Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa
All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico

 . . . The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is a Beach Lovers Paradise . . .
. . . The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is Active and Fun . . .
. . . The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort offers Diverse Dining Options . . .
. . . The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort has it all! . . .

About the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort

The beautiful Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is superbly integrated with the preserved tropical vegetation.  Foot paths weave through the lush flora and fauna to five freshwater pools and is located directly on over one mile of white sand on Kantenah Beach.  The Kantenah beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Riviera Maya.

Decorated to reflect the Spanish Colonial period of Mexico and designed by a leading architect, the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort perfectly blends the latest in modern hotel design with the lush tropical flora and fauna of the resort’s natural surroundings. 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 resort's design reflects a perfect harmony between the most modern and luxurious facilities protecting the natural habitat of the native Mayan land. 

The Grand Palladium complex also features an ultramodern Spa that is 6000m2, which has the most advanced facilities and offers guests a wide variety of treatments and services.  The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort has rapidly become one of the Riviera Maya’s premium resorts.

The Grand Palladium complex in Riviera Maya consists of four (5) quality, value-added, all-inclusive hotels.  Guests vacationing at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort can use the facilities of the of four of the hotels (excluding the facilities of the “Royal Suites Yucatan” and the Royal Gourmet

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

The Grand Palladium Kantenah 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 the hotel provides a quality vacation product that is cost-effective for the discerning traveling public – quality for the dollar.  Vacationers return to the Grand Palladium Resort complex year-after-year because the hotel provides travelers with a consistent product.

 

Judy and Maria are pleased to present our Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort 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 Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort call us toll-free at 1-877-380-4142 or email travel@jmtravel.com to book your vacation.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort Location

The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort 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 Grand Palladium Kantenah 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 Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort 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 at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort

All of the above feature rooms and suites feature a spacious balcony with two chairs and a table. All rooms at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort features a king-size bed or two-double beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, TV (satellite link), 2 internal movie channels, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee or tea maker, smoke detector and iron and ironing board.

• Standard rooms feature a king-size or two-double beds.  First floor standard rooms do not have a shower only (no tub).

• All Junior Suites feature a king-size or two-double beds and a hydro massage tub, bathrobe and slippers. 

• The Suites feature the same amenities of the Junior Suites plus a living room.

• The Mayan Suites have the same amenities at the Junior Suites plus a special entrance and a spacious terrace, a luxurious bath with hydro-massage tub and an outside Mayan shower.

The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa consists of a total of 422 rooms:

Standard Rooms

• 154 standard rooms with double beds 98 standard rooms with king beds

• 74 Junior Suites with double beds

• 58 Junior Suites with king beds

• 3 Suites with double beds

• 3 Suites with king beds

• 32 Mayan Suites with king beds

 Garden view with patio or balcony, two double beds or one king bed and sleeps a maximum of our people. 

Note:  Standard rooms on the 1st floor feature a shower in the bathroom (no tub).

Junior Suites

Garden view with patio or balcony, hydro massage tub, two double beds or one king-bed, queen size pull out sofa bed and sleeps a maximum of five people (two adults and three children under 12-years-of-age).

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. The suites feature a living room.

Mayan Suites

Garden view with patio or balcony, hydro massage tub, exclusive outdoor Mayan shower, two double beds or one king bed.  Sleeps 2 adults.  Minimum age is 18 years of age.

Notes from Judy and Maria 

All of the guest rooms (Standard, Junior Suites, Suites, and Mayan Suites) at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort are luxurious, comfortable and accommodating.  The Junior Suites are spacious and comfortable and feature a whirlpool bath.

The décor of the guestrooms is Mexican. The floors are polished marble tile.  The bed and wall dressings are bright and cheerful.  Walls are sponge-texture painted with bright colors.  The dark wood furniture Kantenah and light wood furniture at the Kantenah, is elegant and comfortable. An large armoire is located across from the bed.  Inside the armoire is a remote controlled satellite television on a swivel base with 30 channels.  Underneath the television guests will find a mini-refrigerator that is stocked three-times a week with soft drinks, domestic beer and bottled water.  Each room has a programmable safe and also a coffee-maker, ironing board and iron.  A sliding glass door leads to a private patio or balcony for guests to view the magnificent grounds and pools.   The chair named "Miquelito" is of a Spanish design and is in each room and is eye catching!

