Hi there-

We booked the Grand Sirenis for March of next year, after finding out how much the IB* Lindo was wanting for the same timeframe.

Also, when we went last year, we did the Robinson Crusoe through the Akumal Dive Shop and we did indeed stop at this bay/beach. It was beautiful. Decent snorkeling, and pretty ok shelling too (as good as you can get in Mexico, that is). Not sure how the shelling will be after they are done grooming the beach, though. Even better was that the water was pretty calm; not red flag waves like we had everyday farther north at the IB*. That would help explain why it's better snorkelling there!

The other plus is the area of Akumal itself. Heck, at the price we were able to get for our trip in the spring, I would be content to hang out at La Buena Vida or Lol-ha everyday just to eat and drink. I have a feeling, though, that that won't be a problem. I just hope they have complimentary shuttles into either Akumal or PDC. Regardless, I will be spending some time at La Buena Vida sipping one of their great mango margaritas! Their beach bar is awesome. Check it out at: http://www.akumalinfo.com/la_buena_vida.html

Hi ORlady

We booked our trip for next spring! We have a group of 10 , so far and we booked through sell off vacations, at the local office here in town. We fly out of Halifax Mar 31 - Apr 14 We got our trip for $2273.50 per person , taxes in. I thought that was a pretty good group rate. Haven't seen anything new posted lately has anybody heard any news on if they will open on time? I google earth the area and you can see the hotel under construction, but the pictures aren't very current. Can't wait to hear when somebody actually comes back from this place!

Phase one of this resort is scheduled to open July 06 with the second phase opening in November later that year....spring will have 2 resorts on the property for your expanded use........more restaurants, more people. Ah well, plenty of room for everyone.

Toela,

Yes that is a good price hope you have a great time! Wish we could stay the extra week but work you know. As for anything new on this resort I guess we are all just waiting for the opening and hopefully someone will give us a report.

I am planning a trip to Sirenis in Oct - Nov of this year for my husband's big 30! It's going to be a surprise. I have been to the Riveria Maya several times, but this hotel seems like a wonderful deal and too good to pass up. However, before I book, I have some concerns a) the beach........it's hard to tell from the pictures how far away the beach is from the resort and if they have any lounge chairs out on their beaches. I am also curious how "rocky" the water will be. They do, however, look secluded which is great bonus. b) Construction. I do not want to go on a vacation where there will be tons of construction noises. I have a feeling that even though they will be open in July, the construction of the resort will not be complete. I wonder if this is another reason why the price is so good. c) the distance away from Playa del Carmen. I really like to be able to go into town. While this vacation is purely for relaxation, I want to be able to go into town. I guess 20 minutes isn't that bad.

The pluses of the resort seem to be a) it's new b) the uniqueness of the beaches, coral reefs and cenotes c)the gorgeous suites

I emailed the resort to ask about the contruction and the beaches. I will let you all know what I discover unless anyone here can answer some of my questions!

Thanks much~

I am planning a trip to Sirenis in Oct - Nov of this year for my husband's big 30! It's going to be a surprise. I have been to the Riveria Maya several times, but this hotel seems like a wonderful deal and too good to pass up. However, before I book, I have some concerns a) the beach........it's hard to tell from the pictures how far away the beach is from the resort and if they have any lounge chairs out on their beaches. I am also curious how "rocky" the water will be. They do, however, look secluded which is great bonus. b) Construction. I do not want to go on a vacation where there will be tons of construction noises. I have a feeling that even though they will be open in July, the construction of the resort will not be complete. I wonder if this is another reason why the price is so good. c) the distance away from Playa del Carmen. I really like to be able to go into town. While this vacation is purely for relaxation, I want to be able to go into town. I guess 20 minutes isn't that bad.

The pluses of the resort seem to be a) it's new b) the uniqueness of the beaches, coral reefs and cenotes c)the gorgeous suites

I emailed the resort to ask about the contruction and the beaches. I will let you all know what I discover unless anyone here can answer some of my questions!

Thanks much~

Sorry for the double post. Since it's my first time on this page, I didn't think it posted since I have to create an account.

I contacted the resort manager and she said that the construction of the SECOND resort will be complete in Nov. If you can find it on google earth, you can see that the second phase is well on, and looks to be on schedule if not ahead. The resort is a small jungle south of the Colonial Paladium, next door really.

I would check out these sites for prices. Don't always go with the advertised price either...call the agents and see. www.escapes.ca is based in British Columbia and they offer probably the cheapest I've ever found and I just recently booked a trip with them for the week of christmas...not to the Grand Sirenis but to another resort and they came in $800+ cheaper than agents in Toronto...of course that's factoring in discount on taxes and also early booking discounts. Also check out www.holidaymarhettravel.com and www.wholesaletravel.com and www.travellastminute.ca and sometimes www.expedia.ca offers good deals...but they are hit and miss...but if you're looking for even cheaper...fly out of Buffalo and check out www.priceline.com...with expedia and priceline you can book odd day get aways..in that I mean...8-9-10-11-12-13,etc. nights....with tour operators you know we are stuck with the usual 1 or 2 weeks,etc...Anyhow hope this helps you all...I was considering the GRAND SIRENIS for the holiday week in Dec. but for a family of 4 it'll cost us too much doneros! lol. Hope your travels are good ones...go with the new resort...god only knows the prices will escalade once the word gets out! Hurry up and go!

Here is the response that I received from the hotel. Looks like they just expanded on what others have already said. It also looks as if the construction will not be as much of a problem as I had anticipated. For a deal like this, I think I will book. Would be nice to see what the above poster's travel agent thought of the resort.............................

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"The first hotel the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya has a circular shape looking at the beach. In the middle of the circle there is a big garden with plants, and one of the swimming pool with the pool bar and on one side the steak house restaurant. So when you cross these facilities there is the beach. That means 5 minutes walking.

Beach and swimming pools area are equiped with sun beds and palapas and pool/beach towers are included and you can change it each day.

In about one month we are ready to open the first Hotel Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya, meanwhile we are already built the blocks of rooms of the second Hotel. That means that while the frst hotel is open, the building works of the second hotel will be minimum, because it is just matter of details inside the block.

On the other side, the second hotel is not so closed to the first one, but they share the same facilities.

The third and the forth hotels will be build about 2 km away from the first two hotels, and we are working just on the plans at the moment, the opening of these two hotels maybe 2008."