Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Cancun
All-inclusive vacation stays were something I was never really interested in— especially when it comes to dining. I’m all about experiencing the food culture of a destination. But then, I experienced the all-inclusive dining plan at Cancun’s Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach.This resort is a total foodie immersion with seven on-site dining venues and a variety of bars.
Tuna Stack at Isla Contoy
For starters, Isla Contoy that’s canopied by a grand palapa, overlooks the tourmaline waters of the Caribbean Sea. The casual beachfront restaurant features fresh seafood with stunning panoramic views and balmy ocean breezes. A huge ahi tuna fan, I ordered the tuna stack and wow, what a delight— top quality melt-in-your mouth tuna with chunks of fresh avocado.
Interior of Le Basilic
Le Basilic is one of only a few restaurants in Mexico to hold the AAA Five-Diamond distinction. After dining at the French-Mediterranean inspired venue, I concur. Chef Henri Charvet of Paris, who holds the title of Maître Cuisine de France is at the helm of this classy, romantic restaurant. Le Basilic features multiple courses accompanied by wine pairing, along with soft tunes of a live piano in the background.
Waiters in black formal tuxes delivered mouthwatering small plates of seared scallops, Foie gras, wild mushrooms and truffle ravioli, sea bass, and angus beef filet. Dessert was a tantalizing traditional crème brulée topped with pistachio ice cream and berries. Service was attentive and superb. The whole experience was A+ gourmet dining at its best.
La Joya- The Table Restaurant
La Joya Mayan Culinary Journey
None of my previous Mexico foodie experiences ever included anything like dining at elegant Mayan-inspired La Joya. Top end wines and tequilas were perfectly matched to an 8-course tasting menu taking diners on a culinary journey through Mexico’s fascinating history. With each course, the chef arrived tableside to explain the entrée, paired libation, and its history.
And all this while our dining table magically transformed into a 360-degree sensorial display of photo and film depicting the mesmerizing Mayan history and culture. This was a dining event like no other. Nightly entertainment also featured a lively 10-piece Mariachi band.
Views from Viña del Mar at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
For a lavish brunch experience, Viña del Mar is the standout. It’s a two-tiered dining room with gold and white furnishings and a black marble floor, with views overlooking the resort’s main pool and the ocean.
Hor D’oeuvres
Diners can order from a menu or choose the buffet option. Food is plated by the servers and once diners return to their table; waiters are happy to bring anything extra. What seemed amazing to me is how they could possibly remember what each guest had on their plate. “May I bring you another crab egg benedict?” politely asked my server with a smile. And speaking of the stations, they had it all—so many choices and such incredibly creative entrees for a buffet.
A classically-appointed lobby offers casual hors d’oeuvres and small-plates throughout the day. I couldn’t resist a little taste of each.
Another unique food experience at the resort is spa dining. Imagine finishing a relaxing spa treatment followed by a rejuvenating soak in the hydrotherapy pool. You’ve worked up an appetite, but, it’s hard to leave the Zen environment to go back and change for dinner. Those experiencing a spa dinner don’t have to. The dress is casual— literally sitting in soft robes and slippers. Escorted to a private candlelit table overlooking the pool, diners relax while servers review with them the menu of the day, including suggested beverage pairings. It’s quite a unique experience; one I’ll long remember.
An unknown author once said “Sometimes what you’re looking for comes when you’re not looking at all.” That’s the beauty of surprise. And what a surprise for someone like me, who really wasn’t into all-inclusive, to find an all-inclusive experience that surpassed all of my expectations.