Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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All-Inclusive Resort | BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, located approximately 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, is the first all-inclusive resort we visited in Riviera Maya in 2008. Our flight left Pittsburgh at 7 am on a cold overcast January day. We arrived at the Cancun airport, deplaned, went through customs, and made our way out of the airport to the transportation area. We were confused by all of the resort-bound buses and vans scattered outside and concerned about finding the right one to take us to our all-inclusive resort.
Update: Until further notice, I no longer recommend visiting this resort. During a recent visit the smell from the sargassum was so intense, the beach and the pools near the beach, were basically unusable. In addition, there are not enough lounge chairs for all of the guests, and booking the a la carte restaurants involved standing in line for more than a half hour every day only to be told half of the time that nothing was available.
Transportation to the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda | Airport Shuttle
Our travel agent warned us about this area of disorder, so we knew ahead of time that we needed to leave the building, bypassing all agents trying to sell us rental cars and excursions. We sought out the Apple Vacations representatives who we knew would be wearing the flowered shirts. Outside of the airport, it can feel a little chaotic if several planes have arrived simultaneously. Still, we’ve never had a problem getting on the right transport to our resort. Just be prepared for a feeling of disorganization for a short period of time.
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Small Versus Large All-Inclusive Resort
The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is what I would consider small compared to the mega-resorts that are essentially 3 or 4 resorts in one. This resort is perfect for someone that does not want to or cannot walk far. Everything in the resort is in close proximity. Even though you can easily walk to the three swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment, and private white sand beach, golf carts throughout the resort will take you to your desired destination within the resort. For some reason, check-in was particularly slow the day we arrived, but it can vary from resort to resort and on different days of the week, depending on travel schedules and how full the hotel is at the time.
Swimming Pools, Fully Equipped Fitness Center, On-Site Spa, and More
The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda has two outdoor pools but not a swim-up bar. There is a poolside bar. They have a full-service spa and a fully-equipped fitness center. Near the private beach is a swing bar. (not to be mistaken for a swingers bar) This bar has swings for the patrons rather than bar stools, and it’s a great place to meet people and chat. The first time we sat there, a guest noted that they were surprised they had yet to meet anyone from Pittsburgh at the resort. We piped up and said, “We are from Pittsburgh!” We proceeded to have a delightful conversation with our new friends.
One of the complaints you will read about BlueBay Esmeralda is the mangroves. What are mangroves? If you don’t already know, read all about them in my blog post, Everything You Need to Know About Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Large Spacious Rooms
Our vacation prior had been on a cruise ship, so the accommodations at this resort felt enormous to us. We gasped when we entered the large room with a king-size bed and seating area. There was a private balcony that looked out into the garden. The bathroom was impressive, with a large walk-in shower and numerous showerheads and spa-quality shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer. The room had more to offer than the average hotel room in the states. The energy-efficient rooms required that your key card be placed in a slot by the door for the lights and air conditioning to work. It took us a while, but we finally figured that out with help from the staff. We always use the safe deposit box in the room for passports, extra cash, and wallets.
Hotel BlueBay Grand Esmeralda Amenities
Having a fully stocked refrigerator with soft drinks, water, and beer, felt like a real treat to us even though now it is expected. We like having a coffee maker in our room too. We tried the buffet the first day we were there and thought the food was good. Not wanting to eat at a buffet all week, we decided to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants for dinner. Back in the states, the same dinner would have cost us at least $100 or more since it includes all of your alcohol, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and after-dinner drinks. We feel this is one of the best values at the all-inclusive resorts. Because room service was included, we ordered once but preferred to eat our meals in the buffets or a la carte.
Restaurants at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda Hotel
There are six a la carte restaurants in BlueBay resort all within walking distance. One of our favorite restaurants was the French restaurant. In addition, you have your choice of Italian, Japanese, Mexican, a steakhouse, and a seafood restaurant.
BlueBay Grand Esmeralda offers A Japanese Restaurant and More
We had a memorable night at the Japanese restaurant. Before our dinner reservation, it started to pour down rain, but we used the oversized golf umbrella into our room to make our way to the semi-outdoor restaurant. The staff quickly made room for us undercover, and we had a delightful dinner. In the morning, this restaurant transitioned to a breakfast venue. I can still remember how peaceful it was to have breakfast by the pool in the morning.
