Labeled by Oasis as their “pleasure resort”,  Grand Oasis Sens is one of the few Cancun all-inclusive properties to actively market itself as LGBTQ-friendly (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning); the staff has undergone Diversity Training to provide a welcoming experience for all guests.  Individuals and couples of any sexual orientation are accepted at Oasis Sens.

Prepare to be “wowed” by the openness of the contemporary, multi-story lobby with its use of floor-to-ceiling glass panels providing great sunset or pool/ocean views–make sure you have a drink at the Sunset Bar which has indoor and terrace seating and watch the sun dip below Nichupté Lagoon.  At night, the neon-lit pillars in the lobby create a kind of Miami beach ambiance, but there is a wonderful evening acrobatic show (think cirque du soleil-type performance) put on here which should not be missed.  For more evening entertainment, check out the Kinky nightclub (that’s its actual name) with its burlesque-type shows.  Also, on Thursday nights guests have the opportunity to take a free “pirate cruise” leaving from the pier over by the Oasis Palm resort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest rooms continue the resort’s contemporary décor with white walls and basic white furniture; there is also a wall-to-wall curved light fixture behind the bed which can be programmed to slow-fade or rapidly pulse from one color to another (romantic or outdated–you decide).  Bathrooms have updated rainforest showerheads and hand-held body wands inside a tub/shower combo.  Upgraded Sian Ka’an guests (see Room Amenities section below) have balcony/terrace plunge pools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pool lovers will especially like the Grand Oasis Sens since the resort has three pools, one of which is an infinity pool with a great ocean view. This pool has a swim-up bar, but the bar is a little tricky to get to since it is in a raised section within the pool itself.  If you have great upper body strength you can just hoist yourself over the ledge, but most individuals will have to exit the pool, climb up a short flight of stairs, and climb down another short set of stairs to enter the swim-up bar area.  The bar itself has a largeoverhang to keep it shaded along with a double waterfall–a full cascade on the end and some continual droplets when entering/exiting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the level above the infinity pool is another pool which is supposed to be more of a quiet area, and the third pool is in the front of the resort with a sunset view.  This third pool is only for upgraded Sian Ka’an guests (see Room Amenities section below) and offers poolside cabana beds, round day beds, and its own bar at the adjoining restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grand Oasis Sens has a beach bar, but it’s only open until 6 p.m.  The beach itself is quintessential Cancun–white sand, turquoise water, and only a slight drop when approaching the shoreline.  There are palapas, cabana beds, and a small amount of natural shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This resort has an awesome array of dining options including the award winning Benazuza, a gourmet restaurant featuring the art of “molecular gastronomy” (deconstructing food to its most basic elements and recreating these elements in a different consistency/texture).  There are two new dining additions including The Black Hole, which is basically eating in the dark with nothing but black light to show you what’s going on (remember 1960’s black light posters?), and the classy tapas and wine restaurant, The Box.

If you’d like to visit other Oasis resorts, just let the concierge know and you will be given a day pass for unlimited access to that resort’s amenities–this perk is called Club Oasis Runaway.  Transportation is not included, and access to the popular Oasis Cancun may be limited during peak travel seasons or on special occasions/holidays.

Type of Resort: Adults-only, age 21 +, LGBTQ-friendly

Pro:  Unusual dining options, balcony plunge pools, quality entertainment.

Con:  Weak A/C, WiFi $, room service delivery charge, not all rooms have balconies.

Best Suited For:  Those who are comfortable being around same-sex couples or transgender individuals, guests who don’t mind not having stellar room amenities.

No. of Rooms:  358

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, in-room safe, mini-bar, flat screen TV, table and two chairs, telephone, radio alarm clock with iPod dock, coffee maker, hair dryer, tub/shower combo, and toiletries.  Room service is 24-hrs. but there is a delivery charge per order.  WiFi is an additional charge for non-Sian Ka’an guests.  Here is a breakdown of guest room categories:

• Standard/Sunset/Lagoon View:  King or two dbl beds.  Some rooms do not have balconies.
• Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds.  Some rooms do not have balconies.
• Sian Ka’an Club:  King bed, balcony/terrace with plunge pool.  NOTE:  Some Sian Ka’an balconies/terraces are so close to restaurants or the ends of the building that it reduces the overall balcony/terrace size by half and is not very private.  See the room before it is accepted, or email desired preferences prior to arrival.

Sian Ka’an Club guests have access to the following services and amenities:

• private check-in/out with Sian Ka’an concierge.  The concierge will help you make restaurant reservations when you check-in
• late check-out and early check-in subject to availability
• complimentary WiFi
• upgraded mini-bar (in addition to the regular bottled water, sodas, and beer, there should be small bottles of hard liquor)
• special room service menu
• pillow menu
• complimentary access to Benazuza Restaurant (non-upgraded guests have to pay extra)
• access to the Sunset Pool
• complimentary use of a Smart Car (insurance not included).  Non-upgraded guests will have to pay extra to rent the car.
• reduced Smart Car insurance rate
• access to Riviera Maya beach area of Sian Ka’an preserve with food and drinks included.  Non-upgraded guests may visit this area for an extra charge.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Not available. There are a lot of stairs at this resort, so individuals with mobility problems may want to consider this in terms of their comfort level in getting around.

Resort Amenities:  Three pools (infinity with raised swim-up bar section, upper level “quiet” pool, and sunset view pool for upgraded Sian Ka’an guests), spa, fitness center, tennis, access to the nine-hole par 3 golf course at Oasis Cancun (transportation not included), nightclub, pool and beach wait service, cabanas, weekly “pirate ship cruise” (every Thursday night), library, Smart Car rental, Club Oasis Runaway (access to other Oasis resorts), concierge, ATM, gift shop.

Restaurants/Bars:  Coba is the main buffet restaurant; however, there are multiple sets of marble stairs leading to this restaurant which may affect those with mobility issues.  Also, this buffet does not serve lunch and may be closed for dinner during low season.  A la cartes include Mexican (Muerdeme Mucho), Italian (Moonlight), Arabic-themed (Al Sur), The Black Hole (dining in the dark with a set menu), tapas and wine restaurant (The Box), a gourmet restaurant (Benazuza), outdoor sushi restaurant, and two “fast food” options including Mr. Wimpy for hamburgers/hot dogs and The Hippie Chic Grill.  There is also a coffee and pastries shop (Coffee and Me).  Bars include the swim-up bar, pool bar at Mr. Wimpy, beach bar, nightclub bar, wine bar, lobby bar, Sunset Bar, sushi bar, and VIP bar for Sian Ka’an guests.

Entertainment:  There are live evening shows in the lobby, nightclub shows, fire and drum show by the pool, live music, and complimentary pirate cruise over by pier at the Oasis Palm every Thursday.

Website:  http://oasishoteles.net/hotels/grand-oasis-sens