 

The large marble bathroom is the best-of-the-best with a double vanity, hair-dryer, more than adequate lighting, huge marble shower, smoked glass door to the water closet.  The bathroom features a well-stocked basket of amenities (shampoo, bath gel, sewing kit, shower cap).   Towels are large and absorbent.  The water pressure in the shower was good and the shower head was high and adjustable - perfect for the very tall person.

 

For adult couples, we recommend the Mayan Suites.  The Mayan Suites are housed in three-story  buildings and feature a large sleeping area, marble bath with whirlpool bath and a glass sliding door leading to the open air (private) Mayan Shower.  The Mayan Suites are a wonderful honeymoon option. 

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort All-inclusive Program:

• 24-hour food and beverage service

• All meals, snacks, unlimited domestic drinks

• Nightly entertainment

• Sunset Boulevard Disco

• Four pools

• main lagoon pool

• adults pool

• spa pool

• children's pool

• Tennis courts

• Non-motorized watersports

• Dive shop (fee)

• Spa with sauna steam bath

• Massage treatments (fee)

• Fitness center

• Adult’s activities

• Children's activities

• Eco Center (native habitat and flamenco lagoon)

• Mini Club with children's program

• Satellite color TV in all rooms

Dining Options at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort

All meals and unlimited domestic drinks are included at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort.  Reservations are required at the á la carte restaurants and dress code applies.  Guests at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort have access to 13 bars within the resort complex, excluding the "Royal Suites Concierge Bar" (14).

Grand Palladium Kantenah Restaurants

 Three (3) Buffet Restaurants   

"El GRAN AZUL”

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.

Note from Judy and Maria:  The Palapa "El Gran Azul"  provides guests with drinks, finger food, nachos, salad, fruit and more for a late afternoon snack.  The palapa is air-conditioned inside.  We opted to eat outside under the thatched roof.  Very relaxing.  In the evenings live music is played at this location and the guests were enjoying the entertainment and dancing the night away.

"TIKAL & LA HACIENDA”

Tikal and La Hacienda are 2 large air-conditioned buffet restaurants with a "Creole Corner" and nightly show cooking.  

Note from Judy and Maria:  The La Hacienda Restaurant, located in the Colonial Section, has glass walls that are ceiling to floor and guests dine while viewing fountains and gardens.  The restaurant is air-conditioned so that food is kept cool or hot without flies and outside elements.  Breakfasts at La Hacienda are extraordinary.  Guests are greeted  with a smile at the entrance and seated. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino is served. Stations are set up that feature cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, assorted cereal boxes for children or adults, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a bread station, a Danish and pastry station, a fresh fruit and yogurt station, hot foods including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, grits and much more!   Make sure you try the bananas foster (hot caramel sauce) very decadent.

Dinner one evening at the International Buffet at the La Hacienda Restaurant: there was more food than one can even fathom.  We can't imagine anyone ever going hungry.  If you do not like something - just get something else. There was an Italian station with fresh cooked pastas, an American station with steaks, a Spanish Station, a salad bar, a bread bar, a soup bar, a fruit bar, a dessert bar and on and on.  Dinner selections are wonderful.   

The Tikal Restaurant, located in the Kantenah Section, is similar the La Hacienda Restaurant.   The only differentiation is that the restaurant is decorated in the Kantenah Section's wood and color theme. The Tikal has glass walls that are ceiling to floor and is air-conditioned so that food is kept cool or hot without flies and outside elements.    Guests are greeted with a smile at the entrance and seated.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino is served. Stations are set up that feature cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, assorted cereal boxes for children or adults, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a bread station, a Danish and pastry station, a fresh fruit and yogurt station, hot foods including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, grits and much more! 

 4 “á la carte” restaurants at the Grand Palladium Kantenah       

Notes:

• Reservations are required to dine in the á la carte restaurants.

• Guests are required to present reservation vouchers in the á la carte restaurants

• Limited á la carte options proportionate to length of stay. 

• Guests are guaranteed the following minimun number of á la carte dinner reservations by duration of nights. 

  • 3-nights 1 á la carte dinner

  • 4 to 6 nights 2 á la carte dinners

  • 7 to 13 nights 3 á la carte dinners

  • 14 nights 5 á la carte dinners

• Dress code is required.  No shorts or shirts without sleeves.  Long trousers are requested for men.

