The Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa continues to be a top vacation pick at Judy and Maria’s Travel, Inc. The reason, in our opinion, is that this value-added resort provides a quality vacation product that is cost-effective for the discerning traveling public – quality for the dollar. Vacationers return to the resort complex year-after-year because the hotel provides travelers with a consistent product.
Judy and Maria are pleased to present our review containing notes, opinions and photographs from our personal experiences at the hotels. Please enjoy the review and when you are ready to vacation at the resort call us toll-free at 1-877-380-4142 or email travel@jmtravel.com to book your vacation.
Location
The hotel is located approximately one- and one-half hour direct ride from the Cancun International Airport. The resort is located near the town of Akumal and approximately 25 minutes from the hotel is the town of Playa del Carmen. The resort is perfectly situated in the heart of the Mayan sightseeing district.
Notes from Judy and Maria
The ride from the Cancun International Airport to the hotel is approximately two and one-half hours when using the motor coach transfers. The highway has become very busy and congested with traffic. The ride is time-consuming because the motor coach stops at hotels along the corridor to drop off vacationers. We recommend the purchase of the nonstop transfers at the cost of $30.00 USD per person or the private transfers at the cost of $50.00 USD per person. The transfers will cut at least one hour off of the drive time and are much more relaxing and convenient, especially when vacations have an early morning flight departure. The nonstop and private transfers can be arranged by the travel entrepreneurs at Judy and Maria’s Travel, Inc.
Guest Rooms
All guest rooms have two double beds or one king 
bed, electronic key card for the room, full bathroom with bath and shower, hair dryer, air conditioning, color satellite television with remote control, in room safety deposit box included, coffee and tea service, ironing board and iron, direct dial telephones and patio or balcony.
The hotel consists of 264 guest rooms that are distributed throughout seven villas. Each of the seven villas consists of three floors and facilitates:
Junior Suites
All Junior Suites contain a king size or two double beds and a hydro-massage bathtub, bathrobe and slippers, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, TV (satellite link), internal movie channel, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee or tea maker, smoke detector, and ironing board with iron.
Suites
Each suite contains a king size bed, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, TV ( satellite link), internal movie channel, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee or tea maker, smoke detector, and ironing board with iron.
In additional, several suites are interconnected with Junior Suites.
Cabana Suites
The Cabana Suites have a private entrance; a spacious wooden terrace built over the lake and feature two wooden chairs, a magnificent bath with Jacuzzi and an outside shower Mayan style. In addition, the Cabana Suites feature a king bed, bathrobe and slippers, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, TV (satellite link), internal movie channel, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee or tea maker, smoke detector, and ironing board with iron.
Notes:
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Mini Bar is refilled 3 times per week. If you require an extra refill, there will be a charge of 20 US$.
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The Hotel’s electric current is 110 volts.
All of the guest rooms (Junior Suites, Suites, and Cabana Suites) are luxurious, comfortable and accommodating. The Junior Suites are spacious and comfortable and feature a large whirlpool on the balcony or terrace.
For adult couples, we recommend the Cabana Suites. The Cabana Suites are housed in one-story house-like buildings with an entrance leading into the foyer, sitting and sleeping areas. The ceilings are vaulted wood with a hanging light in the middle. A small hallway leads to a large, indoor marble floored bathroom highlighted by a large whirlpool bath. Above the whirlpool bath is a huge window that one can look out and view the saltwater lake. Off of the bathroom is a glass sliding door leading to the open air (private) Mayan Shower. The Mayan shower head is located in the mouth of a lion.
Off the sleeping area is a sliding glass door that leads to a huge wrap around wooden deck with lounge chairs. The unique private deck is situated over the salt water lake. On the deck is a launch step where guests can board their own private kayak to paddle around the salt water lake. To use the kayaks, guests will be required to sign an insurance waiver / release. The secluded Cabana Suites are the perfect honeymoon / adult’s vacation selection.
Dining Options
All meals and unlimited domestic drinks are included. Reservations are required at the á la carte restaurants and dress code applies. a la carte dining options are varied. Guests at the hotel have access to 13 bars within the resort complex, excluding the "Royal Suites and Concierge Services".
Restaurants
Two (2) Buffet Restaurants
"Kabah”
Buffet Kabah is air-conditioned and features show cooking and both an Italian and a Mexican cooking station.
"La Laguna”
Air-conditioned La Laguna features open-air dining overlooking the main pool. Specialties include an Italian Corner and show cooking.
4 “á la carte” restaurants
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Reservations are no longer required to dine in the á la carte restaurants.
