Barcelo Maya Beach: Family All-Inclusive Vacation 2024 Review

Have you ever wished for a week away where everything is taken care of, and all you have to do is chill out and enjoy yourself? That’s exactly what we enjoyed on our recent trip to Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico! If you’re thinking about staying at Barcelo Maya Beach and wondering if it’s worth it, you’ve come to the right place!

Throughout this post, I’ll be sharing my detailed experience of our family’s all-inclusive 7-day vacation, covering everything from the highlights of my stay as well as any not-so-good parts. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether Barcelo Maya Beach is the right choice for your next getaway. So, are you ready to discover if this resort is worth your time and money? Let’s find out!

Located along the breathtaking shores of Riviera Maya, the Grand Resort boasts not just one, but 6 distinct hotels to choose from (Riviera, Beach, Caribe, Colonial, Tropical and Palace), each offering its own unique charm and amenities. While staying at the Barcelo Maya Beach, we had access to not just 1, but 4 out of the 6 hotels within the Grand Resort: Beach, Caribe, Colonial, and Tropical hotels. Additionally, you can enjoy a beautiful 2-kilometer beach walk spanning the entire Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, easily accessible by walking from one hotel to another.

Of course, we couldn’t sneak into the adults-only Riviera or the exclusive Palace, but with so much excitement happening at the 4 hotels we had access to, we hardly felt like we were missing out on anything!

This place is all-inclusive, which means we didn’t have to worry about paying extra for anything because everything was included in the package, except for tips, of course. With the all-inclusive program, you don’t need to worry about anything except relaxing and having fun. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, open bar cocktails, soft drinks, and entertainment are all included in the price.

Desjardins Odyssey Lounge Experience

Just before our flight at 7 am to Mexico, I took my family – all 8 of us – to check out the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at YUL Aéroport International Montréal-Trudeau, right near gate 63. We all enjoyed for free a light buffet, coffee and orange juice. So, no need to worry about packing snacks for the plane because we were well taken care of right there in the lounge.

The Odyssey World Elite Mastercard is truly one of my favorite travel credit cards, especially when traveling with kids! If you’re curious about the Odyssey World Elite Mastercard and its amazing benefits, I highly recommend checking out this blog post for all the details: ”Canada’s Best Travel Credit Cards for Big Savings on your Next Vacation”

What to Expect at Barcelo Maya Beach

Getting to the Barcelo Resort from Cancun International Airport takes approximately one hour by bus, covering a distance of 75 km. The resort is rated 4 1/2 stars, and offers a variety of amenities and services, such as:

• Kid’s Club (Barcy Club): Located near pools, children can enjoy activities and make new friends.

• 2004 rooms available

• 7 pools featuring integrated bars

• 11 restaurants

• 11 bars

• Free Wifi throughout the complex, the connection may be weaker at the beach and pool areas.

• Fitness center

• Spa for adults and kids (with additional fee)

Arriving at Barcelo Maya Beach

The Junior Suites and Suites at Barceló Maya Beach have been fully renovated to ensure the highest level of comfort possible. While we didn’t get one of these Suites, our room still had nice touches like a fridge stocked with water and Pepsi. I appreciated the cleanliness, especially the crisp white sheets that were changed at least twice during our visit, and new bath towels provided daily.

One concern some travelers might have is whether it’s safe to drink the water there. As a precaution, it’s generally advised not to drink tap water in Mexico, even if it’s purified at the source. However, the resort takes this issue seriously and provides plenty of bottled water for guests. Although the resort has its own water filtration system, I felt safer sticking to bottled water for drinking and brushing my teeth. It’s always better to be cautious, even when the resort takes steps to ensure water safety.

Since you won’t require your passport anywhere within the resort, each room is equipped with a safety box specifically designed to safeguard important items such as passports.

