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Bahia Principe Riviera Maya is an all inclusive complex located in the lush Riveria Maya in Mexico.
This huge vacation hub is home to four resorts – the family-friendly Bahia Principe Grand Coba, the modern, Bahia Principe Tulum, and the adult only resorts Bahia Principe Akumal, and Bahia Principe Siam Ka’an.
This article will review Bahia Principe Riveria Maya, looking at each resort, hotel amenities, food, drink, and entertainment so you can decide if this Mexican vacation is for you.
Bahia Principe Maya Rivera Resort Review Overview
All four resorts have similarities; swimming pools, bars, a buffet restaurant, opportunity to book the themed restaurants spread throughout the resort, and entertainment.
Bahia Principe Grand Coba has a very small section of the beach, Tulum has a bigger space, and Akumal and Ka’an can use the whole beach front* including the beach bar and infinity pool at Akumal.
*Does not include the Privilege Club section.
Each resort can be visited using the local hotel buses which are free, however, not all guests can use the facilities at all four resorts.
This privilege is reserved for the Akumal and Ka’an visitors or by paying a day rate for the length of your vacation, we’ll discuss this in detail below.
Swimming Pools
Bahia Principe Grand Coba is the biggest, and oldest, resort and it has two main swimming pools with swim up bars.
The bigger of the two is where sports and entertainment, such as the foam party, takes place.
This is also where you pick up towels in exchange for a card given to you at check in.
The bigger pool has a kids water park – if your room is near here it can be little noisy but nothing worth complaining about.
Throughout the resort there are a number of smaller jet pools with cabana beds.
Bahia Principe Tulum has a similar set up for swimming pools.
Bahia Principe Akumal has the addition of the stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
All swimming pools have sun beds with and without shade.
Getting Around
It’s easy to get around the resort by foot but there is also a hotel bus/trolley system which runs within the resort and between resorts.
To get your bearings it is worth joining the free bike tour.
A guide pedals the group around the Bahia Principe resorts, giving you flavor of what is on offer elsewhere to help you decide if you want to power up with the additional package that lets you use the facilities at Bahia Principe Akumal, and Bahia Principe Siam Ka-An if you’re staying elsewhere.
Bahia Principe Rooms
We can only comment on our Bahia Principe Grand Coba room which was spacious with a large bath/shower and balcony.
TV played Spanish channels and some English speaking news and music channels.
We left a daily tip with a note asking for two bottle of water in Spanish as this delivery wasn’t consistent.
There is flavoured water throughout the hotel like in the lobby.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free, to an extent.
For consistent and reliable Wi-Fi consider upgrading to the premium Wi-Fi.
We could stream TV on our laptop with the free Wi-Fi but it wouldn’t work on my phone, hence why we paid the additional fee.
Note: if you use the AVG app, turn it off before purchasing.
Dining at Bahia Principe Resorts
An extensive buffet restaurant is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Bahia Principe Grand Coba, a smaller buffet is found at the other resorts.
Along with the buffet, chefs prepare fresh meat, fish, and pasta.
Most days there is a themed night for dinner for example, Italian night.
Drinks, including cocktails, are served at tables by waiters, or you can pour your own soft drinks.
There’s also the relaxed food truck style food court for pools snacks and an evening snack bar serving burgers, hot dogs, and chips.
Restaurants at Bahia Principe Resorts
During your all inclusive stay, you can book into restaurants dotted around the full complex.
It is advised to download the Bahia Principe Resorts app and book into restaurants as soon as you can go avoid disappointment.
Themes include Italian, Indian, Japanese, Teppanyaki (amazing), and seafood.
Meals include three courses, drinks, and a welcome cocktail or mocktail.
There is a wine menu if you want to splurge but the house wine was good enough for us.
Drinks at Bahia Principe Resorts
We found the best cocktails to be served at Bahia Principe Grand Coba’s swim up bar and reception bar.
Our favorite was the avalancha de lodo / mudslide.
The Rivera Maya was popular at Bahia Principe Akumal, it’s a slush cocktail in the Mexican flag colors.
Some beers and more expensive whiskies come with an additional charge but we never felt the need to branch out.
Entertainment
Entertainment such as live music, silent disco, and a light dance show tours the Bahia Principe resorts.
There’s a form of show on each night.
Some entertainment is indoors, others takes place on outside stages.
The only thing that Bahia Principe is lacking is a club.
There’s an outdoor entertainment space that is referred to as a club but it’s nothing to get your hopes up about.
During the day there is number of activities by the pool, and games such as bingo.
There is also a well equipped fitness suite which has running machines, bikes, rowing, and weights.
Pack a water bottle as there is a water machine in the gym.
We used it daily.
What is your opinion of the Bahia Principe Riveria Maya in Mexico resort? Tell us in the comments.