I recently returned from a stay at the new adults-only section of the Barcelo Maya Grand resort.  It’s called the Barcelo Maya Riviera, and it is a complete reversal in appearance from the rest of this megaresort.  While a vacationer is more likely to feel as if one is in Mexico at the other resorts in this complex, the new adults-only section is very contemporary looking with modern decor, sleek lines, updated technology, huge screens in the lobby areas, and a much more spartan look throughout.  Guests at the new adults-only section have full access to all amenities at the other resorts at this complex including being able to eat at Palace restaurants without any extra charges.

I will be posting an entirely separate blog article concerning the specifics of the Barcelo Maya Riviera resort; however, this post will focus on the Jr. Swim-Up Suite.  I was given a swim-up suite in the Premium building which is the building located closest to the beach.  All swim-up suites are Premium Level upgraded suites (they all entitle access to Premium upgrade amenities and services), but there are three types of swim-ups–Jr. Suites, Suites (Master Swim-Ups), and Governor Swim-Up Suites.  While the location in the Premium building was close to one of the resort’s pools in one direction and beach loungers in the other, it was a long walk to the lobby and restaurants.

The Jr. Suite itself is supposed to be 495 sq. feet, but it was more than enough room for two persons.  It is supposed to be able to accommodate three, but the sofa in my designated swim-up did not look like a standard pull-out sofa bed (I checked under the pillows and sofa cushions).  Perhaps it can be made up with linens to be a bed without pulling it out?  I’m not sure, plus I didn’t have three in my party to test out the viability of the option.

The king bed is HUGE–the website states that it is called a “Super King bed” which is a combo of two double beds put together, certainly more than enough space, but not so much that you have to use semaphore code to say goodnight to your partner.  The bathroom area can be closed off from the rest of the suite, but the shower itself is next to the bedroom area and has only a partially frosted glass panel which allows a semi-peek show while one is taking a shower.  This may pose a problem for friends traveling together, or families who have adult children along for vacation.

All balconies and terraces at this resort have a Jacuzzi; it takes approximately 40 min. to fill up–bring your own bubble bath because the resort only includes bath salts.  The jets work wonderfully and the Jacuzzi can fit two persons in a tight squeeze.  The terrace also includes a small table and two chairs along with a double tiled pool lounger and two in-pool circular tables, perfect for setting drinks upon.  Neither the pools nor the swim-ups are heated, and lack of full exposure to daily sun in most swim-ups makes utilizing them questionable during some winter months.  The water was a bit chilly during the month of February, but it would be very usable in about another month of warm weather.

Below is the video I made of my suite.  If you want to see more pics and short videos of this room and the resort in general, you can check out my Instagram accounts of allinclusivegal and seemegtravel.  There will be many more photos of the room and resort in my resort review.  In the meantime, have a look at the video and tell me what you think of this suite category–would you stay here?