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Hi Bob welcome.
The Family Select beachside would be my choice. Those are in a brand new building (40). They used to be Romance suites which were my favorite locations on the resort.
You didn’t say if you have kids. They do have separate activities for kids there. Look on the App. Lots of activities on Colonial. Go to Start my Stay then Family Select at Kantenah.
We just found out today that there will be lots of renos going on including the theater at Colonial so check the APP and check here as I post info as soon as I get it.
Loved Verity!
This is an oldie, but I’d never read it and cannot put it down…Dolores Claiborne by SK It’s so goodTommy DeHartThe Apollo Murders by Chris Hatfield. Chris is a retired Canadian astrona
Nichola MiddletonThe seven sisters series . Only on book 3 and think there are 8 altoget
Lynn ShallenbergerAdmin
Top contributor
Just finished reading these…I recommend it
Where the Crawdas Sing by Delia Owne by Rachel SimonsThe Story of a Beautiful Girl
Lynn ShallenbergerAdmin
Top contributor
Currently reading this…and really like it…Stolen Book by Evelyn Aubrey
Barbara Lanclos BaakT
he Chronicles of St Mary’s, by Jodi Taylor. They “investigate major historical events in contemporary time…..but don’t call it time travel!”
Little mystery, thriller, action, comedy, disaster and romance and it’s set in England so there’s British “snark” which I love. I even learn something about “real” history…..probably more than I remember ever learning in school
It’s a series ..kindle, paperback, hard cover, audlible , books on cd. lots of options to read or listen. https://www.amazon.com/Just…/dp/B00J3Z1V5Q/ref=sr_1_1…AMAZON.COM
Just One Damned Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary’s, Book 1Barbara Lanclos BaakOrdered this one on Audible, was hooked…..on the third book now. Also comes3d3 in hard cover and kindle. Mystery & time travel meets Sherlock Holmes would be the best way to describe it. https://www.amazon.com/Rip-Through-Time…/dp/1250820006
AMAZON.COM
A Rip Through Time: A Novel (Rip Through Time Novels, 1)Bebe AliObsessed- it’s Scottish so I don’t know how relatable it will be to others but I still think about this book a year on from reading it, that’s how good it is.
It deals with childhood neglect, trauma, parental addiction and resilience so not a light read recommendAnn Martel PetashnickTop contributor
Ooh i have had that one on my nightstand for a month!! Will get reading it!!!Lisa NowaczykTop contributor
I like to read historical nonfiction… I read the book letters to Josephine about Napoleon’s letters to his wife JosephineFeviy ZeNever lie by Freida Mcfadden is a great thriller. It beats verity in my opinion lol!
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand. Most of her books take place on Nantucket which is an uspcale island off Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Always fun reading.
There is a picture of it here.
Go to their “Offers” page. Any promos will be there. Also join the free Rewards program on their website for an additional 5%. Promos come & go so keep checking.
10 am EST update
Beryl hit landfall early this morning as a Cat 2 hurricane. It continues over the area with high winds (110 mph) & heavy rain. Natl Hurricane Ctr
Beryl has veered north. Please follow management protocols and stay in your room beginning at 9 pm until further notice.
Beryl is expected to hit Jamaica today and proceed as a major hurricane towrd the Yucatan on Thursday. Hurricane Beryl
Beryl has been upgraded to a hurricane & projected to hit Jamaica & the Yucatan later this week.
Update from the Travel Club Blog. Renovations will begin in April 2025 in phases.
When are you going? They plan to do some work on the lagoon but that is not near the FS. If occupancy is low they may stagger the restaurants.
Printed with permission from S
We recently got back from a week in FS. I was initially skeptical about booking FS due to the price difference (since all Kantenah rooms were renovated) but we really wanted a swim-up room. We ended up not using our swim-up pool very much, but FS was 100% worth it.
eConcierge: I emailed them a week before our arrival and requested a King room in Villa 49 which is what we got. The eConcierge was very responsive and also sent me the Family Boss wish list and almost everything I requested was in our room when we arrived.