Downtown Playa Del Carmen
We were given passes for a free lunch in Playa del Carmen, so we kept telling ourselves that we’d go tomorrow, but we were so busy and enjoying ourselves at the resort that we didn’t make it to Playa that time. Playa del Carmen may be for you if you like to shop, want to try other restaurants, or are looking for a happening place for nightlife. It is a popular destination and a place you should experience at least once. I’m not much of a shopper, so I’m not as drawn to it as others.
Chichen Itza
Pyramid of Kukulkan 
Ball court provided entertainment for the viewers but was treacherous for the players. 
The serpent appears here twice a year 
Sacred Cenote 
Nearby restaurant for lunch 
Much needed shade at the ruins 
El Caracol is also referred to as the observatory. El Caracol means “snail” in reference to the spiral staircase inside the tower.
Even though Chichen Itza is far from any of the resorts in Riviera Maya because it is further inland, if you want to see one of the world’s seven natural wonders, this resort is a good resort in which to stay. At Chichen Itza, you will see the world-famous Pyramid of Kukulkan, known for its appearance of a serpent cast by the shadows created during the spring and fall equinox. If you arrange your excursion through a tour group, they will pick you up at the resort and take you back. The trip will take most of the day. We left the BlueBay lobby at 7:30 am and arrived back at 7 pm. Our excursion included lunch and a tour guide that explained everything we needed to know about Chichen Itza. Visiting the ruins is a great way to learn about Mayan history and culture. Outside of Chichen Itza, locals were selling hand-embroidered handkerchiefs, but a gift shop is also available for souvenirs. When visiting the ruins, be prepared for it to be sweltering on a sunny day, especially in the summer.
Snorkeling and Swimming in a Cenote
We were smiling, but it was cold! 
This is where our group jumped 15 feet into a cenote while I shot photos instead.
Later in the week, we booked an excursion to Akumal, where we snorkeled in a park that emptied into the sea. We saw stingrays and several schools of colorful marine life. We then swam in an underground river that was very cold. Lunch included chicken, rice, and beans; all were very tasty. After lunch, we had the option to jump 15 feet into a cenote. While the others took the plunge, I shot photos. If you enjoy snorkeling, you will find many opportunities to do so in Riviera Maya. It is home to the second-largest coral reef in the world, stretching nearly 700 miles starting from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Advantages of staying at the BlueBay Esmeralda
- Close proximity to the airport. Some of our favorite resorts are nearly twice as far from the airport, but there are times I like having a short ride. Fewer stops unless you get direct transport to the resort you are staying in—less of a chance of getting stuck in traffic due to a car accident blocking the road. And on your return trip home, you don’t have to get up as early. We’ve left some of the resorts in the southern part at 6:30 am. missing breakfast, but when we stay closer to the airport, there’s usually time to grab a quick bite before we leave. That way we avoid the high prices at the airport.
- Smaller resort as opposed to the mega-resorts. Easier to navigate. This is a low-maintenance beach vacation.
- The private beach connects to other resorts and is easily accessible for those who like long walks and collecting seashells.
- The Bluebay Grand Esmeralda is the first resort where I experienced Mexican coffee. If you are not familiar with this delicious after-dinner drink and enjoy coffee and a fire show, you won’t want to miss this. Watch a video from one of the other resorts below.
- Offers COVID testing at no cost to their guests, please check with the resort or your travel agent when you book for updates.
- Close to Playa Del Carmen if you like to shop, eat at other restaurants and enjoy the nightlife outside of the all-inclusive resort
Book Your Travel
When traveling to Riviera Maya, we always book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and have the added layer of a professional to contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend contacting Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699, or email him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, you can book here or compare reviews at Tripadvisor.
I actually like the idea of a smaller all inclusive. When we travelled with the family we wanted bigger for more things to do. But now we want a little quieter space. Great to know that you don’t have to sacrifice having several different restaurants. Sounds like one for use to look at the next time we get to Cancun.
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico are always a treat. We have three months a year at any of the 7 resorts in the El Cid chain..
I’ve been to the Yucatan peninsula many years ago and really loved it there. We had rented an apartment about one hour south of Cancun to stay away from mass tourism. Although we took many day trips, I managed to see only one cenote. I’m afraid to go back since Mexico became so over touristy. At that time, there was hardly any accommodation at Tulum and today….*grief*
From whatever I have read, Cancun seems to be the sort of place where you’d want to stay in an all inclusive resort. I am usually not that person, I tend to stay in more local places such as BnBs but this vacation (whenever it happens for me) will be in an all inclusive resort for sure. Thanks for recommending the not so large Bluebay Grand, it seems like its a great combination of facilities, in a cozy place, perfect to relax!