Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach Hotel and Spa, located several miles north of Akumal, is actually part of the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya resort complex. Its sister resort, the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort and Spa, sits immediately adjacent–both resorts have full exchange privileges with one another. Although it’s not marketed as a mega-resort, it is a large property with approximately 1,000 guest rooms, four pools, eight a la cartes, a sports court, tennis courts, archery range, spa, fitness center, dolphinarium, and an on-site disco–given the resort’s size, there is a shuttle service available. The resort complex is not far from the highway (it’s approximately a ten minute walk from the lobby) which provides great accessibility for guests wishing to take the inexpensive colectivo to cities along the Riviera Maya beachfront, including Akumal, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen.
Two lobby entrances, GS Mayan Beach is on the right
Those who like futuristic, minimalist contemporary design will enjoy the overall look of the resort. There are lots of clean, simple lines with a Mayan-inspired flair, such as the angled guest room buildings. Both Grand Sirenis lobbies are cavernous with very high ceilings, glass paned wall, modern furniture, and sculpture pieces. The lobbies are located in the same general vicinity at the resort and are connected via a walkway generated from the lobby bars.
Guest room buildings, courtesy Sirenis Resorts
Spacious guest rooms also have a contemporary feel with their unique entertainment center, simple furniture pieces, and trapezoid window with frosted glass between the bedroom and bathroom areas. Although a unique room feature, it may pose privacy issues for families traveling with older children or friends traveling together. Bathrooms routinely include a Jacuzzi tub and separate jetted shower. While vacation club/timeshare owners have access to all room types, those who don’t own a piece of Sirenis Resorts only have access to the standard Jr. Suites; guests may upgrade at the resort for a price if there is availability.
Jr. Suite with trapezoid bathroom window, courtesy Sirenis Resorts
The Grand Sirenis resort is situated around a series of protected coves with the reef approximately 20 yards offshore which makes this a great location for snorkelers. Guests can see many varieties of fish, squid, turtles, and even rays and barracudas, especially if venturing a little further out. Snorkeling equipment use is complimentary; however, guests are only allowed to use the resort’s equipment for one hour per day–bring your own gear for unlimited fun. Although a good location for snorkeling, it isn’t as great a location for ocean swimmers or those who enjoy long beach walks. This is a rocky section of coastline; getting into the water is a challenge in certain sections, so bring water shoes as well. Although all guests may enjoy the beach bar, the roped-off section with the cabanas is for vacation club/timeshare owners.
Aerial view, courtesy Sirenis Resorts
The Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach has one main pool with a double-sided swim-up bar, in-pool Jacuzzis, and several built-in loungers; this side of the resort also offers easiest accessibility to the lazy river. There are several spots along the route where guests can pick up tubes and float the ten minutes it takes to complete the circuit. Also, adjacent to the main pool is the ice cream shop, a very popular stop for most guests, while the equally popular coffee shop is near the lazy river.
Lazy river, courtesy Sirenis Resorts
Main pool with double sided swim-up bar, courtesy Sirenis Resorts
The Grand Sirenis complex recently introduced several new amenities–new walking paths (coastal trail, jungle/scrub trail, and jungle/mangrove trail) along with the dolphinarium. There is one daily performance which is free for all guests, while interacting with the dolphins is an extra charge.
Those wishing to know more information about the Grand Sirenis complex can visit the following website: www.grand-sirenis.com (go to the forum section for Q and A). The primary Grand Sirenis website is a decent introduction to the resort but may not be detailed enough for those wanting more specific information.
This resort complex often has reduced rates which makes it a bargain given all its amenities, so look around prior to booking for the best deal.
NOTE: This write-up is primarily for amenities at the Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach; visit the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya page for specifics on that resort’s on-site amenities.
Type of Resort: Family-friendly
Pro: Snorkeling off the beach, lazy river
Con: Rocky shoreline, ocean swimming, WiFi $, in-room safe $
Best Suited For: Families with children ages 4-8
No. of Rooms: 408 Jr. Suites
Room Amenities: King or two dbl beds, A/C, balcony/terrace, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, sofa bed, armchair, desk and chair, ceiling fan, two telephones, coffee maker, radio alarm clock, iron/ironing board, robe and slippers, hair dryer, jetted shower, Jacuzzi tub, and toiletries. Room service is from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. WiFi is an additional charge (per device); in-room signal tends to be weak while the strongest signal occurs in the lobby. The Jr. Suite is the only room type available to those who don’t own a Sirenis Resorts timeshare.
- Jr. Suite: King or two dbl beds
- Jr. Suite Partial Ocean View: King or two dbl beds
Physically Challenged Rooms: Available
Resort Amenities: Main pool (with swim-up bar, in-pool Jacuzzis, and built-in loungers), lazy river, disco, motorized and non-motorized water sports, dive shop, coffee shop, ice cream shop, resort shuttle service, pool and beach wait service, guest room building concierge, tour desk, gift shop, sundries shop, car rental, and ATM. (See Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort and Spa for a list of amenities on the other side of the resort).
Restaurants/Bars: There are two buffet restaurants, one adjacent to each lobby area; six a la cartes are grouped together midway between the two resorts. A la cartes include Mexican (El Patio), Italian (Cinecitta), Brazilian (La Gira Rodizio), Japanese (Ikebana–teppanyaki show tables), and Mediterranean (Las Barcas). The French a la carte, Le Relais Gourmand (age 12+), is an additional cost and not part of the all-inclusive package. The only a la carte directly on-site is Cajon/Creole cuisine (Bayou), while the steakhouse is over at the sister resort. There is a limit to the number of a la cartes–three for every seven nights stay at the resort. Reservations can be made upon arrival with your guest room building concierge. Other meal/snack options include a daily beach BBQ, snacks by the beach bar during the day and by the lobby at night. There is also an excellent ice cream shop and coffee bar. Four on-site bars include the lobby bar, swim-up bar, beach bar, and the disco bar.
Entertainment: There is a theater located at the sister resort which hosts nightly shows, while live music occurs both at the lobby and on the beach. The on-site disco stays open until 2 a.m.
Website: http://www.sirenishotels.com/en/info/hotel/grand_sirenis_mayan_beach_hotel_spa/
Terrible management. Cleaning employee was seen by another guest picking up my cell phone and putting onto his cart but it was never returned to me and the manager said he didn’t believe me and was in no way responsible for this and did NOTHING to help us.
So sorry that happened to you, terrible way to ruin a vacation.