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Dress code is required. No shorts or shirts without sleeves. Long trousers are requested for men.
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Dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Portofino
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Italian Cuisine
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Air conditioned
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Dress code applies
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Selected set menus
Bamboo
Rodizio
Ribs and More
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BBQ and Grill
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Air conditioned
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Dress code applies
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Selected set menus
- Located at the adult pool
- from 10:00 am to 12:00 am
El Gran Azule
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Buffet El Gran Azul is designed with an open plan allowing diners to experience the magnificent surroundings and views of the main pool. This restaurant serves continental breakfast, lunch from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, and snacks from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Tikal and La Hacienda
IL Vaticano
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Mediterranean selections
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Air conditioned
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Dress code applies
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Selected set menus
Sumatuori
- Japanese selections
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Air conditioned
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Dress code applies
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Selected set menus
El Dorado
- International Steak House
La Adelita
- Mexican Restaurant
- Air conditioned
- Dress code applies
- Selected set menus
13 bars
Swim up Pool Bar
Open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (summer) and to 6:00 pm (winter)
Punta Emila Beach Bar
Open 24-hours
from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am no alcoholic drinks served except for beer
Snacks 24-hours
Sunset Boulevard Disco Bar
Open from 11:00 pm until 2:00 am
Air-conditioned
Minors under 18 from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Adults from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am
Las Rocas Bar
Located by the salt water pool at the Grand Palladium Riviera
La Terraza Bar
“The Royal Suites” pool
International “Premium” drinks 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Two Bars in the Theme Restaurants
Located in the á la Carte Restaurants
Open 5:30PM to 10:30PM
Sports Bar
Note: Times of bars and restaurants are subject to change according to the season. Please, verify times on the information boards or the information channel on your TV (Channel 2). It is prohibited to serve alcoholic drinks to minors under 18-years-of-age.
Sports and Activities
During the Day: Activities on the beach and in the pool. Children's show in the theater and mini-disco in the discotheque.
During the Evening: Different live shows nightly in the theater, disco with numerous styles of music in an air-conditioned environment.
Pools
- Five fresh water swimming pools and one salt water swimming pool.
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The pride of the hotel is the huge lagoon swimming pool which is 3,500 square yards and features 4 integrated Jacuzzis and a swim up pool bar.
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Adult guests have use of a private pool for "Adults Only" located at the Royal Suites with waiter service. The adults' pool features one (1) Jacuzzi and the pool is open until midnight with bar service included.
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Relax in or by the Spa pool.
- Children’s Pool located between main swimming pool at Grand Palladium
Colonial/Kantenah and Beach.
- Salt-water pool built in the rocks and located by the ocean with spectacular ocean views.
Beach and Pool Towel Service
Upon arrival, guests will receive a "Towel Card." Beach towels can be picked up at the desk located by the main pool. The towel pick up schedule is from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in winter and 8:00 am to 10:00 pm in summer.
Notes from Judy and Maria
The pools are large, lagoon-style pools. The pools feature Roman-columned whirlpools in the center and along the wall are in-the-water lounge chairs for sunbathing. There are ample lounge chairs and shade palapas situated around the pool area.
The salt water pool on the ocean is breathtaking and features tiered layers with palapas for lounging under the shade or the sun. The salt water in the pool is fed by the ocean and the water level rises and lowers with the tide. We noticed that guests were building rock statues on the beach (similar to those on Easter Island). The beach by the salt water pool is perfect for snorkeling, quiet lounging and long walks.
Located near the salt-water pool is a beach bar and restaurant. The restaurant features numerous lunchselection such as chicken sandwiches, fries, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
Also located nearby were local vendors selling t-shirts, sarongs, and souvenirs. The salt-water pool is unique.
Sports Facilities
The following facilities are located at the Hotel Colonial, between villa 1 and 4:
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6 Tennis courts
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Mini golf
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Riffle and Archery range
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2 Paddle Tennis Tables
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2 Badminton Courts
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Football Field (artificial turf)
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Pro-Soccer Field (artificial turf)
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Multi purpose court (volleyball, basketball)
- 2 Volley Beach Courts, 1 in front of the Beach Bar one next to the Snack Bar Punta Emilia.
Activities
Included in the all-inclusive program:
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Catamaran
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Kayak
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Sail Boats
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Snorkeling
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Windsurfing
- Pedal Boats
Water Sports with an Additional Fee
- Deep-sea fishing
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Excursions
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Scuba Diving Courses
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Windsurf Lessons
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Sailing Lessons
- Motorized Water Sports
Notes from Judy and Maria
The hotel is constructed on and around a huge salt water lake with bridges, gardens and flowing water throughout. This resort was a monumental construction fete. Convenient, marked pathways have been built around the entire complex of hotels. One never feels crowded as the resort has a total feeling of low density and privacy.
