Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat Review: a Caribbean Wellness Journey

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The view of the adult pool at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Resort.
Adults-only pool at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Looking for the perfect wellness summer escape with your girls? Look no further! I had the time of my life at the inaugural Wellnessing Retreat at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a AAA Five Diamond luxury resort. Channeling Frida Kahlo’s empowering words, “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can,” this retreat was all about discovering our incredible resilience and having a blast doing so!

Reconnect and Recharge

Summer is the perfect time for self-reflection and fun, and this retreat hit the sweet spot. It was four fabulous days filled with classes by celebrity trainers, holistic health workshops, rooftop yoga sessions with the Caribbean breeze, and tons of activities designed to help us reconnect with ourselves and each other. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically – this retreat had it all.

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Gym training class with celeb trainer at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat.
HIIT workout with Korey Rowe. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Workouts with Celebrity Trainers

Get ready to sweat with the stars! We had fitness classes led by trainers who work with celebrities like Adriana Lima, Glen Powell, and Hailey Bieber. Korey Rowe’s HIIT and core-strengthening workshop was a blast, pushing us to our limits with high-intensity interval training. Talk about a full-body workout!

Working up a sweat with cycling class at the Grand Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat
Steph Currie’s cycling class. Photo credit: InJoy Photography

Meanwhile, Mexico City-based cycling instructor Steph Currie energizes her classes with motivational words and high-intensity routines. Her cycling sessions are meticulously choreographed to match an electrifying playlist, keeping your heart rate up and your spirits high.

Steph’s classes are designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, build leg strength, and boost overall endurance, making them a thrilling and effective component of the retreat’s fitness offerings. Steph’s positive words and affirmation served as the true motivation behind pushing us to our limits and not giving up. The Caribbean breeze never felt better after working up that sweat!

Ice bath pep talk at the Grand Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat.
Lucy Nelles instructing an ice bath class. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Invigorating Ice Bath

After those intense workouts, we cooled down with a cold plunge ice bath, guided by Miami’s wellness guru Lucy Nelles. It was daunting at first, but her breathing exercises and explanations of the benefits—like better circulation and muscle tension relief—totally convinced us. Plus, we felt like total rock stars afterward!

View of sound therapy class t the Grand Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat.
Sound therapy ceremony. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Sound Therapy & Cacao Ceremony

Next up, we relaxed into the vibrations and sounds of soft ritual music. Channeling into our zen, the power of sound and vibrational frequencies drew our attention inwards, aligning us with harmony and balance.

Accompanied by the sound therapy is a meditative cacao drinking ceremony. Used for centuries by indigenous cultures for its medicinal, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes, a cacao ceremony is a spiritual and cultural ritual that assists in emotional well-being and spiritual grounding.

View of the spa room at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat.
Spa room. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Luxe Spa Treatments

No wellness retreat is complete without pampering, and the award-winning spa at Grand Velas did not disappoint. We indulged in massages, facials, body wraps, and hydrotherapy circuits. Each treatment was tailored to help us relax, renew, and balance. Heavenly!

Enjoy a short rib dinner at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat.
Short rib for dinner. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Gourmet Dining Delights

Foodies, rejoice! The culinary experiences at this all-inclusive resort were off the charts. Recently awarded the coveted Michelin Star, Cocina de Autor took us on an expansive culinary journey from start to finish. From presentation to service, indulging in the multi-course tasting menus was one of the many highlights of this trip.

Another fine-dining option that we enjoyed is Frida. Renowned for its refined atmosphere, attentive hospitality, and inventive dishes that highlight Mexico’s lively flavors and diverse culinary legacy. Its menu offers an array of classic Mexican fare with a modern twist, crafted from locally procured, fresh ingredients. There are countless other options on property to explore, such as casual poolside service, breakfast and lunch buffets, and 24-hour in-room dining.

A king-sized room at the Grand Velas Maya Wellness Retreat.
View of bedroom. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Luxurious Accommodations

After our fun-filled days, retreating to our luxurious rooms was pure joy. We stayed in the adults-only Grand Class accommodations, with stunning ocean views, a private plunge pool, and butler service. The expansive terrace was perfect for unwinding, and the exclusive dining venues and concierge assistance made us feel like VIPs.

Ready for Round Two!

A Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat branded yoga mat.
Yoga mat with Grand Velas branding. Photo credit: Lauren Harby

Leaving the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Wellness Retreat, we felt recharged and inspired. This getaway was exactly what the doctor ordered, and we can’t wait to do it all over again next summer. Who’s in for round two?

At the age of 16, Lauren’s wanderlust was ignited as she embarked on a trip to her father’s homeland of Jordan, earning her first passport stamp. The sound of the iconic Boeing 747 engine left a lasting impression on her. She swiftly realized that life was not meant to be grounded but rather lived in constant pursuit of awe-inspiring beauty that renders one silent. Since then, Lauren has made it her mission to explore as much of the world as possible.
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