However, there’s a recurring issue with the room key cards getting deactivated. During our stay, we had to visit the front desk multiple times to exchange our cards. We were informed that the deactivation could occur if the cards were placed near our cellphones. We encountered this issue 3 times during our vacation. It’s true that when this happened, our room cards were too close to our cellphones, especially when both were kept in our small bag, which could have caused them to stop working. So, my suggestion for anyone staying here in the future is to make sure to keep your room card away from your phone to prevent this problem.

When we checked in, each of us received a bracelet (Green for adults & purple for kids), though we weren’t initially informed about any fees for lost ones. Unfortunately, my daughter lost hers because it was bothering her wrist, so she took it off herself. Luckily, they didn’t charge us for the lost kids’ bracelet, but it’s worth noting that there might be a fee for lost bracelets.

One cool thing about staying at Barcelo Maya Beach is that you might find some fun toys or inflatable goodies outside people’s room doors. These toys are left there by guests who have already enjoyed them and want to spread a little joy to others. It’s like a little gift for whoever comes next!

So, if you see a colorful floatie or a beach toys outside a room, feel free to take it and make the most of your time at the resort. Even if you didn’t bring any toys because you like to travel light, like me, you can still enjoy the beach with these surprises left by other guests. It’s a simple yet lovely way for people to share the fun and make everyone’s stay a bit more enjoyable. Just remember to return the favor and leave something fun behind when it’s your turn to check out!

Renting a Senior Electric Scooter for Mom: A Smart Choice

Once arrived, we decided to rent a 4 Wheels Seniors Electric Mobility Scooter for my mom, who has trouble walking due to knee pain. While the rental price of $300 USD for the week seemed a bit pricey, it was worth it for the convenience it provided to my mom.

On top of that, the scooter turned out to be surprisingly easy to drive! After just a few minutes of learning, even my daughter was able to take the wheel. In fact, she quickly took to driving my mom around, and even enjoyed giving my mom a bit of a thrill by pretending to go straight into walls and palm trees! It was hilarious to watch!

Navigating the resort with the scooter was a breeze. The paths were wide enough to accommodate it, making it easy for my mom to get around. What’s more, she could even venture out to explore other nearby hotels without any hassle.

Overall, renting the mobility scooter greatly enhanced my mom’s experience at the Barcelo Maya Beach, allowing her to move around comfortably and enjoy her vacation to the fullest. If you have similar mobility needs, renting a scooter at the Barcelo Maya Beach could be a great option.

Also, for younger kids, walking from one hotel to another can get exhausting after a few days. Using an electric scooter with my mom to drive her around felt like having a fun toy for them. But if you don’t need this, bringing a stroller is the best option for younger kids.

Reserve Your A la Carte Restaurants

I recommend to try and book these restaurants as soon as you arrive, as they tend to fill up quickly. The à la carte dining experience offers better quality and variety compared to the buffet. Upon check-in, head straight to the guest services office to secure your reservations. Remember that there’s a dress code for these restaurants, so leave your flip-flops and beachwear behind.

During our 7-day stay, we had the option to dine at 5 different à la carte restaurants. However, because of our large group size, we could only reserve spots at 2 out of the 5 available restaurants. Even when I tried to book for just 4 people instead of the whole group, we still couldn’t get a spot. I was disappointed that we couldn’t try all 5 restaurants included in our stay. By the third day, I was feeling tired of eating at the buffet every day. However, I’m sure that those who aren’t as picky eaters as my daughter and I are would definitely enjoy it.

While room service is available, it’s worth noting that the options are limited and come with an additional charge. Only guests staying in the Premium Junior suites or Suites can enjoy free room service. With so many buffet and restaurant choices available, we found it unnecessary to use room service during our stay.

Early Beach and Pool Seating Reservations: Start Your Day Right!

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort is a large and popular resort where many people come to enjoy their vacations. Because it’s so big and busy, it’s a good idea to get up early, around 7 am, to make sure you can get a good spot at the beach or the pool. You can do this by leaving a towel and a book on a lounge chair to save your spot. This way, you can guarantee yourself a nice spot to relax without worrying about it being taken by someone else. Just leaving a towel might not be enough, as others may mistake it for an unclaimed seat.

