Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya - just got back!

greengrowerbud · 09-01-2008

Monday, September 01, 2008

HOLA!!!

We have just returned from the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya and found it a wonderful experience for my wife, four children (three girls, 17 to 22 and one boy, 24 years of age) and me.

It was the trip of a lifetime for us as we were extremely impressed by the high quality and magnificent standards engendered by the staff and management of the resort. The food, its preparation, presentation and sumptuous variety was of the highest quality and it was changed up daily. All manner of sea-food, beef, chicken, pork, eggs, vegetables, salads, breads, cheeses, fruits, wines, coffees, sauces, soups, marinades and desserts were presented elegantly buffet style or formally at the 7 a la carte restaurants.

The coastline consisted of natural inlets forged into the coral shoreline, interspersed with beaches. Just yards off the shore were magnificent views of fan, brain and stag horn coral; multitudinous fish and in nearby Akumal, the opportunity to swim with giant sea turtles and sting rays. At a secluded area, just south of the main resort, alongside a rugged shoreline of bleached coral, beside a jungle of wild coconut and palm trees, amidst chameleon-like lizards could be found the tracks of giant sea turtles and their enormous nesting excavations. Apparently, late at night, these great reptiles can be heard and seen (flashlight required) performing their primordial, nesting instincts.

A trip to Coba, under the noon-day sun provided an opportunity to explore the ruins and pyramids of an ancient Mayan civilization. Nohoch Mul, a 138’ tall, steep, pyramidal structure loomed pale through the forest as we approached and beckoned to climb its step-like slope. It was challenging and exhausting to scale in the heat of the day’s 100º + temperature; a misstep or loss of balance would send a climber tumbling down the jagged slope. It was a long walk, perhaps a mile, from the parking lot to Nohoch Mul; guides, bicycles and rickshaws were available to the less robust tourist at minimal cost. By the time we returned to the rented, air-conditioned Voyageur, we were bathed in sweat and craving litres of water to staunch the threat of dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Apparently, the symptoms of dehydration somewhat mimic the onset of food and water-borne pathogenic diseases. All four of our kids suffered the consequences of dehydration during our vacation, aided and abetted by their propensity to over-indulge in the fancy, fruity, minty and readily available libations for which all-inclusive resorts are most famous.

Hot, hungry and exhausted, we headed back to the resort for our evening meal (the Grand Sirenis was on the way to Playa Del Carmen). Twenty-five minutes from Coba, ten minutes from Akumal was the Grand Cenote consisting of caverns with deep, cool, clear, fresh water in which you could SCUBA, snorkel or swim. What a respite from the scorching, relentless sun it was to dive into the clean, crisp water! What a treat! What a magnificent way to restore a hot, exhausted body. The caverns were beauty as well.

The cost of renting a van, buying fuel and paying the admission to various sites was about USD 300; that’s about USD 50 per each of us. The excursion, starting at about 0900 HR - swimming with the turtles at Akumal, visiting the archeological sites at Coba, swimming at the Grand Cenote and visiting Walmart in Playa Del Carmen for cheap booze (about the same price as duty-free) - ended at about 2200 HR, when we retired to our suites and ordered room service (a complementary perk) for a snack.

The Staff at the Grand Sirenis were extraordinarily attentive, professional and polite. At the main buffet dining hall (when we were not eating a la carte) it became our routine to dine on the terrace, with a view of the Caribbean and a rooftop display of eerily sculpted orange cubes and spheres. The six of us were served by at least three waiters attending to all manner of want. As we approached the terrace carrying laden plates of the finest delicacies, sumptuous salads, delightful casseroles or local favourites, an attendant would open the door, carry our plates to the table, pull out our chairs and spread our napkins on our laps. Offering red or white wine, glasses of lime-garnished Corona, cocktails or cappuccino, our dear, friendly waiters stood at our elbows replenishing every quaff drunk.

Two hundred USD one-dollar-bills were dispersed discreetly throughout the resort to all the staff who served us, including chamber-maids, waiters, chefs, hostesses, busboys, bartenders, cart and bus drivers, car rental attendants and on-site concierges. It was a pittance compared to the costs of services of a similar nature encountered in Toronto. Consider that the minimum wage in Mexico is 45 pesos (USD 4.50) per day. A guest in any nation with an economy dependant on tourism should be as generous as financially feasible with regard to the sprawling underclass.