• Dinner is served from 5:30PM to 10:30 PM. 

• Restaurant times may vary from time-to-time. 

IL VATICANO

• Mediterranean selections

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Notes from Judy and Maria:  The entrance to the Italian and Mexican Restaurants and the entrance to the Japanese and Steakhouse Restaurants have a center podium set up with a host greeting and confirming reservations.  There is a relaxing sitting area and a bar prior to going in to the restaurant - a very nice atmosphere. Sit, relax, unwind, converse and have a drink prior to dinner.

The IL Vaticano Restaurant offered a very nice European Antipasto Salad Bar.  The menu offers three selections from each category - appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Maria elected to try the appetizer of penne pasta with carbonara sauce and the shrimp and rice entree.Judy elected for the soup and lasagna entree. All were very beautifully presented on fine china and each entree was delicious.  Bottles of wine are offered at an additional cost.  Bread baskets with homemade bread and a variety of desserts were offered.   Great atmosphere, good service.  Remember gentlemen: long pants required.

SUMTUORI

• Japanese selections 

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Note from Judy and Maria:  Show cooking is fun in the Japanese Restaurant. Tables are set with fine linens and napkins.  The host/hostess opens the restaurant doors for entering guests. Maria dropped her napkin and the waiter immediately ran over and replaced it with a new napkin.  We both noticed many subtle touches throughout the resort. The lighting in the a la carte restaurants was somewhat bright.   Candles have been ordered for the tables to lower lighting in order to make the atmosphere more relaxing.

EL DORADO

• International Steak House

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required 

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Note from Judy and Maria:  Guests are greeted by the host and escorted to an elegantly set table.   The restaurant is tastefully decorated in a western theme with beamed ceiling and hardwood floors.  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at the steakhouse. We asked the waiter what he recommended and he suggested the New York strip steak -- New York steak with pepper-corn sauce, mashed potatoes and apple pie and cheese cake.   Salad was also offered.  The steak was large and our meal was very flavorful (pepper sauce spicy and excellent).  Wines are offered at an additional fee. Remember gentlemen: long pants required.  Reservations are required.

LA ADELITA 

• Mexican Restaurant

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Guests vacationing at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort have the option to dine around the entire Palladium Resort Complex including the 2 buffet restaurants and the 4 á la carte restaurants located at the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort.  Reservations are required and vouchers required (number of vouchers depends on length of stay - see above).

 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

• Reservations are required to dine in the á la carte restaurants.

• Guests are required to present reservation vouchers in the á la carte restaurants

• Limited á la carte options proportionate to length of stay

• Dress code is required.  No shorts or shirts without sleeves.  Long trousers are requested for men.

• Dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Portofino

• Trattoria Restaurant

• Italian Cuisine

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

BAMBOO

• Asian specialties and Sushi Bar

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

RODIZIO

Brazilian - hand carved selections on skewers served tableside

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

RIBS and MORE

• BBQ and Grill
  

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Guests also have use of the bars and restaurants in the resort complex.  

Grand Palladium Kantenah 13 bars

Lobby Bar Kantenah
Meeting point, enjoy a cocktail
Open from 10:00 am to 12:00 am

Lobby Bar Colonial
Meeting point, enjoy a cocktail
Open from 10:00 am to 12:00 am

El Gran Azul
Overlooking the pool
Live evening music
Open until 1:00 am

Swim up bar Secret Bar
Located at the adults swimming pool

Bar El Rinconcito
Located at the swimming pool

Bar La Jarra

Beach Bar with Snacks
Open 24-hours
Note:  From 8:00 pm to 8:00 am no alcoholic drinks served except for beer
Snacks 24-hours

Bar Churchill
(smoking bar)
Premium quality International drinks

Bar Hemmingway
non smokers
reading lounge with game tables
Premium quality International drinks 

Sunset Boulevard Disco Bar
Open from prior to 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm for teen-agers
Air-conditioned
Adults from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am

Note from Judy and Maria:  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!

Two Bars in the Theme Restaurants

Located in the á la carte restaurants
Open 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Note from Judy and Maria: Domestic alcohol is served at the resort. It is forbidden to serve alcoholic drinks to youth under 18 years old.  Youth are fitted with a an identification band.  

Drinks at the bars (excluding the pool area and beach bars) are served in glassware not plastic.  A very nice touch. 