Butlers: Cesar and Eduardo were very responsive and helped us with whatever we needed. Cesar booked us into Sumptuori teppanyaki and the Raggs breakfast, which I couldn’t do from the app. Extra wash cloths, refills on bar items, toiletries, calling us a cart whenever we needed. Eduardo’s English is excellent. The day before departure, Cesar messaged me to find out our shuttle time and he arranged for the bell hop to pick up our luggage from our room while we went for breakfast. Super efficient and much appreciated.Room Amenities: The L’Occitane products were great and I probably didn’t need to pack my own stuff. Cesar also brought a step stool for my son to reach the bathroom sink and an extra water gun when his broke. The clothing steamer and Nespresso coffee were great to have in the room (the coffee at the restaurants and lobby bars were not great). They also have child size bathrobes and slippers.
The Nest and Es Niu: We mainly had breakfast at The Nest and lunch at Es Niu because the food was HOT. The food at La Hacienda and La Dalia buffets was always cold so we stuck to the made-to-order items there. Es Niu is super convenient since it opens early at 12pm and is right by the FS pool. The Nest has a small play area for the kids to play in so parents can enjoy their meals.
FS Pool: There were always loungers at the FS pool, even during the busy time of Thursday to Saturday. We went to the Colonial pool one afternoon and couldn’t get chairs near the pool. The White Sands pool was quieter but there was no food by the pool. I had to pack up, dry off and walk to La Dalia when they open at 1pm to get lunch. The FS pool also had different activities for kids and pool floaties (and they brought out new ones throughout the week). Towels were plentiful at FS and already on the chairs, whereas at Colonial or White Sands I had to walk quite far around the pool and cross the bridge to get to the towel hut. And the bathrooms by the FS pool were always very clean.Golf Carts: There are always lobby to lobby carts but we also asked the butlers to order a cart to pick us up from our villa or asked the bellhop to call us a cart. They showed up very quickly for us as they prioritize FS guests. We were also able to hop on the Travel Club carts.
Overall, we found the FS product and service excellent. They really go above and beyond to make FS guests, especially children, feel special.
House wine is free all over the resort. I assume FS has a better selection than the GP side. I am a wine drinker and managed to find a decent Chardonnay at TRS. If you find a wine you like better than others ask for it. There is also a wine list for a charge.
When you send in your wish list request both. You can see restaurant times here. FS Fact sheet
As of today (May 19) the Visitax is not being enforced. If you pay it be sure & use one of the legitimate sites. Visitax
Not sure. My friends are big snorkelers and they always go out there. They are decent swimmers but both wear an inflatable vest there.
For good snorkeling with turtles you can take the Dive boat from Colonial beach or take a taxi or colectivo to Akumal beach.
There is shallow snorkeling off White Sand. You will need water shoes there. There is a deep reef off Kantenah. You should wear an inflatable vest there. There is some snorkeling off Colonial which is mixed.
The FS beach is separate and roped off so that area is delegated to FS guests. Any FS guests can use them. You can also use the TRS area.
I don’t know if this video will open FS beach by Pat. It is on the Unofficial Palladium Facebook page and shows the FS beach.
They are first come first served. I saw a picture yesterday and it looked like there are plenty available.
May 10 – Happy Mothers’ Day to our Mexican friends.
May 12 Happy Mothers Day to our friends worldwide.
The Bali bed will be at the Family Select beach.
The Wi Fi is very good around the resort, & even at the beach. I wouldn’t upgrade unless you need something additional for work purposes.
Most drinks are included. There is a specialty bar – Churchills – where some drinks have a cost but Chruchills will likely be closed by Oct. for renovation to a coffee bar. If they have drinks for a cost anywhere else it will be indicated on the menu.
Check the App for premium items. Go to Starts My Stay then Grand Palladium Riviera Maya. The mini bar is included.
Tipping: Here is a handy guide to tipping at an AI. While tipping is optional, the staff do greatly depend on tips and appreciate them. It is best to tip in pesos but US dollars are also acceptable (no foreign coins)
You can try the front desk. front.colonial@palladiumhotelgroup.com
You can try customercare.riviera@palladiumhotelgroup.com. I suggest cancelling it.