I was lucky to have my brother-in-law and his wife with me on this trip, as they woke up even earlier, around 6 am, to save us some nice spots. Without them, we might not have been able to find such good places to relax and enjoy the sun. So, it’s always helpful to have a plan and some early risers on your team when you’re at a busy resort like Barcelo Maya Grand Resort.

Fortunately, at Barcelo Resort, you won’t see pushy vendors like you might in the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. This means you can relax and enjoy your time without feeling pressured to buy anything on the beach.

Before heading to the beach, it’s important to check the color of the flags. A red flag indicates strong winds, so it’s best to avoid going into the water until it changes to green. During our stay, the windy conditions made the pool a better option for families with young children, while my parents enjoyed their time relaxing at the beach. Personally, I find that windy conditions can make me feel sick if I stay at the beach for too long. Even my daughter, who usually loves playing in the sand, preferred the pool during windy conditions.

Fun Activities To Do Inside the Resort

Looking for things to do without leaving the resort? Here are some exciting options:

Surf Ride and Pirates Island Waterpark

Located near Maya Mall, between Caribe and Colonial Hotel, Pirates Island Waterpark costs $20 USD per person, with free admission for children under 6. Additionally, surf lessons are available for $15 USD per hour per person. While there is a small kids’ area, I find this waterpark more suitable for older kids.

For younger kids, I personally prefer the Barcy waterpark at Colonial Hotel as one of the best options, unlike the other waterparks suitable primarily for toddlers. The best part is, it’s included with the resort, so you don’t have to pay anything extra.

Swim with Dolphins at Dolphinarium

With prices starting at $89 USD, it’s an unforgettable adventure suitable even for young kids. While we let our kids watch, they didn’t insist on swimming with the dolphins. Personally, I prefer to wait until my daughter is a bit older (8 years old or more) before letting her to swim alone with the dolphins.

Snorkeling To See Sea Turtles

For the best snorkeling experience, head to the area in front of the jaguar statue, especially for spotting sea turtles which usually appear after 5 PM, while before that, you’ll encounter plenty of fish. This spot has lots of rocks, which is perfect for spotting marine life. Remember to bring water shoes and a snorkeling mask for a comfortable and enjoyable time.

Feed the Fish

You can also head to the beach near the Riviera Maya sign to feed small fish at the end of the pier. Since my daughter wasn’t a fan of snorkeling in the rocky area with lots of waves, feeding the fish at the pier was just right for her.

Ceramic Painting

Located near the beach pathway, there’s a small shop that sells a variety of adorable ceramics, with prices ranging from $12 to $35 USD. While it can be a bit pricey, especially for larger pieces, it’s a fun activity for kids who love painting and being creative. After selecting a ceramic piece, both kids and adults can paint it, then return the next day to collect it after the glaze has been applied.

My daughter picked out a small puppy figurine for $20 USD and had a great time painting it. Although I thought it was a bit pricey, I didn’t mind paying because she really enjoyed this activity.

Play Games at Strike

Playing games at Strike can be fun, but they can also be expensive. I spent $40 USD and only got 2 small toys, which wasn’t really worth it.

Play Mini Golf

Have some fun playing mini-golf at Striker, just located at Maya Mall. You can play for free before 7 PM, making it a great choice for daytime entertainment. However, after 7 PM, it will cost about $10 USD. So, take advantage of the free hours to have a great time with family and friends.

Escape Room

The Escape Room is an excellent option for families and friends, with two rooms that can accommodate 2 to 10 people. Choose between “Secrets of the Pharaohs” for an adventure like Indiana Jones or “Cleaux’s Mansions” for a mysterious murder challenge. Each room features its own set of puzzles to solve within 30 or 60 minutes. Keep in mind that there is an additional cost for this activity.

Circus and Magic Shows

You can catch various shows every night starting at 9:30 PM. These shows are entertaining for adults and can be a good way to relax. However, the kids were excited to see the circus and magic shows, but every time we went, it turned out to be a different show, even though the front desk had told us it was a magic show that night. This made it a bit confusing for the younger ones, and they ended up getting bored. Despite their excitement to see the Circus and Magic Shows, unfortunately, the kids haven’t had the chance to watch either one.