Sports Bar

Located at the Grand Palladium Kantenah

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.

Grand Palladium Kantenah 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.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Pools

Four (4) fresh water swimming pools.     

• The pride of the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is an enormous swimming pool with 4 integrated Jacuzzis and a swim-up pool bar

• Adult guests have use of a private pool for "Adults Only" featuring one (1) Jacuzzi. The pool is open until midnight with bar service included. 

• Swimming pool “El Rinconcito” close to the shopping center with 1 Jacuzzi and bar service

• Children’s pool located between main swimming pool at Grand Palladium Colonial/Kantenah.

Note:  All clients can use the five  swimming pools of the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa and of the Grand Palladium Riviera Resort and Spa.

Notes from Judy and Maria:  The the large lagoon pool is the "pride" of the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort.  Prior to departure from your home, buy a good quality raft to float around the pool.  Take the raft to your room and keep on the patio and balcony.

Lagoon Pool descriptions:

• Zero Entry at one end

• Roman columns encircle hidden Jacuzzis in center areas of the pool - very nice touch

• Ledges that are 1' 5" deep with built-in ceramic tiled lounge chairs for relaxing and refreshing
  sunbathing.  Several of the chairs double (for two)

• 5' 4" deep

• Plenty of lounge chairs

• Shaded areas are ample

• No topless sunbathing allowed at the lagoon pool

The Adult pool is located at the Colonial Section of the resort.

Grand Palladium Kantenah 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.

Note About the Beach from Judy and Maria:  The beach at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is 1-1/2 miles of white powder-like sand!  The beach at the Grand Palladium Kantenah is great for snorkeling, sunbathing, and for long walks enjoying a glorious sunrise or sunset.  This beach is magnificent!  In our opinion, the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa offers guests one of the best beaches in Riviera Maya corridor!   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). 

Located on the right side of the beach is the Scuba and Water Sports Center.  

A turtle preserve is located on the North side of the beach. Turtles choose to nest on the calmest beach with a sand bottom with a gradual upgrade.  Located on the beach is the Beach Grill and Bar offering 24-hour food service (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, nachos, great drings and more). 
 

Grand Palladium Kantenah Fitness Center

The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort features an air-conditioned fitness center offering guests a large gym with two areas:

• One offering a variety of weight lifting machines

• One offering aerobics training

The gym facilities include:

• Lockers and dressing rooms

• Sauna

• Jacuzzi

• Steam bath

• Quiet relaxation area

Note from Judy and Maria:  The Grand Palladium Resort and Spa features a state-of-the-art fitness center. The fitness center is located adjacent to the spa is air-conditioned and very well equipped with equipment.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort Medical Service

A doctor is on call 24-hours a day for emergencies. There is a fee for medical services. 

Grand Palladium Kantenah Shopping Center

The Grand Palladium Kantenah Shopping Center features:

• Photo shop

• Souvenir stores

• Craft store

• Cigar store

• Supermarket

• Non-prescription pharmacy

• Jewelry Shop

• Clothing Shop

Grand Palladium Kantenah Shuttle Service

Shuttle Service is available for guests to travel between Grand Palladium Rivera / Grand Palladium White Sand and the Grand Palladium Kantenah /  Grand Palladium Colonial, Shuttle service is from lobby to lobby.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Information

• Distance to the Beach: 0 km

• Playa del Carmen 32 km

• Distance to airport 80 km

• Distance to Cancun 95 km

• Distance to Tulum 30 km

• Resort Built in 2002

• Credit Cards:

  • Visa

  • MasterCard

• Languages spoken by staff

  • Spanish

  • English

  • French

  • German

Grand Palladium Resort Water

The water at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is purified by the resort's own osmosis treatment system.

Grand Palladium Resort Electricity

Power is supplied to the resort by the local Mexican power plant. It seems that the local power plant has a difficult time adequately supplying power to the resort(s).  The Grand Palladium Resort has installed it's own power station with back up generators to restore power outages. The power did go out on numerous occasions during our stay - back up generators kicked in within 30 seconds. 

Grand Palladium Resort Air Conditioning

The air conditioning is activated by the room key.  Electric is turned off in the guest rooms when the terrace door or window are opened.   Please keep your windows and doors closed as to ensure correct functioning of the in-room air-conditioning.  The air-conditioning worked well.