How was your trip?
I just read an amazing book suggested by Susan Kern. I was # 300 ontrhe library wait-list and go moved up because I could not put this book down
The Women by Kristen Hannah
Unfortunately there is no longer mass offered in RM. They will provide services for weddings, baptisms, etc.
H Jason,
I you mean the App on the Palladium website that often doesn’t work. If you need the APP at Palladium Hotel Group you need a room number. Don’t worry about it. They’ll take care of you when you arrive.
You can use the Palladium Hotel Group App before you arrive to see activities & menus but you cannot reserve restaurants until you arrive and have a room number.
Go to Start my Stay. Then choose Grand Palladium Riviera Maya.
You can try Customer Care a week before arrival. They usually handle upgrades when you arrive.
The Pak n Play is standard I believe
Most of the beds in Riviera Maya are either full (matrimonial) or king. Here are the bed dimensions in Mexico.
Just Breathe by Ssan Wiggs
Sara writes a syndicated comic strip based on her own reality. While undergoing fertility treatments she discovers her husband’s infidelity. She flees to her childhood home in N. California where she discovers she is pregnant with twins.
The winds of change have brought Sara here and now she closes her eyes yo “just breath”.
Nikki wrote:
Just returned from the family section and my 5 and 8 year old had a blast! Staff at the kids club is outstanding! Especially the staff at the Family Section pool. My kids were pretty obsessed with all the activities and the attention they received from the kind staff. We will miss them tremendously! Family pool is relaxing with great service and options for food, snacks for the kids and prizes for the games. Tip and take care of the staff and they will take extra care of you! Tip the omelette cook, tip your room service, tip the person serving ice cream, tip the staff at the kids club.
The staff is incredibly nice they went above and beyond for us. Our Room was awesome! Try not to complain nothing is ever going to be perfect. It’s busy season just be happy enjoy the views and the warm sunshine.We have PDF downloadable maps here. This is the map for Riviera Maya.
Welcome Yvonne,
The poolside rooms and not technically poolside but they are close. They are Jr suites in 20 & 21 Map.
Colonial is blue
Do you and your Si want to enjoy an adult only night to attend Chic or other romantic dinner? Babysitters can be arranged the day before via Guest Services. Here is the info Babysitting
Highly suggest getting up for a sunrise. Grab a coffee at the lobby & enjoy. (Ask for a “to go” cup.)
Suggested packing list Packing List
If you are staying in any TRS or any Family Select download What’s App to your phone. The butlers use What’s App to keep in touch daily.
Download the APP before going. You can then see daily activities, menus & book restaurants once you arrive.
No they aren’t. They are in buildings 50 & 51 on third floor.
If you uograde to FS you have full access to TRS. I would consider upgrading to TRS which is adult only. If it matters there are kids at FS. If you stay at TRS you still have full access to FS (beach, NEST, pool).
The one issue that is a plus at Family Select is the beach. The beach is right in front of the FS buildings. If you stay at TRS then there is a walk or cart ride to the beach.
Here is the map. TRS is at the south end of the resort, FS is at the north end.
I just emailed someone who is there now. The Lofts are in 81, 82, 91, 92. He is not sure about the beachside as Palladium is a bit creative with this term. Best thing to do is email a week before arrival and ask if you can be close together.
Taxis & Ubers are plentiful in PC. Your hotel will arrange one for you. I know the GP is selective on which taxis they allow on the premises.
Guests staying at Kantenah (non family) may buy a pass for FS. Prices I have heard at $50-80 per day (negotiate).
TRS Cap Cana is a boutique resort in Cap Cana gated community on Punta Cana.
They have begun allowing small dogs (up to 22 pounds) for $40 per night.
You would get the Family Select wristband & have a butler assigned to your building to help with reservations and other needs.
Keith,
Someone there now upgraded from Kantenah garden view (non FS) to FS for a little over $100 per day for 3 people.
Thank you Michelle Owens
Here is a LONG but hopefully helpful review of our stay. First of all we are SO glad we chose Family Select. There are so many additional amenities that made our stay easier. We had unlimited towels, your own beach area, and access to the TRS side as adults. We did feel like there was a service difference when we were at white sands/colonial vs TRS/FS.
