The Grand Oasis Palm is a large all-inclusive family-oriented resort with an abundance of activities from morning to night; common areas have a generally busy feel. The lobby, spacious and high-ceilinged, is modern and minimalist in its decor, done up in black and white color with pops of fuchsia here and there. There are a few Mexican touches about the lobby, including terracotta planters with cacti and a series of large, impressive paintings, but otherwise the lobby is nondescript and not particularly cozy or inviting. The outdoor spaces are more thought out, with a relaxed, tropical feeling. And there’s an abundance of space in the property’s wide hallways and on the grounds, where peacocks and other wildlife freely roam among the fountains, lawns, and lily ponds, much to the enjoyment of younger guests.

The beach is activity central, with surf as calm as a bathtub most of the time. (Surfers may want to look elsewhere for more wave excitement.) Couples seeking a romantic getaway will likely find the large percentage of families disruptive, but parents who want to sneak in some adult time at the bar or spa will be pleased with the array of supervised activities for kids.

The Grand Oasis is located on a wide, palm-lined boulevard at the north end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, overlooking placid Nichupte Lagoon. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants within walking distance of the property, with a running path right out front for dedicated athletes. The Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano is a 10-minute walk away, while the the ferry to Isla Mujeres is also nearby for daytrippers. Cancun International Airport is around a 25-minute drive south. 

Guest units at the Grand Oasis are spotlessly clean and large, with wide expanses of white tile floors and plenty of room to move around. The style is Mexican-rustic, with wrought iron and knotty wood furnishings, although some items are showing a bit of wear and tear. Rooms and suites have a similar decor with minor variations in textiles and layout. Interesting Mexican-themed paintings hang on walls, and picture windows offer lagoon or pool views. Not all rooms have balconies, which are narrow and furnished with plastic lawn furniture. (Guests should request a terrace if they’re set on having one.)

Bathrooms are spacious, with green marble tiles and counters, shower/tub combos, and free toiletries. Some suites have fun kids' rooms with specially-themed decor. General amenities also include free bottled water, flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view movies (although English-speaking channels are sparse), and laptop safes that require a fee for usage. Walls tend to be thin and noise travels.

The Grand Oasis features a variety of non-motorized water sports along a private white sand beach, including kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, although the shallow surf may not be the most exciting for advanced sports folk. For an extra charge, guests can Jet Ski, ride a banana boat, or try offshore parasailing. The resort has tennis and basketball courts as well as a soccer pitch, and there are regular beach volleyball games, both organized and impromptu. Aerobics, dance classes, yoga, and cooking lessons are also available. Putters are free to use the nine-hole par three golf course at the property’s sister resort, although equipment rentals cost extra. An on-site fitness center has a variety of cardio machines and weight equipment along with picture windows that open onto a jungle landscape.

Kin Ha Spa offers a complete treatment and massage menu, including body wraps and scrubs, beachside body work, and outdoor hot tubs and sunbeds set on wooden platforms in the jungle. A sauna and steam room as well as a beauty salon are also available. The heartbeat of the Grand Oasis Palm are its beach and pool areas. The Beach Club features a shady palm grove lined with Balinese sunbeds built from rustic wood, with elegant white mattresses and bright fuchsia throw pillows for stylish lounging. Both the beach and pool feature numerous snack and liquor bars, including a swim-up bar. The pool is large and free-form in style, lined with sun beds and palm trees. Kids have their own pool, waterslides, playground, and arcade, with a full day of supervised activities provided.

Evening entertainment includes live music, magic, and circus performances. Though the resort is clearly geared towards relaxation and fun, the hotel also has a modern business center and several meeting and event rooms. Wi-Fi does cost extra. 

The Grand Oasis hosts a plethora of themed restaurants, including the Italian Dos Lunas, a coffee shop, the buffet and rodizio Las Palmas, and an outdoor sushi bar. A Tequila Lounge has shelf after shelf of interesting spirits, and a more formal Mexican gourmet dining room, Aires del Norte, is decorated with buffalo skulls, cacti, terracotta pots, hand-painted pottery, and paintings. Snack bars include a taco stand and a hamburger hut. A kids’ buffet is also available, serving lunch and dinner while parents try one of the more upscale eateries. This is an all-inclusive property, but expect to pay extra for bottled wine and liquor.