Recommendations:

1. Bring lots of USD small bills; including plenty of ones, fives and tens. Any USD spent returns change in Pesos. The ‘Shopping Mall’ at the Grand Sirenis is half the price of the Cancun airport when buying trinkets and gifts for home (except for duty free).

2. If renting a vehicle, be careful when filling up at a gas station. Attendants will direct you to ‘their’ pump and open your filler cap to start pumping fuel without resetting the display to zero. It’s easy to end up paying double or triple the actual cost for fuel. BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS WHEN NAVIGATING HIGHWAY 307. SPEED BUMPS CROP UP VERY UNEXPECTEDLY!

3. Bring water shoes!!! There are navigable beaches but it’s really comfortable to wander the coast unencumbered by sharp coral, spine-clad sea urchins and blazing hot sand and pathways. Wear an old shirt (and head covering if possible) when snorkeling, the sun is relentless. Protecting the backs of legs from ultraviolet rays is very difficult.

4. Bring personal snorkeling gear (including flippers). An underwater, airtight case may be purchased at home for some digital cameras; otherwise, bring disposable underwater equipment.

5. Electrolytes (Gatorade) can be purchased at the resort. Drinking 3 or 4 litres of bottled water a day will prevent the inevitable dehydration caused by over-indulgence.

6. Try not to eat or drink off the resort. At least one guest enjoyed an ‘all-you-can-eat’ at Xel-ha, an off-site attraction, resulting in pain and diarrhea for the remainder of his vacation including the flight home.

7. Bring a flashlight. As mentioned above, sea turtles burying their eggs late at night may be seen at a desolate beach on the south end of the resort. Also, hermit crabs scurry about the surf and coral all night.

8. Bring a Spanish / English / French / Japanese phrase book. Knowing a little Spanish helps in forging friendly, personal and egalitarian bonds with the Mexicans

9. For USD 2 (each way), a ‘collectivo’ may be hailed on the main highway from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. These local transports are the means by which the off-site resort staff travels to and from work.

10. Share your (relative) wealth with those on whom we depend to provide us with a remarkable, comfortable, friendly, unforgettable and sumptuous experience. Remember, the circumstances of our measly existences have more to do with luck (or lack thereof) than of merit (or lack thereof). We are, all of us, born randomly to our own time and space.

HASTA LA VISTA, BEBÈ … !

**TeeZet** · 09-01-2008

Hola greengrowerbud!
I figured a fine first post and trip report like yours deserves its own thread (instead of it being kinda hidden in an older thread).
Great job!

(Got more pics?

)

raquelle261 · 09-01-2008

Wow!!!! What a fantastically descriptive piece! And so informative too. Brilliant job!

btodd · 09-01-2008

Great report...............we have enjoyed the Grand Sirenis twice, loved it as much as you........both times!!!

greengrowerbud · 09-06-2008

To TeeZet, raquelle261 and btodd,

Thank you all, it was a beautiful place ...

Canard · 09-08-2008

I really enjoyed your trip report. Nice and succinct. If you'll permit me to quibble on a couple of points: One should be very careful so as not to interfere with the Sea Turtles whilst they go about their business. The light of flashlights can be a real trheat to their success and it is recommendedf that if you must carry a light to have a red fileter over it. Much more info is available at Centro Ecologico Akumal Centro Ecologico: Akumal, Mexico, Ocean Research, Environmental Education, Sea Turtle Protection, Marine Research
A second point is that there is no reason to fear eating away from the bifg resorts. There are quite literally hundreds of fine quality restaurants offering visitors safe and healthy meals. Even the street stalls offer up cheap and delicious foods and people seldom get sick. You noted yourself that hot sun and losts of drinking can produce the smae symptoms. Thanks for sharing.

mayadave · 09-08-2008

Great report, the wife and I have been to the grand sirenis 3 years running, will be the 4th in February and have had a wonderful time in each case

greengrowerbud · 09-08-2008

Canard,

Of course you're right about the turtles. I didn't realize lights might affect their behaviour. We just heard about the turtles and discovered their burrows during the day; we only saw them in Akumal, swimming. After my report, I wondered whether I should have mentioned the turtles on the beach, maybe it's better to keep that information sort of secret.