Overall we had an amazing trip
We loved –
Adults only restaurant La Boheme – the fondue, Brie appetizer, onion soup, and steak were incredible.
Adults only Helios – coconut shrimp and filet were delicious. Also loved the Surprise sphere for dessert.
TRS bar – we often went to see Julio at the TRS beach bar. We found drinks to be better at the TRS beach bar than family selection bar.
Family Select bar -Had ice cream
Pool – huge ducks to play with, fun activities, and so much more intimate than the other pools. My kids didn’t like the colonial pool at all (couple kids pushing others off the floats and being pretty mean) but LOVED the FS pool.Nest and Niu – service was top notch and food was amazing. When we had our adults only meal, our boys (who are a little older) went to the Nest by themselves and had a great time. They had mini lobster, shrimp, and octopus on the Nest buffet. Crepes in morning were amazing!
Other notes – we stopped for sunscreen on the way. It was about $5 each. Much cheaper than the $40 sunscreen at resort. Bring water shoes. Niu’s kitchen closes at 3:45 even though it’s listed as 4.TRS Cap Cana
The Premium Experience:
Package: From 3 to 4 nights the Benefits are:
Early Check in / Late check out until 3:00 pm
Night Coverage( ( To make the bed and do some amenities at 7:00 pm)
Premium Breakfast ( with an extra manu)
30% Discount in the Spa Services ( Not combined with offers or spa Package )
Exclusive pool are For premium guests ( Bali bed, facial towels, evian water, waiter service)
1 Romantic Diner for 2 pax
4 Premium Drink Bottles of your selection (Please see the attachment picture)
Premium Room Mini Bar:
2 president Beers
2 Modelo Beers
2 Cool Light Beer
Natural coconut water
Gas water
Chocolates
Nuts
Prices : 100 USD Per night. ( In case if the reservation is for 3 people the price is 175 per night)
Package: From 5 nights or more nights the Benefits are:
Early Check in / Late check out until 3:00 pm
Night Coverage( ( To make the bed and do some amenities at 7:00 pm)
Premium Breakfast ( with an extra manu)
30% Discount in the Spa Services ( Not combined with offers or spa Package )
Exclusive pool are For premium guests ( Bali bed, facial towels, evian water, waiter service)
1 Romantic Diner for 2 pax
4 Premium Drink Bottles of your selection (Please see the attachment picture)
1 Chic Cabaret Dinner Show for 2 people or 3 pax.
Premium Room Mini Bar:
2 president Beers
2 Modelo Beers
2 Cool Light Beer
Natural coconut water
Gas water
Chocolates
Nuts
Prices : 100 USD Per night. ( In case if the reservation is for 3 people the price is 175 per night)
Monkeys are protected by law so the resort must follow the legal procedure and obtain a permit to move it to a sanctuary.
I am no longer allowing pics of guests attempting to feed/interact with the monkeys. This is encouraging aggressive behavior and endangers the monkeys’ lives. I have heard that the resort has applied for a permit to allow them to remove the monkeys to a sanctuary.
Here are the emails you can try. Copy & paste
That’s strange. It works for me. Try
You could try to email ahead of time and ask about an upgrade. One great perc of FS is that you can use all the amenities at TRS adult only (as adults) regina nunes
You can ask at check in to upgrade. I don’t have a price. It will depend on what type of room you are upgrading to.
You may want to download the App if you don’t have it. It shows all entertainment & restaurants. the regular Kantenah section comes under Grand Palladium Riviera Maya. Family Select at Kantenah is separate.
Welcome,
All rooms have been renovated. The rooms in 41-47 are part of Grand Palladium and have access to everything in Kantenah, Colonial & White Sand but not to the Family Select amenities. Those include Family Select pool, Nui snack bar, Nest restaurant, FS beach area & lobby. Here is the map. Kantenah is yellow
Usually I suggest that guests email the resort no more than a week before arrival. That said, they don’t always respond but they will take care of you when you arrive. You can also try this
Have a great trip.
Here are some recent Google reviews
