Here are some fun things that we discovered during our prior stay at the Grand Velas hotel. 

Wake up to room service: 

Room service is already included so feel free to use it any time (small or large orders). We liked to order room service as our wakeup call and enjoy coffee, fresh juices, and lots of other good stuff on our balcony. 

Soufflés at Piaf:

The French restaurant offers some amazing dessert Soufflés. If you aren't going to make it for dinner, I would at least make a reservation for dessert. Feel free to order as many as you like!  Children are not allowed at Piaf. 

Premium Alcohol: 

Alcohol is included, so feel free to ask for the good stuff.  Top shelf alcohol like Grey Goose and Don Julio can be added to your drinks if you ask. 

Reservations

We recommend making a reservation for one of the dinner restaurants for Thursday and/or Sunday evening. The welcome dinner will take place at the Mexican Restaurant, Frida, so you can also try Piaf (french) or Lucca (Italian). 

Pool Bags

Each room has a straw bag that can be used during your stay carry pool towels, sun block, books and magazines, snacks, etc. down to the pool.

Ordering Multiple Items: 

It's hard to decide between all the different options. We sometimes ordered an entree or two as our appetizers. 

Spa Credit: 

The hotel has a very nice spa.  Each guest receives $50 of credit each day.  Unfortunately, we heard that they recently raised their prices, but it is worth going if you feel like indulging.  We recommend calling to make a reservation in advance.

Pool Activities: 

The hotel arranges fun water aerobic classes, volleyball games, kayaks, etc.  If you feel like doing something other than relaxing, you will be taken care of. 

Bottle Service: 

You can order full bottles of alcohol to your hotel room. We ordered a couple bottles of Don Julio Tequila before going home to give as gifts.  

Special Requests: 

Feel free to speak up for special requests. If you don't like your food a certain way, they will typically say yes if they can.  You will also have a personal concierge on your floor who can help you out with special requests.  

Tipping

Tipping is included in your rate and not required.  That being said, the workers do appreciate tips and a little goes a long way.  One person recommended bringing $25-$50 in $1 dollar bills. This way, you can give the very helpful staff $1 for services such as room service, pool service, etc. if you feel obliged. 

Pool Food/Drinks: 

There is a swim up bar/restaurant at the pool where you can get smoothies, sodas and alcoholic drinks (all included).  You can also order food that you can eat at the bar or on your pool chair.  Waiters will also bring orders to your pool chair. You can also choose to go to the buffet/full menu restaurant, Azul.

Pillow Menu

The hotel used to give guests a pillow menu.  If you do not like your pillows (or want extras), call housekeeping and they will have a bunch of different options for you.