Maybe you have vacationed atVidanta Nuevo Vallarta and stayed in the Grand Mayan or Grand Bliss. I’m sure it was a fabulous week, but maybe you’re wondering if the Grand Luxxe upgrade is worth the $200/ night extra.
this was the topic of a recent Youtube video on Youtube.com/mayanrental but this post will help people who prefer reading to answer that question for themselves.
The pros and cons are different in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya. So this post will only address Nuevo Vallarta. I will address Riviera Maya after we visit in a couple of weeks.
The Suites
Let’s start with the units themselves. The Grand Mayan 2 bedroom is NOT small, at roughly 1,800 square feet including the balcony. But a two bedroom Grand Luxxe Villa is closer to 3,000 square feet including the deck. That is a lot of extra room.
Speaking of the deck, that is maybe one of the most important upgrades. The Grand Luxxe deck is significantly larger, with plenty of room for lounge chairs and a small dining table. One and two bedroom suites will have a plunge pool.
The décor is another pretty significant upgrade. You get more premium materials, nicer furnishings, and large, luxurious walk-in showers. The whole unit just feels more upscale from the minute you walk in the door.
Grand Luxxe Pools
With your Grand Luxxe wristbands, you have access to the Grand Luxxe pools, where the service is definitely kicked up a notch. Towels are laid out for you instead of having to check them out at a towel desk. It’s not uncommon for staff to bring around complimentary popsicles, cold towels, or even clean your sunglasses. There are 3 separate Luxxe pool area. 
These Luxxe pool areas also tend to be quieter and more relaxing. But that’s one area place where more expensive isn’t necessarily better for everyone. If you’re bringing kids, they may actually prefer spending time at the Grand Mayan / and Mayan Palace pools, with the dance lessons, pool volleyball, ping pong and other activities for younger kids. And don’t forget teh legendary lazy river ! The nice thing is that Grand Luxxe guests can use those areas too, but you will need to shuttle over to them.
Grand Luxxe Small Perks
There are also some smaller perks that come with staying at Grand Luxxe.
You’ll typically have a concierge serving every couple of floors, and complimentary coffee is available in the morning. Some owner contracts also include bigger benefits such as free rounds of golf or two-for-one massages, so if either of those is important to you, be sure to ask before you rent.
Grand Luxxe Spa and Fitness
There’s also a difference in the fitness and spa facilities.
The Grand Mayan has a perfectly adequate gym and a full-service spa, but the Grand Luxxe gym in the bottom floor of Luxxe building 2 is huge with the latest exercise and weight equiptment. The Luxxe spa, (The Spatium) has it’s own large space on the resort and is a complete experience. It has all the usual and some more exotic services . But for me the coolest thing is the outdoor wet area with Sauna, Swedish shower, steam room , jacuzzi and cold plunge pool. You can relax here after a mani/pedi or a massage. You can also reserve an hour here for free if you are a Grand Luxxe guest.
So, Is It Worth It?
I think the Grand Luxxe upgrades and perks are well worth the extra money, and once we started staying at Grand Luxxe, we haven’t gone back to the Grand Mayan or Grand Bliss. However, I wouldn’t stretch the vacation budget to do it.
If airfare and the rest of your vacation expenses are already pushing your budget, save the $200 a night. Put that money toward your airline tickets or your food bill, or use it for a splurge you’ll enjoy.
The Grand Mayan is absolutely a great, cost effective option with lots of fun activities and a lazy river., so either way you going to have a great week in Mexico. So you decide. Is Grand Luxxe worth the upgrade in Nuevo Vallarta?