As for eating off resort, our doctor told us not to, but I believe you're right when you say there's mighty fine dining everywhere in Mexico, even off the street. Our friend who was sick mentioned to us what he thought he had eaten, my intention was only to report the fact of his illness; and you're right, it could have been dehydration.

Thank you for your response. Hope to hear back from you after your vacation.

Regards,

Bud

greengrowerbud · 09-08-2008

Hi Mayadave,

Thank you for responding. You must really like the Grand Sirenis as you keep going back. I mentioned to my wife and kids about going back to GS and even though they loved it, they all said they'd like to try somewhere else. The kids thought a real 'party' place would be better (as in Playa Del Carmen); my wife thought the Barcelo would be nice (the airport bus picked up there coming and going) because the architecture (columns and arches) looked so nice. I love anywhere there's reefs, palm trees and deserted strands.

Anyone on this forum have any suggestions? In your minds, which all-inclusive did you deem, 'The Best'?

Regards,

Bud

queencityfan · 09-09-2008

Bud,
Go for the Barcelo, great beach, good food, snorkeling right from the beach.

greengrowerbud · 09-09-2008

Hi, queencityfan,

Thanks for your response.
Have you been to the Grand Sirenis and you're recommending the Barcelo as superior to the GS? As you may or may not know, snorkelling is available off the GS beach as well.
Would you say the food and service is superior as well?

Regards,
bud

btodd · 09-09-2008

I have been to both the Barcelo and the GS twice! They are both great resorts, wouldn't hesitate to recommend either of them. The Barcelo does have a much longer walkable beach. The beach at the GS, while pretty, is made up of a whole bunch of coves and doesn't lend itself to long uninterupted beach walks.

greengrowerbud · 09-09-2008

Thank you btodd for responding to my post.

Both the resorts must be great if you find the Barcelo so wonderful.

(I think Elizabeth May should join the Canadian Leadership Debate ... this isn't the forum, I know, but it's on my mind ... )

Sorry for the editorial, political comment.

Regards,

bud

Juanito · 09-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by greengrowerbud

Try not to eat or drink off the resort.

?

!

