Finding Wellness at Grand Velas Riviera Maya: My Wellnessing Journey
I had the honour of experiencing the Wellnessing Getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Maya last June, and I'm still reflecting on what was truly one of the most inspiring wellness experiences I've ever had. As a luxury travel advisor, I wanted to experience every aspect of the program firsthand so I could confidently share it with my clients. The beauty of Wellnessing is that you can participate as much—or as little—as you like. Everything is included when staying on-site at Grand Velas, making this an exceptional value for anyone looking to combine wellness, luxury, and meaningful connection. The program blends movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and relaxation in a way that feels approachable, uplifting, and genuinely transformative.
Before the event officially began, I arrived early to experience the renowned SE Spa. Spanning 90,000 square feet and recognized with Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star status, the spa is a destination in itself. The hydrotherapy circuit alone is worth arriving early for. Once the Wellnessing program began, we were welcomed with a beautiful sound bath ceremony and invited to set our intentions for the days ahead by writing them down and hanging them from a symbolic tree. We also participated in smoke cleansing, meditation, and a creative exercise where we connected with Mother Nature by contributing to a shared art installation made entirely from items gathered outdoors. It was the perfect way to slow down, disconnect from daily life, and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2 began with a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call and an energizing run club led by marathon coach Fany Valencia. Participants learned running fundamentals, stretching techniques, and could choose a 3 km to 5 km route that included a few fun surprises and motivational moments along the way. Afterward, we headed to the beach for functional training with fitness coach Korey Rowe. His classes were no joke! Thankfully, the Wellness Recovery Cabana was set up right beside the workout area, offering complimentary recovery treatments and freshly blended protein shakes, including several non-dairy options. In the afternoon, we attended a fascinating smudge workshop where we learned about cleansing rituals and received our own supplies to continue the practice at home. We finished the day with an outdoor cycling class overlooking the ocean before enjoying a well-earned dinner at Frida, one of the resort's outstanding Mexican restaurants.
Day 3 followed a similar morning routine before we traded functional fitness for a challenging yet incredibly fun Pilates class on the beach. The afternoon brought more wellness activities along with a private pool party exclusively for Wellnessing guests. That evening was one of the culinary highlights of the entire trip: dinner at Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor. Every course was spectacular, the service was flawless, and the entire experience was included as part of our stay. It is rare to find this caliber of dining at an all-inclusive resort, and it perfectly demonstrates how Grand Velas continues to redefine luxury all-inclusive travel.
Day 4 started with the luxury of sleeping in before heading to a bounce fitness class. Each participant had their own trampoline, and while it looked fun (which it absolutely was), it was also one of the toughest workouts of the week! After class, we headed toward the beach only to discover that functional training had already started. Such a disappointment... which naturally meant we "had" to spend time at the Wellness Recovery Cabana instead. In the afternoon, we attended a fascinating longevity workshop led by preventive health physician Dr. Danny Garza. Her presentation focused on healthy lifestyle choices, skin health, and aging prevention. One statistic that stuck with me was that approximately 80% of visible skin aging is linked to sun exposure. We left with an incredible assortment of wellness-focused giveaways and practical tips to bring home. After a resort tour and a relaxing afternoon by the pool, we gathered for the farewell beach celebration. The theme of this year's event was the elements, and our final evening celebrated Fire. Twinkling lights lined the beach while live music, surprise fireworks, and a DJ dance party created a truly magical atmosphere.
As the event came to a close, one thing became very clear: Wellnessing is about so much more than fitness classes and healthy meals. It's about connection, gratitude, inspiration, and creating space to focus on yourself. Grand Velas spared no expense in delivering an experience that felt luxurious, meaningful, and incredibly well curated. Every member of our group left feeling refreshed, motivated, and connected—not only to themselves but to the incredible people they met along the way.
Join Me in June 2027
I’m excited to be hosting a exclusive Lawrence Park Travel group to the Wellnessing Getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in June 2027 and would love for you to join me!
This is an opportunity to focus on your well-being while enjoying five-star accommodations, exceptional dining, world-class spa experiences, energizing fitness classes, and time to relax and recharge alongside a wonderful community of like-minded travellers.
I’d love to share this experience with you. Let’s make June 2027 a chance to reconnect, recharge, and do something wonderful for yourself.