Go Kart & Quad Cycle

Credit Tripadvisor

Ventura Fly and Ride Park offers exciting activities like Go Kart and Quad Cycle rides. Located near the Colonial Hotel, it’s conveniently located opposite the beach. While we haven’t had the chance to try it yet because we felt our kids were too young, we’ve heard from others that it’s a must-visit attraction. If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping fun during your stay, Ventura Fly and Ride Park might be just what you need!

The price for activities at Ventura Fly and Ride Park can vary depending on the specific package or duration of the activity chosen.

Carrousel Magique Tour at Maya Mall

For just $3 USD, it’s an affordable option for a bit of entertainment. My daughter begged me to take her on the ride, and seeing her happy and smiling afterward made it all worthwhile. It’s a simple pleasure that brings joy to both kids and parents.

Complimentary Bus Tour

Jump on the bus for a tour of all 6 hotels on the resort. The buses are double-deckers with an open top roof, and there’s no extra charge to ride on them. Every time my daughter saw the bus, she insisted we hop in because she was so excited. She had never seen a bus like this before, and for the best experience, we always sat in the front row on the top deck. She felt like she was driving the bus!

Shopping at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort

When it comes to shopping at Barcelo Maya, it’s important to be aware of the prices. While the resort’s gift shop has souvenirs, some items can be quite expensive. For example, I paid $25 USD for this parrot and $18 USD for 2 bags of chips. Personally, I’m not a big fan on buying souvenirs as they often collect dust at home, but I did splurge on something my daughter really liked.

If you enjoy souvenir shopping, I recommend exploring other options outside the resort or at Plaza Mexicana, which is conveniently located next to Maya Mall. It’s just a short walk away, and you may find better prices there.

Sports Activities 

Love sports? At Barceló Maya Beach, you’ll find a variety of activities to keep you active and entertained:

Sports Facilities:

• Fitness Center with Spinning Area
• Professional Soccer Field
• Basketball Court and/or Multi-Sports Court
• 2 Tennis Courts (equipment provided)
• 2 Paddle Tennis Courts (equipment provided)
• 18-hole Miniature Golf Course
• Volleyball
• Table Tennis
• Darts
• Giant Chess
• Pool Tables

Non-Motorized Water Sports:

• Pool Aerobics
• Water Polo
• Snorkel Equipment (1-hour use per day)
• Kayaks
• Water Tricycles
• Basic Windsurfing (standard boat)
• Basic Catamarans (Hobie Wave)
• Scuba Diving (weekly pool lesson, 8-minute basic lesson)

Activities at Additional Cost:

• Professional Scuba Diving Classes (PADI)
• Professional Scuba Diving
• Fishing Tours
• Jet Skis

Remember that reservations are often required for most activities and availability is subject to weather conditions. Some activities may also require a minimum skill level. Additional charges apply for professional scuba diving classes, scuba diving, fishing tours, and jet skiing.

Party Night For Teens & Adults

Discover nightlife at Barcelo’s Jaguar Discoteca! Located in the Mexicana Plaza, this spot is open from 10:30 pm until 2 am and is exclusively for those over 18 years old. With DJs spinning the latest international tunes and a lively dance floor, it’s the perfect place to let loose. Plus, enjoy free house drinks to keep the party going!

As someone who used to enjoy going to clubs but hadn’t been in a while since becoming a parent, my sisters persuaded me to give it a try during our stay. And you know what? I’m glad I did—I had a great time, even though I left around 1 am since I was already tired from the day.

If you’re traveling with teens, they can still enjoy the nightlife at the One Disco Club in the Maya Mall. Open from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am, this club offers a safe and inclusive environment for ages 13-17. With today’s hits playing and non-alcoholic beverages available, teens can have a great time too without worries.