Two Trains (Purchased in Italy). One red and one green train navigate the resort complex, stopping to pick up guests at marked points along the complex and dropping guests off at the lobbies of all four hotels. This allows easy access for guests to get from one hotel to another within the complex. Guests were having a great time riding the trains, especially when the trains go over the bridges. One afternoon a young girl (age 11) was on train. She informed us that since arriving at the hotel she has been riding the trains continously because it was so much fun. Everyone was laughing as she narrated to all on board every feature of the resort. She informed us that her mother and brother were on the beach but had nothing to worry about because security would not allow her to leave the hotel. The child was such a delight!
Two Boats on the Salt Water Lake. Two boats navigate the lake picking up guests at launch sites located throughout the White Sand and Riviera Resorts. We enjoyed our rides around the lake.
Jogging. Early each morning we noted guests running the walkways around the resorts
Entertainment
Note: Disco prohibited for minors under 18 yrs of age.
Mini Club “El Ranchito”
The Supervised Mini Club "El Ranchito" hours of operation are 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and accepts children ages 4- to 12-years of age.
Facilities and activities at "El Ranchito" Mini Club include:
Ecological tour within the resort to educate children on the culture, flowers and animals indigenous to the surrounding area.
Note: Upon your arrival at the hotel you will receive a program with all the activities for adults and children organized by the entertainment team. Please see the announcement board or our entertainment team.
Other services and complex facilities
When vacationing at the resort can enjoy the
beautiful facilities and experience the following:
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Large polished marble sophisticated lobbies
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"Craft Fairs" are held several times per week at the hotel. Guests can purchase handcrafted souvenirs crafted by local artesians:
- . . . and much more so bring home souvenirs for yourself and and friends and family!
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2 Orchid Gardens. Guest will view exotic flowers, plants and trees. Along the pathways vacationers will notice the wooden signs labeled with the flora's names and origin. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the areas local flora.
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A "flamingo pond" located in the front of the Colonial and Kantenah lobbies.
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A "crocodile habitat" feeding exhibition once a week.
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Bridges and ecological walks are built within the resort complex for guests to walk and view the palm groves, jungle, mangroves and spectacular gardens.
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Spacious open air theater for daily shows and evening entertainment
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A beautiful "Wedding Gazebo" located waterfront at the beach. Wedding couples can just imagine the breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea while exchanging wedding vows!
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Conference rooms
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Internet café for a fee
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Tour desks offering service, assistance and information for excursions and return confirmations of airport transportation.
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Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System
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Back up power generation system for emergencies
Spa
The hotel offers guests a spectacular and modern spa. Spa facilities include:
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Reception Area
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Spa Boutique
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Relaxation area
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Steam Room
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Dry Sauna
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Jet Message Pool that is open to sky
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Jacuzzi
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Pool
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Aerobics Area
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*Beauty Salon for Hair/Nails
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*Hydrotherapy
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*Messages – Indoor and Outdoor
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*Couples Message
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*Vichy
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*Temazcal – Meditation with the essence of being purified with use of oils and ancestral techniques.
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*Eco Meditation
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*Facials
*Fee for services
Fitness Center
There is an air-conditioned fitness center offering guests a large gym with two areas:
The gym facilities include:
Notes from Judy and Maria
During your vacation, schedule an appointment for one of the many spa treatments at the Spa. This large spa is most likely one of the most spectacular spas in Riviera Maya. The Spa features winding pools, whirlpools, 17 indoor massage cabins, outdoor massage cabins (great for midnight massages), a large gym equipped with the finest equipment, a beauty salon and much more. The Spa is impressive!
Medical Service
- A doctor is on call 24-hours a day for emergencies. There is a fee for medical services.
Shopping Center
The Shopping Center features:
Shuttle Service
Shuttle Service is available for guests to travel between the hotels in the complex. Shuttle service is from lobby to lobby.
Information
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Distance to the Beach: 0 km
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Playa del Carmen 32 km
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Distance to airport 80 km
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Distance to Cancun 95 km
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Distance to Tulum 30 km
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Resort Built in 2002
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Credit Cards:
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Languages spoken by staff
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Spanish
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English
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French
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German
Restrictions
Judy and Maria's Summation of the Grand Palladium White Sand
Location. The hotel is an approximately one- and one-half hour direct ride from the Cancun International Airport. The resort is located near the town of Akumal and approximately 25 minutes from the hotel is the town of Playa del Carmen. The hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the Mayan sightseeing district.
