Guests must first make their way past security and then drive down the long road up to the resort. From there, they'll walk into a large, marble-floored lobby with arrangements of crushed velvet couches and vases with floating flowers. This sets the tone for the rest of the property, which is sprawling and upscale, but difficult to navigate at first. Once guests have checked in, they'll receive a welcome juice and get shown to their bedroom by the staff. 

Most adult travelers spend their days laying out by the pool complex or sandy beach, and the younger guests have plenty of water and land activities to keep them busy. The resort sees nearly equal numbers of families and couples, and the vibe is relaxed and friendly. During high season there are occasionally theme nights, but otherwise, the property is quiet after dinner time.    

Grand Isla Navidad is in the small city of Isla Navidad, on a peninsula that's separated from Barra de Navidad by a lagoon. The beach is actually in an inlet, meaning it's private, quiet, and without waves. Water taxis are available to take guests from the resort to Barra de Navidad, where there are several restaurants and shops. The hotel has its own marina for people who want to dock, and free parking for those traveling by car. There are multiple beaches easily reachable by car in the area, and the hotel can help arrange excursions like snorkeling. 

The easiest way to get to the resort is flying into the Playa de Oro International Airport in Manzanillo, which is 40 minutes away by car. The hotel has airport transfer for a fee, otherwise, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. 

There are 158 rooms and 41 suites at the Grand Isla Navidad Resort, ranging from Deluxe Rooms to the Presidential Suite. The Deluxe Rooms are elegantly decorated with marble floors, wooden furniture, and a seating area featuring pastel pink love seats and a coffee table. Flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, air conditioners, free Wi-Fi, glass dining tables, ice buckets, coffeemakers, two water bottles, minibars, and welcome fruit gifts are standard. Bathrooms are large, with bathtubs and separate showers, a range of toiletries, hairdryers, and robes. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces overlooking either the lagoon, marina, or hillside. Turndown service is also provided. There's some minor wear and tear throughout, but overall, the rooms are in good condition. 

Suites have large living room and dining room areas, as well as small kitchens and jetted bathtubs. The Costa Bella Suite has an outdoor hot tub. Both the Governor and Presidential Suite have stunning brick ceilings. 

The sandy beach area lacks waves, but it does have lounge chairs, cabanas, and hammocks. Guests can also rent wave runners, sailboats, and kayaks here. There are three pools at the hotel: the adult-only pool is secluded, with loungers and a small hot tub; a small outdoor pool on the first level; and the large main pool. The main pool complex starts at the top with a shallow children's pool, which has a waterslide leading down into another section with an adjacent hot tub; it also has a waterslide that leads to the largest area with a volleyball net, swim-up bar, and a deep end. There are worn, cushioned lounge chairs surrounding the entire pool area. Sometimes a small band will be performing here. 

There are plenty of sports facilities to keep busy, including three tennis courts, a volleyball court, ping pong table, and well-outfitted gym. The 27-hole golf course is a popular feature for guests and non-guests alike. It's divided into three sections of nine holes: the lagoon, ocean, and mountain. The hotel spa has various treatments available. The resort sees a fair number of weddings, and there are multiple meeting and event spaces. 

Though the Grand Isla Navidad Resort isn't an all-inclusive property, there are packages available that include food and drinks. No matter the season, the Grand Café is always open; the buffet restaurant isn't extensive, but guests can order off an a la carte menu. The food here receives mixed reviews. Antonio's is an upscale Mexican restaurant with formal interiors and a bar specializing in tequila; it receives good reviews but is closed during the off season. The Pacific Rim Cuisine is another a la carte open during high season, serving Thai and other Asian fare. Next to the pool is La Plazuela, serving snacks and seafood in the afternoon (from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. during our visit).

There are three bars at the hotel: the Tequilas Bar at Antonio's; the swim-up bar at the main pool; and the Lobby Bar El Faro. El Faro is typically open from 5 p.m. to midnight, serving sushi and cocktails alongside couch arrangements and panoramic windows. During the high season, there's live piano entertainment.