General Information & FAQs

🕶️ Attire — What to Wear

Day: Resort casual is the recommended daytime dress code. Comfortable footwear is important, especially for optional activities. Bring a small daypack if you'll be away from the resort for excursions. Light layers recommended for air-conditioned conference rooms.

Night: Pack for a luxurious beach resort vacation. For evening dining, men should wear closed-toe shoes — no jacket or tie required. Women may wish to bring light wraps or shawls for cool evenings or air-conditioned spaces. Smart casual is appropriate for all dinners, including the President's Closing Dinner.

💰 Currency

Mexico's currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However, as Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive resort, the vast majority of your spending will be covered by your package — you will have little need for cash on you.

💵 Tipping & Gratuities

Meals: Gratuities are formally included for all meals and services in Grand Velas’ all inclusive rate. At every meal the restaurant will present you with a bill and ask for your signature; this is for their internal accounting. There is no need to provide a gratuity to that slip. If your service has been exceptional you can include a gratuity to be charged to your room, and settled at check out. The rate of extra gratuity is at your discretion. It’s important not to think in terms of the 15-20% you might leave at home. Here, a lighter touch is appropriate: something closer to 5% or even just a couple hundred pesos (approximately $12-$15 USD) is sufficient.

Hotel Staff: Gratuities are included in the Grand Velas all-inclusive rate. If you wish to provide a small gratuity then 50 - 100 pesos ($5 - $10 USD) for bellmen and 100 pesos (approx. $10 USD per day) for housekeeping would be appropriate.

Optional Activities: For optional activities and tours, tips have been included in the cost of the activity.

Transfers: For a private car service to or from the airport, a tip of $20 USD is appropriate. For taxis or private transfers, rounding up to the nearest dollar is standard. Adding 10% is another approach.

☀️ Climate

November is an excellent time to visit the Riviera Maya. The rainy season is winding down and the temperatures are warm but not extreme.

Average High: 28°C / 82°F
Daily Mean: 24°C / 75°F
Average Low: 20°C / 68°F

Rainfall: November is generally dry. Light rain is possible but rare. Pack a light rain layer for outdoor activities.
Humidity: Moderate. Significantly lower than summer months.
Ocean: Caribbean sea temperature approx. 27°C / 80°F - ideal for swimming and water activities.

🕒 Time Zone

The Riviera Maya (Quintana Roo) is in the Eastern Time Zone year round. Quintana Roo does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

When it is noon at Grand Velas it will be:

Vancouver (PT) - 9:00 am
Calgary (MT) - 10:00 am
Toronto/Montreal (ET) - noon
Halifax (AT) - 1:00 pm

📞 Telephones

Country code for Mexico: +52
Calling Mexico from Canada/US: dial 011 + 52 + local number
Calling Canada from Mexico: dial 001 + area code + local number

Contact your cell phone provider before travel to arrange a roaming or travel plan. eSIM options (eg. AloSIM) offer affordable short-term data plans.

Long distance calls from hotel rooms may incur significant charges - we recommend using your cell phone or messaging apps over resort wifi.

🌐 Internet

WiFi is included throughout Grand Velas Riviera Maya, including in guest suites, restaurants, pool areas, and conference facilities. This is a secure, dedicated WiFi system for the resort.

⚡ Electricity & Electronics

Mexico uses the same electrical system as Canada and the United States: 127-volt, 60 cycle electricity. Standard two-pronged flat plugs are used, so no adaptor or converter is needed for North American travellers.

🍹 Program Inclusions

Included in your package:

Accommodations for 3 or 4 nights, depending on your arrival choice
All meals and beverages (all-inclusive) as described in the day-by-day itinerary
Round-trip transportation between Cancun Airport and resort for group flight arrivals/departures
Services of staff at the Hospitality Desk
Porterage, Wifi, and housekeeping

Not included in your package:

Costs to secure passport or required travel documents
Airline charges for checked baggage
Optional activities
Gratuities for optional activities (unless otherwise indicated)
Telephone calls and faxes
Travel insurance (strongly recommended — see FAQs)
Charges for damage to hotel, airline, or other property

FAQ

Pricing
Sample Cost for Fall Convention	Registration Fee	Grand Velas (all inclusive) (Zen Grand)	Flights (AC Group Air)	Land Package	Total (CAD$)
		Single - $1020 per night Double - $1425 per night	Depart YYZ - $585 Return YYZ - $695
Member for 3 nights single	$995	$3,060	$1,280	$725	$6,060
Member for 4 nights single	$995	$4,080	$1,280	$725	$7,080
Additional cost for guest 3 nights		$1,215	$1,280	$725	$3,220
Additional cost for guest 4 nights		$1,620	$1,280	$725	$3,625

Yes! Please contact our Fall Convention team at 647.428.9786 or [email protected] for assistance with independent flight arrangements.

Yes. We have negotiated discounted room rates at Grand Velas Riviera Maya for up to three days before and after the main convention dates. Please indicate your preferred extended stay dates on your registration form.

Please visit the Optional Activities page for full details. Activity registration opens in August 2026 and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited on some activities. Registration will close on September 25, 2026.

Dine Around registration opens on Friday September 11, 2026. A registration link will be emailed directly to all registered delegates. Full details are on the Dine Arounds page. Reservations are for groups of up to approximately 10 guests per table. If you are joining as a solo or small group, we may match you with other delegates.

Absolutely! Please contact our Fall Convention team at 647.428.9786 or [email protected] and we will do our best to arrange something special.

Travel insurance is based on each individual's needs. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance and comprehensive health/medical coverage for travel to Mexico. Please contact our travel partner, Travel Impresarios, at 647.428.9786 or [email protected] for assistance with insurance options.

Canadian citizens travelling on a valid Canadian passport do not require a visa to enter Mexico for stays of up to 180 days. If you are not a Canadian citizen, please check entry requirements for your nationality at the IATA Travel Centre: www.iatatravelcentre.com.

Yes. All travellers require a valid passport. We recommend your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date from Mexico. Please verify your passport expiry well in advance of booking.

We cannot provide legal advice on this topic. The Canadian Bar Association has published materials on privilege and the border that may be relevant. Please consult the CBA's resources or seek independent advice.

Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing. If you have a colleague to replace you, we will do everything possible to accommodate the change with sufficient notice. If you would like TAS to find a replacement, we will do so once the program is fully subscribed. An administrative charge of $250 CAD per person + HST applies to all changes, in addition to any supplier costs. See Terms & Conditions for full cancellation policy.

Yes. Please indicate all dietary restrictions and allergies on your registration form. Grand Velas Riviera Maya has excellent facilities for accommodating dietary needs. For dine around reservations, your dietary information will be communicated to the relevant restaurants in advance.

Day: Resort casual. Comfortable footwear is important for activities. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned conference rooms. Evening: Smart casual resort attire. Closed-toe shoes for men at dinner. No jacket or tie required. A light wrap or shawl for cool evenings is recommended.

Most Canadian carriers offer travel add-ons for Mexico. Contact your provider before travel to confirm coverage and add a travel plan. Wi-Fi calling is available throughout the resort. eSIM services (e.g., AloSIM) offer cost-effective short-term data plans.

Not a problem. Please advise our on-site hospitality team and we will assist with any necessary arrangements. Note that changes to group flights may be subject to airline fees.

General Information & FAQs

FAQ

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