Activities You Can Do Outside The Resort

Although the resort has lots of fun things to do, you might also enjoy trying activities outside the resort. My daughter and I stayed within the resort because we were already having a great time at the waterpark and doing other activities.

Cenote Chikin Ha

Some members of our group took a trip to Cenote Chikin Ha, a stunning natural swimming hole surrounded by lush jungle. The crystal-clear waters were perfect for snorkeling and swimming, offering a refreshing break from the resort’s pools.

Chichen Itza

Others explored Chichen Itza, diving into the interesting history and culture of the area. Strolling around the old temples and pyramids gave them a peek into the rich past of the Mayan civilization. However, it’s essential to be prepared for the heat and humidity, as there is limited shade available at the ruins. Additionally, some parts of the site may be challenging to navigate for those with mobility issues.

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Xcaret Park

Xcaret in Playa del Carmen is a popular eco-archaeological park offering a variety of activities and attractions. At Xcaret, visitors can enjoy swimming in underground rivers, exploring Mayan ruins, watching cultural performances, interacting with wildlife, and experiencing traditional Mexican cuisine. While none of us have been there, I’ve heard great things about it and knew it should be on our list to visit. However, since we already had plans within the resort every day, we didn’t have the time to visit Xcaret, which typically takes a full day to explore.

Coco Bongo Party

This is the ultimate destination for anyone ready to party! Although I couldn’t make it this time, I remember my experience back in 2010, and I had such a great time! You can find tickets at the small shop near the pool for around $89 USD per person. This price often includes roundtrip transportation to Coco Bongo and back to the hotel.

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Dining Options

A la Carte Restaurants

Let’s talk about 2 A la Carte Restaurants that I’ve personally tried:

Tokyo Restaurant

Located at the Maya Mall, Tokyo Restaurant cooks your meal right in front of you, making it a unique experience. And guess what? They also serve lobster, which I absolutely love. But if your kids don’t like lobster like my daughter; they can have beef and chicken instead.

México Lindo Restaurant

Located at Barcelo Beach Hotel, with a lovely mermaid statue at the entrance. During our 7-day vacation, everyone in our group finally had the opportunity to dine here together, although booking wasn’t easy. This restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican flavors and offers a selection of tequila a la carte. The service is usually good, but I had a small issue with my rice dish as it wasn’t cooked well. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to taste?

Now, can you guess which restaurant I liked best? After trying both, Tokyo Restaurant at Maya Mall is my favorite! I’m a big fan of lobster, but what really won me over was the cooking show right before our eyes.

My sister and brother-in-law tried 3 a la carte restaurants, including México Lindo Restaurant, and 2 others:

La Trattoria Italian Restaurant

Located at Maya Mall. They serve Italian dishes for anyone who wants a taste of Italy.

La Fuente

Located at Caribe, right beside the vibrant statue, you’ll find this restaurant. It serves Spanish-inspired food like tapas and paellas, packed with delicious flavors.

La Trattoria was the favorite among the 3 restaurants for the other group. My sister enjoyed her pasta dish, which was quite good. However, her husband, who isn’t a fan of pasta, was pleased to find meat options like pork or beef, which he really enjoyed. On the other hand, his brother found the pizza to be average because the cheese tasted different from what they’re used to, and there was a lot of cheese on it.

Here are 3 more a la carte restaurants that none of us have tried yet, but I’ve heard they’re definitely worth a visit:

Restaurant Marenostum

Located at Colonial, you can treat yourself to a selection of fresh seafood, including the famous Caribbean lobster. This restaurant was at the top of my list to try because, as you know, I love lobster! I was so disappointed that I couldn’t get a reservation. 

Santa Fe Steak House

Found at Tropical, this restaurant is perfect for meat lovers. They offer a wide range of delicious options that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Capri Italian Restaurant

Located at Colonial, Capri Italian Restaurant is the place to go for authentic Italian cuisine.

Buffets

If you’re unable to book A la Carte Restaurants, no problem! Barcelo Maya Beach Resort has lots of buffet choices available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’ll mention a few, but there are many more to try.

