Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort

I knew when a coati darted across my path, eyes alert and tail pencil-straight in the air, I wasn’t in the typical Riviera Maya luxury all-inclusive. Later, I spied at least a half-dozen iguanas of all sizes, some as motionless as statues and waiting for me to pass by so I wouldn’t disturb them.

One thing that guests will discover immediately about the Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa is the natural setting incorporated into the property grounds. That’s especially true if you walk along its pathways, cutting through the lush foliage. It’s part of their philosophy to maintain as much of an unspoiled environment as possible, with coati, agouti (resembling smaller tapirs), iguanas, spider monkeys, and different tropical birds.

Naturally, that’s a major draw for children, who the Family Selection resort serves well, along with their parents and adult relatives. As a resort within the Grand Palladium Katenah and within the larger four-resort Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, the Family Selection seamlessly melds family travel with luxury all-inclusive amenities in a manner that makes everyone happy on a Mexican vacation.

Here are some ways that make the Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa stand out.

Spacious suites

Family Selection occupies five of Grand Palladium Katenah Resort and Spa’s eleven buildings. As of this writing, more were under construction at the far north end of the property and along the private beach for guests. Each three-story building has stairs to the individual suites and doesn’t have elevators. The rooms have one king bed with a single sleeper sofa or two double beds. Specific units connect so larger families can have sufficient room for everyone.

On the first floor of these buildings, guests can choose rooms with a swim-up pool, which spans the length of the units. It isn’t too wide, approximately six or seven feet from the patio steps to the edge. But this is a great alternative to the larger pools for kids who may just want to splash around in their own swim space—or for adults who need a cooling off and some relaxation.

The bathrooms in these units also provide plenty of room. Featuring double vanity sinks, a stand-alone marble tub, a water closet toilet and a shower with a rain head or handheld options, families can feel they are not crowding in while getting ready for the day. Grand Palladium offers wonderfully scented L’Occitane bath products for an extra touch of luxury.

The only drawback of the Family Selection rooms is the limited storage. With minimal shelves, drawers and hanging areas, I took about half of the closet space. There weren’t any other drawers available. This lack might be problematic for a family of four, so hopefully, the new units will solve this issue.

Concierge at your service

As part of the exclusive luxury collection, Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa offers concierge service in each of the five buildings. Two alternating staff members will take care of guests’ needs, whether bringing a late dinner or making a reservation at another resort restaurant, offsite activity, or one of the two live shows.

Our concierges, Yadi and Erick, were friendly and gracious. They remembered what we liked to have in minibars or suggested something that we might want to do on the property or outside of it. While we could request something if they were at their desks, they recommended communicating through the Grand Palladium app, where we could message them, and they would respond promptly. They would always ask if I needed a cart ride if I saw them at the desk, as the resort grounds were extensive.

Another service exclusive to Family Selection guests was the check-in at the front of the resort. I arrived very late, and the temperatures were still warm and humid. But having this dedicated enclosed area, with its plush furnishings, cold beverages and air conditioning, made the process more pleasant. In contrast, all other guests checked in at the outside desk. The receptionist also called a cart to take me to my room without waiting. Upon checking out, the concierges ensured that these transports would be readily available to take me to the lobby.

Luxury resort access

Choosing the Family Selection option for a stay at Grand Palladium Katenah Resort and Spa allows privileges not available to regular guests. Access to the TRS Yucatan Hotel, the adults-only resort on the opposite end of the complex, is most appealing. While kids can hang out at the Black and White Club and enjoy age-appropriate activities, parents can head over to TRS and relax at one of two exclusive pool clubs, dine at the Helios restaurants, or one more upscale eateries on the premises. One of the pools is filled with saltwater from the Caribbean Sea, while the other is a three-tiered infinity layout with at least a hundred chaise lounges and a few dozen covered doubles.

Guests also have access to facilities and restaurants at other properties—namely, Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa and Grand Palladium White Sand Resort and Spa. These include two dozen options, ranging from locally curated Mexican dishes to gourmet fine dining. This privilege is exclusive to the Family Selection and TRS Yucatan hotel guests. I tried the Poseidon Beach Club, where I enjoyed a Mexican-themed buffet alongside the crashing waves in the distance.

Another bonus for Family Selection guests is admission to the two dinner programs at Grand Palladium Colonial (Bravo) and TRS Yucatan Hotel (Chic). The two shows couldn’t be more diverse, not only because the first is more family-friendly, but the other is adults-only. However, like a Vegas music and dance review, Chic is more professionally produced. The dinner is better in quality and gourmet in its presentation. I particularly enjoyed the tuna in local essence, with ahi in pumpkin seed and hoja santa crust, endive, walnut, and burnt chile aioli, and the braised short rib with smoked chiles. Even with the luxurious surroundings, beautiful meals, and impeccable service, the main detail of the Family Selection at Grand Palladium Katenah Resort and Spa is its natural surroundings. I don’t know if I will see a coati or iguanas again in such a sumptuous place.