09-01-2008	#1 (permalink)
greengrowerbud sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6	Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya - just got back! Monday, September 01, 2008 HOLA!!! We have just returned from the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya and found it a wonderful experience for my wife, four children (three girls, 17 to 22 and one boy, 24 years of age) and me. It was the trip of a lifetime for us as we were extremely impressed by the high quality and magnificent standards engendered by the staff and management of the resort. The food, its preparation, presentation and sumptuous variety was of the highest quality and it was changed up daily. All manner of sea-food, beef, chicken, pork, eggs, vegetables, salads, breads, cheeses, fruits, wines, coffees, sauces, soups, marinades and desserts were presented elegantly buffet style or formally at the 7 a la carte restaurants. The coastline consisted of natural inlets forged into the coral shoreline, interspersed with beaches. Just yards off the shore were magnificent views of fan, brain and stag horn coral; multitudinous fish and in nearby Akumal, the opportunity to swim with giant sea turtles and sting rays. At a secluded area, just south of the main resort, alongside a rugged shoreline of bleached coral, beside a jungle of wild coconut and palm trees, amidst chameleon-like lizards could be found the tracks of giant sea turtles and their enormous nesting excavations. Apparently, late at night, these great reptiles can be heard and seen (flashlight required) performing their primordial, nesting instincts. A trip to Coba, under the noon-day sun provided an opportunity to explore the ruins and pyramids of an ancient Mayan civilization. Nohoch Mul, a 138’ tall, steep, pyramidal structure loomed pale through the forest as we approached and beckoned to climb its step-like slope. It was challenging and exhausting to scale in the heat of the day’s 100º + temperature; a misstep or loss of balance would send a climber tumbling down the jagged slope. It was a long walk, perhaps a mile, from the parking lot to Nohoch Mul; guides, bicycles and rickshaws were available to the less robust tourist at minimal cost. By the time we returned to the rented, air-conditioned Voyageur, we were bathed in sweat and craving litres of water to staunch the threat of dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Apparently, the symptoms of dehydration somewhat mimic the onset of food and water-borne pathogenic diseases. All four of our kids suffered the consequences of dehydration during our vacation, aided and abetted by their propensity to over-indulge in the fancy, fruity, minty and readily available libations for which all-inclusive resorts are most famous. Hot, hungry and exhausted, we headed back to the resort for our evening meal (the Grand Sirenis was on the way to Playa Del Carmen). Twenty-five minutes from Coba, ten minutes from Akumal was the Grand Cenote consisting of caverns with deep, cool, clear, fresh water in which you could SCUBA, snorkel or swim. What a respite from the scorching, relentless sun it was to dive into the clean, crisp water! What a treat! What a magnificent way to restore a hot, exhausted body. The caverns were beauty as well. The cost of renting a van, buying fuel and paying the admission to various sites was about USD 300; that’s about USD 50 per each of us. The excursion, starting at about 0900 HR - swimming with the turtles at Akumal, visiting the archeological sites at Coba, swimming at the Grand Cenote and visiting Walmart in Playa Del Carmen for cheap booze (about the same price as duty-free) - ended at about 2200 HR, when we retired to our suites and ordered room service (a complementary perk) for a snack. The Staff at the Grand Sirenis were extraordinarily attentive, professional and polite. At the main buffet dining hall (when we were not eating a la carte) it became our routine to dine on the terrace, with a view of the Caribbean and a rooftop display of eerily sculpted orange cubes and spheres. The six of us were served by at least three waiters attending to all manner of want. As we approached the terrace carrying laden plates of the finest delicacies, sumptuous salads, delightful casseroles or local favourites, an attendant would open the door, carry our plates to the table, pull out our chairs and spread our napkins on our laps. Offering red or white wine, glasses of lime-garnished Corona, cocktails or cappuccino, our dear, friendly waiters stood at our elbows replenishing every quaff drunk. Two hundred USD one-dollar-bills were dispersed discreetly throughout the resort to all the staff who served us, including chamber-maids, waiters, chefs, hostesses, busboys, bartenders, cart and bus drivers, car rental attendants and on-site concierges. It was a pittance compared to the costs of services of a similar nature encountered in Toronto. Consider that the minimum wage in Mexico is 45 pesos (USD 4.50) per day. A guest in any nation with an economy dependant on tourism should be as generous as financially feasible with regard to the sprawling underclass. Recommendations: 1. Bring lots of USD small bills; including plenty of ones, fives and tens. Any USD spent returns change in Pesos. The ‘Shopping Mall’ at the Grand Sirenis is half the price of the Cancun airport when buying trinkets and gifts for home (except for duty free). 2. If renting a vehicle, be careful when filling up at a gas station. Attendants will direct you to ‘their’ pump and open your filler cap to start pumping fuel without resetting the display to zero. It’s easy to end up paying double or triple the actual cost for fuel. BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS WHEN NAVIGATING HIGHWAY 307. SPEED BUMPS CROP UP VERY UNEXPECTEDLY! 3. Bring water shoes!!! There are navigable beaches but it’s really comfortable to wander the coast unencumbered by sharp coral, spine-clad sea urchins and blazing hot sand and pathways. Wear an old shirt (and head covering if possible) when snorkeling, the sun is relentless. Protecting the backs of legs from ultraviolet rays is very difficult. 4. Bring personal snorkeling gear (including flippers). An underwater, airtight case may be purchased at home for some digital cameras; otherwise, bring disposable underwater equipment. 5. Electrolytes (Gatorade) can be purchased at the resort. Drinking 3 or 4 litres of bottled water a day will prevent the inevitable dehydration caused by over-indulgence. 6. Try not to eat or drink off the resort. At least one guest enjoyed an ‘all-you-can-eat’ at Xel-ha, an off-site attraction, resulting in pain and diarrhea for the remainder of his vacation including the flight home. 7. Bring a flashlight. As mentioned above, sea turtles burying their eggs late at night may be seen at a desolate beach on the south end of the resort. Also, hermit crabs scurry about the surf and coral all night. 8. Bring a Spanish / English / French / Japanese phrase book. Knowing a little Spanish helps in forging friendly, personal and egalitarian bonds with the Mexicans 9. For USD 2 (each way), a ‘collectivo’ may be hailed on the main highway from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. These local transports are the means by which the off-site resort staff travels to and from work. 10. Share your (relative) wealth with those on whom we depend to provide us with a remarkable, comfortable, friendly, unforgettable and sumptuous experience. Remember, the circumstances of our measly existences have more to do with luck (or lack thereof) than of merit (or lack thereof). We are, all of us, born randomly to our own time and space. HASTA LA VISTA, BEBÈ … ! Attached Images

09-06-2008	#5 (permalink)
greengrowerbud sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6	Thanks for the encouragement ... To TeeZet, raquelle261 and btodd, Thank you all, it was a beautiful place ...