Grand Palladium Resort Shopping Center

The resort has  a small shopping center located by the Kantenah Section of the resort.  Guests can purchase sundries, nice gifts, jewelry, clothing, film, etc.  The shopping center only accepts Mexican Pesos so guests can exchange money at lobby desk located outside the shops.

Grand Palladium Resort Housekeeping Service

Guest room cleaning service is performed daily between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.  You may want to put your clean room card on the outside of door for housekeeping.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Mini Club “El Ranchito”

The Grand Palladium KantenahSupervised Mini Club "El Ranchito" is located between the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa and the Grand palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa.  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:

• Playground

• Indian Camp

• Volleyball

• Room for painting and crafts

• Video and Games

• Ecological tour within the resort to educate children on the culture, flowers and animals indigenous to the surrounding area.

 Note from Judy and Maria:  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 Grand Palladium Kids Club is the location - near the beach where parents can view the children playing.   The area is fenced in and offers structured activities.

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 at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort:

When vacationing at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort guests can enjoy the beautiful facilities and experience the following:

• Large polished marble sophisticated lobbies

• "Craft Fairs" are held several times per week at the hotel. Guests can purchase handcrafted souvenirs crafted by local artesians:

  • silver jewelry

  • paintings

  • wood carvings

  • elegant hand-beaded jewelry and hand bags

  • cigars

  • tequila

  • . . .  and much more!

 Bring home souvenirs for yourself and friends and family!

• 2 Orchid Gardens, one at the Colonial and Kantenah.  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.

• A "flamingo pond" located in the front of the Colonial and Kantenah lobbies.

• A "crocodile habitat" feeding exhibition once a week.

• Bridges and ecological walks are built within the resort complex for guests to walk and view the palm groves, jungle, mangroves and spectacular gardens.

• Spacious open air theater for daily shows and evening entertainment

• 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!

• Conference rooms

• Internet café for a fee

• Tour desks offering service, assistance and information for excursions and return confirmations of airport transportation.

• Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System

• Back up power generation system for emergencies

Grand Palladium Kantenah Spa

The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort offers guests the most spectacular and modern Spa located in Riviera Maya.   Spa facilities include:

• Reception Area

• Spa Boutique

• Relaxation area

• Steam Room

• Dry Sauna

• Jet Message Pool that is open to sky

• Jacuzzi

• Pool

• Aerobics Area

• *Beauty Salon for Hair/Nails

• *Hydrotherapy

• *Messages – Indoor and Outdoor

• *Couples Message

• *Vichy

• *Temazcal – Meditation with the essence of being purified with use of oils and ancestral techniques.

• *Eco Meditation

• *Facials

*Fee for services

The internet center is ocated on the Grand Palladium Kantenah Section of the resort 

Note from Judy and Maria:  This spectacular spa is huge and high-end.  Treatments that will take you on a journey of the senses in which your tensions will vanish and your energy will be replenished.

Grand Palladium Resort Telephone Service

All local, national and international calls made through the hotel operator and any international operator will have an additional charge.  Also, 800 numbers or collect calls from the room are charged at 40 Mexican pesos each call -- if you get a connection or not.  The telephone system will charge you automatically after the 3rd ring.  

Grand Palladium Resort Mini Bar

The mini-bar is stocked three time a week.  Guests will be charged $20 USD for additional refills. 

Grand Palladium Kantenah Restrictions

No Spring Breakers  

The following facilities are located at the Hotel Colonial, between villa 1 and 4:

• 6 Tennis courts

• Mini golf

• Riffle and Archery range

• 2 Paddle Tennis Tables

• 2 Badminton Courts

• Football Field (artificial turf)

• Pro-Soccer Field (artificial turf)

• Multi purpose court (volleyball, basketball)

• 2 Volley Beach Courts, 1 in front of the Beach Bar one next to the Snack Bar Punta Emilia.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Water Sports Activities

Included in the all-inclusive program:

• Catamaran

• Kayak

• Sail Boats

• Snorkeling

• Windsurfing

• Pedal Boats

Grand Palladium Kantenah Water Sports with an Additional Fee

• Deep-sea fishing

• Excursions

• Scuba Diving Courses

• Windsurf Lessons

• Sailing Lessons

• Motorized Water Sports

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort Entertainment

• Daily activities on the beach and swimming pool, as well as different shows during the evening in the theater.