The ride from the Cancun International Airport to the hotel is approximately two and one-half hours when using the motor coach transfers. The highway has become very busy and congested with traffic. The ride is time-consuming because the motor coach stops at hotels along the corridor to drop off vacationers. We recommend the purchase of the nonstop transfers at the cost of $30.00 USD per person or the private transfers at the cost of $50.00 USD per person. The transfers will cut at least one hour off of the drive time and are much more relaxing and convenient, especially when vacations have an early morning flight departure. The nonstop and private transfers can be arranged by the travel entrepreneurs at Judy and Maria’s Travel, Inc.
Ecological. The hotel is Ecological ... Tropical … and Natural. The hotel been constructed on and around a large, man-made salt water lake. The hotel is ecological with bright-colored gardens, wildlife, palm trees, mangroves and flowing water throughout. This construction of resort was a monumental fete. Guests will find lighted and marked pathways for walking the property(s).
Two Trains (Purchased in Italy), one red and one green navigate the resort complex, stopping to pick up guests at marked points along the complex and dropping guests off at the lobbies of all four hotels. This allows easy access for guests to get from one hotel to another within the complex. Guests were having a great time riding the trains, especially when the trains go over the bridges. One afternoon a young girl (age 11) was on train. She informed us that since arriving at the hotel she has been riding the trains continuously because it was so much fun. Everyone was laughing as she narrated to all on board every feature of the resort. She informed us that her mother and brother were on the beach but had nothing to worry about because security would not allow her to leave the hotel. The child was such a delight!
Two boats navigate the salt water lake and pick up guests at launch sites located off the lobbies of White Sand and Riviera Cancun Resorts. We enjoyed our rides around the lake.
Jogging. Early each morning we noted guests running the walkways around the resorts.
Guest Rooms. All of the guest rooms (Junior Suite, Suite, and Cabana Suite) at the hotel are luxurious, comfortable and accommodating. The Junior Suite are spacious and comfortable and feature a large whirlpool on the balcony or terrace.
For adult couples, we recommend the Cabana Suites. The Cabana Suites are housed in one-story home-away-from-home buildings with an entrance leading into the foyer, sitting and sleeping areas. The ceilings are vaulted wood with a hanging light in the middle. A small hallway leads to a large, indoor marble floored bathroom highlighted by a large whirlpool bath. Above the whirlpool bath is a huge window that one can look out and view the saltwater lake. Off of the bathroom is a glass sliding door leading to the open air (private) Mayan Shower. The Mayan shower head is located in the mouth of a lion.
Off the sleeping area is a sliding glass door that leads to a huge wrap around wooden deck with lounge chairs. The unique private deck is situated over the salt water lake. On the deck is a launch step where guests can board their own private kayak to paddle around the salt water lake. To use the kayaks, guests will be required to sign an insurance waiver / release. The secluded Cabana Suites are the perfect honeymoon / adult’s vacation selection.
Dining Options. Guests have the selection of dining at any of the restaurants (buffet and á la carte) in the Grand Palladium Resort complex. Reservations are required for dining in the á la carte restaurants and a voucher system applies.
Dining at the resort is all about food preference and there are so many options that one will never be bored and even the most finicky diner will be satisfied.
We had the opportunity to dine at the following restaurants:
Rodizio “Espeto Corrido”
The Rodizio á la carte restaurant is a Brazilian dining experience. The waiters serve hand-carved meats on skewers. The selections are carved to order at your dining table. The selections on the evening we dined at the Rodizio were:
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Beef
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Port
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Turkey
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Lamb
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Sausage
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Chicken
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Vegetables
We thoroughly enjoyed dining at the Rodizio. “Good Friends, Good Wine, Good Food”
BBQ Grill “Ribs and More”
Ribs and More á la carte restaurant features ribs, chicken, steaks and much more and is the perfect selection for good old home style American selections. The décor at Ribs and More was Western motif and a nice touch was the “diner-style” booths set up along the walls of the restaurant.
We selected for our appetizer chicken fingers with honey mustard sauce. Our main course selection was pork ribs with corn-on-the-cob and other vegetables. We selected the flan for dessert. All of our selections were well prepared and flavorful.
El Dorado Restaurant
Our third á la carte restaurant selection was at the El Dorado Restaurant. The rib-eye steaks in peppercorn sauce are tremendous.