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09-01-2008	#2 (permalink)
TeeZet Non-aggressive Dutch dude Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 7,854	Hola greengrowerbud! I figured a fine first post and trip report like yours deserves its own thread (instead of it being kinda hidden in an older thread). Great job! (Got more pics? )

09-01-2008	#3 (permalink)
raquelle261 añejo Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hull, UK Posts: 1,931	Wow!!!! What a fantastically descriptive piece! And so informative too. Brilliant job!

09-01-2008	#4 (permalink)
btodd añejo Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 1,740	Great report...............we have enjoyed the Grand Sirenis twice, loved it as much as you........both times!!!

09-08-2008	#6 (permalink)
Canard way into it Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 175	I really enjoyed your trip report. Nice and succinct. If you'll permit me to quibble on a couple of points: One should be very careful so as not to interfere with the Sea Turtles whilst they go about their business. The light of flashlights can be a real trheat to their success and it is recommendedf that if you must carry a light to have a red fileter over it. Much more info is available at Centro Ecologico Akumal Centro Ecologico: Akumal, Mexico, Ocean Research, Environmental Education, Sea Turtle Protection, Marine Research A second point is that there is no reason to fear eating away from the bifg resorts. There are quite literally hundreds of fine quality restaurants offering visitors safe and healthy meals. Even the street stalls offer up cheap and delicious foods and people seldom get sick. You noted yourself that hot sun and losts of drinking can produce the smae symptoms. Thanks for sharing.

09-08-2008	#7 (permalink)
mayadave sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 7	Great report, the wife and I have been to the grand sirenis 3 years running, will be the 4th in February and have had a wonderful time in each case

09-08-2008	#8 (permalink)
greengrowerbud sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6	Canard, Of course you're right about the turtles. I didn't realize lights might affect their behaviour. We just heard about the turtles and discovered their burrows during the day; we only saw them in Akumal, swimming. After my report, I wondered whether I should have mentioned the turtles on the beach, maybe it's better to keep that information sort of secret. As for eating off resort, our doctor told us not to, but I believe you're right when you say there's mighty fine dining everywhere in Mexico, even off the street. Our friend who was sick mentioned to us what he thought he had eaten, my intention was only to report the fact of his illness; and you're right, it could have been dehydration. Thank you for your response. Hope to hear back from you after your vacation. Regards, Bud

09-08-2008	#9 (permalink)
greengrowerbud sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6	Hi Mayadave, Thank you for responding. You must really like the Grand Sirenis as you keep going back. I mentioned to my wife and kids about going back to GS and even though they loved it, they all said they'd like to try somewhere else. The kids thought a real 'party' place would be better (as in Playa Del Carmen); my wife thought the Barcelo would be nice (the airport bus picked up there coming and going) because the architecture (columns and arches) looked so nice. I love anywhere there's reefs, palm trees and deserted strands. Anyone on this forum have any suggestions? In your minds, which all-inclusive did you deem, 'The Best'? Regards, Bud

09-09-2008	#10 (permalink)
queencityfan añejo Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,207	Bud, Go for the Barcelo, great beach, good food, snorkeling right from the beach.

09-09-2008	#11 (permalink)
greengrowerbud sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6	Hi, queencityfan, Thanks for your response. Have you been to the Grand Sirenis and you're recommending the Barcelo as superior to the GS? As you may or may not know, snorkelling is available off the GS beach as well. Would you say the food and service is superior as well? Regards, bud

09-09-2008	#12 (permalink)
btodd añejo Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 1,740	I have been to both the Barcelo and the GS twice! They are both great resorts, wouldn't hesitate to recommend either of them. The Barcelo does have a much longer walkable beach. The beach at the GS, while pretty, is made up of a whole bunch of coves and doesn't lend itself to long uninterupted beach walks.

09-09-2008	#13 (permalink)
greengrowerbud sandflea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6	Thank you btodd for responding to my post. Both the resorts must be great if you find the Barcelo so wonderful. (I think Elizabeth May should join the Canadian Leadership Debate ... this isn't the forum, I know, but it's on my mind ... ) Sorry for the editorial, political comment. Regards, bud