Beach & Caribe Buffet

These buffets can be found at the Caribe and Beach Hotel. They host various themed nights, so you’ll always have something new to try. Personally, I think the food is alright, but if you’re craving for pasta, ask the chef to make it fresh in front of you – it tastes way better that way! My daughter also thinks the same.

Colonial Buffet

Located at the Colonial Hotel, this buffet stands out for its wide selection of international dishes. What we particularly liked were their delicious rice mixed with vegetables and tasty meat options. Among the buffets we tried, Colonial Buffet was our favorite compared to others.

Captain Morgan Buffet at Caribe Hotel

Located by the swimming pool at Caribe Hotel, this grill-style restaurant offers tasty sandwiches or casual buffet. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice a large pirate ship! And if you’re a fan of beer, you’ll be pleased to discover a self-service beer tap available.

Rancho Grande Restaurant

Found close to the pool at Beach Hotel, you can’t miss the charming donkey statue! Here, you can enjoy classic favorites like hotdogs and hamburgers.

Don’t forget, these Buffets aren’t open 24 hours. Here are the hours::

Breakfast: 7:00 am to 10:30 am

Lunch: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Dinner: 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Striker

Craving a late-night snack? Head to the STRIKER bar at Maya Mall, open 24 hours a day. While the food options are limited, you can still enjoy burgers, hot dogs, and fries when all other restaurants and buffets are closed.

All-Inclusive Vacation Costs: What We Paid for Our Trip

So now you must be curious about how much it was. We booked in November 2023 and traveled in March 2024. Booking early helped us secure the best price before it increased closer to the travel date. The prices shown are in CAD since we’re from Quebec.

• Per Person Cost: $1679 CAD

• Child Cost: My daughter’s ticket cost $890 CAD.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance for myself and my daughter was already included in my Odyssey World Elite Mastercard. For my mom and dad, the travel insurance cost $155 CAD for both of them combined.

  

  Final Thoughts

  After experiencing Barcelo Maya Beach, my verdict is clear: it’s absolutely worth it! Without a doubt, I would come back without hesitation. Compared to other all-inclusive resorts I’ve experienced in the past — like those in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, and Jamaica—Barcelo Maya Beach stands out as the best. Its outstanding amenities, like many pools for all ages and lots of restaurants and buffets to enjoy, make Barcelo Maya Beach a top pick. Plus, it’s perfect for families with its great kid-friendly amenities and activities for kids. After such a memorable vacation, I can’t wait to come back again.

  

  Travel Essentials

  Ready for Your Stay at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort?

  Don’t forget these must-have travel essentials! Here’s my list of recommendations:

  • Belt Bag (Kate Spade): Keep your essentials safe and easily accessible while exploring the resort with a stylish belt bag from Kate Spade.
  • Swimwear Set: Make a splash in style with swimwear sets for moms and girls.
  • Beach Cover-Up: Stay stylish and comfortable with beach cover-ups for women.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with 1 bottle of sunscreen for adults and 1 for Kids. Reapply regularly, especially when spending time outdoors.
  • Insulated Water Bottle: Best way to keep your drinks cold for hours, which is perfect for the hot weather here.
  • Snorkel Mask for adults and for kids: Use it to explore the underwater world and see sea turtles and fish.
  • Water Shoes: Protect your feet while walking along the beach or exploring rocky areas.
  • Stroller for Younger Kids: Make walks along the beachfront more comfortable for younger kids. It’s also perfect for carrying your belongings at the pool.
  • Portable Charger: Stay connected on the go with a portable charger to keep your devices powered up throughout your stay.
  • Reusable Bags for Food: Use a Ziploc bag to store snacks or food securely. This keeps them fresh if you’re feeling hungry at night and prefer not to leave your room.
  • Travel Pill Organizer: Lightweight and small enough to fit in your wallet, suitcase, backpack, or coat pocket, making it easy to manage your medications on the go.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure peace of mind during your trip with comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

  PLAN YOUR PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY NOW AT BARCELO MAYA BEACH!

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