We would like to note that the buffet restaurants in the hotel complex are all wonderful and enjoyable dining experiences. We particularly enjoyed the themed cooking stations and the numerous theme nights, Italian selections made to order. Pasta . . . Pizza . . . Hand-carved Meats . . . and so much more. We sometimes say to ourselves that the buffet restaurants are our favorites because of the vast selection of well-prepared fresh food that we can personally select.
Beach. The beach at the resort is 1-1/2 miles of white powder-l
ike sand! The beach is great for snorkeling, sunbathing, and for long walks enjoying a glorious sunrise or sunset. This beach is magnificent! There are more than adequate numbers of Palapas and beach chairs for sunbathing. Located off-shore is a coral reef. The sea water is warm, calm and peaceful with breathtaking views of palm trees and turquoise and azure to deeper blue sea water. On the left side of the beach is a very good snorkeling area. Snorkeling equipment is offered free of charge for one hour per day per guest (guests may be able to keep equipment longer dependant upon occupancy of the resort).
Entertainment. Entertainment options are varied and wonderful! The theater is located adjacent to lobby and is open-aired. The resort offeres waiter service for drinks (in glass not plastic) at the theater. The caliber of the entertainment is top-notch. One evening the show was a Las Vegas Review and the costuming was beautiful (costumes are made on site). The shows are very professionally presented and choreographed. You just won't believe it until you see it! One evening the show was a comedy show with a twist - impersonators of Whitney Houston, Elvis, Michael Jackson just to name a few. The team of entertainers are energetic, well-rehearsed and fresh! Take note of the costumes, backgrounds and the lighting. You will enjoy the shows, especially the children who are asked to participate on the stage!
Sunset Boulevard Disco The Sunset Boulevard Disco is said to be one of the best discos between Cancun and Tulum. This disco is extremely high energy and well decorated - a 50s theme -a wonderful atmosphere for all. A sports car is located inside the entrance of the disco. Located around the bar are full-sized mannequins of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean. Posters of Hollywood with neon tube lighting are hung on the walls. A glass wall featuring guitars signed by famous artists are hung on plexi-glass between the sitting area and the bar area. The dance floor is black and white checked and is illuminated by the disco's lighting Teenagers are allowed to use the disco from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM and adults only from 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM. Don't miss out on the fun!
Kid Club. The Palladium Resorts are well-known for their fabulous children's program featuring daily social, recreational and sports activities for children ages 4-to 12-years. A nice feature of the Kids Club is the location - near the beach where parents can view the children playing. The area is fenced in and offers structured activities.
Pools. The pools at the are large, lagoon-style pools. The pools feature Roman-columned whirlpools in the center and along the wall are in-the-water lounge chairs for sunbathing. There are ample lounge chairs and shade palapas situated around the pool areas.
The salt water pool on the ocean is breathtaking and features tiered layers with palapas for lounging under the shade or the sun. The salt water in the pool is fed by the ocean and the water level rises and lowers with the tide. We noticed that guests were building rock statues on the beach (similar to those on Easter Island). The beach by the salt water pool is perfect for snorkeling, quiet lounging and long walks.
Located near the salt-water pool is a beach bar and restaurant. The restaurant features numerous lunch selection such as chicken sandwiches, fries, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Located nearby were local vendors selling t-shirts, sarongs, and souvenirs. The salt-water pool is unique.
Spa fitness center. During your vacation, schedule an appointment for one of the many spa treatments at the Grand Palladium Spa. This large spa is most likely one of the most spectacular spas in Riviera Maya. The Grand Palladium Spa features winding pools, whirlpools, 17 indoor massage cabins, outdoor massage cabins (great for midnight massages), a large gym equipped with the finest equipment, a beauty salon and much more. The Grand Palladium Spa is impressive
One of the Top Selling Hotels Ever. The Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa continues to be one of the top selling resorts at Judy and Maria’s Travel, Inc. The reason, in our opinion, is that this value-added hotel provides a quality vacation product that is cost-effective for the discerning traveling public – quality for the dollar. Vacationers return to the hotel complex year-after-year because the hotel provides travelers with a consistent product.
Book your Vacation Today. Enjoy the photo tours and when you are ready to book your vacation call Judy and Maria's Travel, Inc. toll-free at 1-877-380-4142 or email travel@jmtravel.com
Good Service . . . Industry Relationships . . . Knowledge . . . and Expertise
. . . Sets Judy and Maria's Travel, Inc. apart from the others! . . .
Book Vacation: Call Toll Free: 1-877-380-4142 . . . or email: travel@jmtravel.com
Contact Information
Cattera Federal Puerto Juarez - Chetumal
Km. 256+100. Municipio del Solidaridad
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Riviera Maya