• Children shows

• Children discotheque

• Discotheque Sunset Boulevard in Grand Palladium Riviera Resort and SPA  - air conditioned and open from 11:00 pm until 2:00 am daily.

Note:  Disco prohibited for minors under 18 yrs of age.

Note from Judy and Maria:  Entertainment options at the Grand Palladium Kantenah 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 Grand Palladium's 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!

The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort Summation ^{by Judy and Maria}

Location.  The Grand Kantenah Resort 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 Grand Palladium Kantenah is perfectly situated in the heart of the Mayan sightseeing district.

The ride from the Cancun International Airport to the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort 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 Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort is Ecological ... Tropical … and Natural.   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!

Jogging.  Early each morning we noted guests running the walkways around the resorts.

The Grand Palladium Resort complex is large, yet guests experience the feeling of low density due the skillful design of the property.  We noted that we seldom left the comfort of the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort to venture out to the other hotels in the complex. One morning Maria decided to time her walk from the Grand Palladium Riviera to the Grand Palladium Kantenah – end-to-end.  The time:  25-minutes. 

Guest Rooms.  All of the guest rooms (Standard, Junior Suites, Suites, and Mayan Suites) at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort are luxurious, comfortable and accommodating.  The Junior Suites are spacious and comfortable and feature a whirlpool bath. 

The décor of the guestrooms is Mexican. The floors are polished marble tile.  The bed and wall dressings are bright and cheerful.  Walls are sponge-texture painted with bright colors.  The dark wood furniture Colonial and light wood furniture at the Kantenah, is elegant and comfortable. An large armoire is located across from the bed.  Inside the armoire is a remote controlled satellite television on a swivel base with 30 channels.  Underneath the television guests will find a mini-refrigerator that is stocked three-times a week with soft drinks, domestic beer and bottled water.  Each room has a programmable safe and also a coffee-maker, ironing board and iron.  A sliding glass door leads to a private patio or balcony for guests to view the magnificent grounds and pools.   The chair named "Miquelito" is of a Spanish design and is in each room and is eye catching!

The large marble bathroom is the best-of-the-best with a double vanity, hair-dryer, more than adequate lighting, huge marble shower, smoked glass door to the water closet.  The bathroom features a well-stocked basket of amenities (shampoo, bath gel, sewing kit, shower cap).  Towels are large and absorbent.  The water pressure in the shower was good and the shower head was high and adjustable - perfect for the very tall person.

For adult couples, we recommend the Mayan Suites. The Mayan Suites are housed in three-story  buildings and feature a large sleeping area, marble bath with whirlpool bath and a glass sliding door leading to the open air (private) Mayan Shower.  The Mayan Suites are a wonderful honeymoon option. 

Dining Options at the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort.  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 Grand Palladium Kantenah 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:

La Hacienda Restaurant . . . The La Hacienda Restaurant, located in the Colonial Section, has glass walls that are ceiling to floor and guests dine while viewing fountains and gardens.  The restaurant is air-conditioned so that food is kept cool or hot without flies and outside elements.  Breakfasts at La Hacienda are extraordinary.  Guests are greeted  with a smile at the entrance and seated. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino is served. Stations are set up that feature cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, assorted cereal boxes for children or adults, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a bread station, a Danish and pastry station, a fresh fruit and yogurt station, hot foods including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, grits and much more!   Make sure you try the bananas foster (hot caramel sauce) very decadent.

Dinner one evening at the International Buffet at the La Hacienda Restaurant: there was more food than one can even fathom.  We can't imagine anyone ever going hungry.  If you do not like something - just get something else. There was an Italian station with fresh cooked pastas, an American station with steaks, a Spanish Station, a salad bar, a bread bar, a soup bar, a fruit bar, a dessert bar and on and on.  Dinner selections are wonderful.   

Tikal Restaurant . . . The Tikal Restaurant, located in the Kantenah Section, is similar the La Hacienda Restaurant.   The only differentiation is that the restaurant is decorated in the Kantenah Section's wood and color theme. The Tikal has glass walls that are ceiling to floor and is air-conditioned so that food is kept cool or hot without flies and outside elements.    Guests are greeted with a smile at the entrance and seated.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino is served. Stations are set up that feature cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, assorted cereal boxes for children or adults, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a bread station, a Danish and pastry station, a fresh fruit and yogurt station, hot foods including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, grits and much more!