Excellence Resorts vs Velas Resorts
All-inclusive brand comparison · Updated 2026
Excellence Resorts
Boutique luxury adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, known for AAA Five Diamond ratings and personalized service.
6
Resorts
3
Countries
8.33
RF Rating
Velas Resorts
Mexican-owned luxury all-inclusive resorts with AAA Five Diamond recognition, acclaimed cuisine, and personalized service across Mexico's top destinations.
7
Resorts
1
Countries
9.40
RF Rating
The Resort Flock Verdict
Grand Velas is among the most decorated all-inclusive brands in the world — the only group to hold both a Forbes Five-Star and a Michelin-starred restaurant simultaneously. Excellence Resorts competes at a similar luxury tier but is priced somewhat lower and lacks Michelin recognition. If culinary excellence and butler-suite amenities are priorities, Grand Velas is in a class of its own. Excellence offers comparable beach access and service for a somewhat lower rate, making it the smarter value play for travellers who don't need top accolades.
Brand at a Glance
| Metric | Excellence Resorts | Velas Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Resorts Listed | 6 | 7 |
| Resort Flock Rating | 8.33/10 (6 rated) | 9.40/10 (7 rated) |
| Hotel Star Class | 5.0 | 4.6 |
| Total Rooms | 2,661 | 1,665 |
| Adults-Only | 100% | 43% |
| Family-Friendly (Kids Club) | 0% | 57% |
| Beach Access | 100% | 100% |
| Spa | 100% | 86% |
| Destinations | 3 | 1 |
Vibe Profile
Based on the vibe categorisation of each brand's resorts. Percentages show share of that brand's portfolio.
Brand Profiles
Excellence Resorts
What They Do Best
Excellence Resorts is the flagship brand of The Excellence Collection (Excellence Group), specializing in adults-only luxury all-inclusive vacations. Multiple properties have earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond rating, placing them among the top 0.4% of hotels in North America.
Resort Experience
Every Excellence resort features spacious suites with private pools or jacuzzis, à la carte dining at multiple gourmet restaurants, premium spirits, and personalized butler service. The brand's "Excellence Club" upgrade tier offers enhanced amenities including private check-in and exclusive pool and beach areas.
Locations & Properties
Excellence operates 6 resorts across three countries: Playa Mujeres and Riviera Maya in Mexico, Punta Cana and Uvero Alto in the Dominican Republic, and Montego Bay in Jamaica. Each property is set on pristine beachfront with lush tropical grounds.
Guest Experience
Guests praise the intimate atmosphere, exceptional food quality, and attentive staff. Excellence consistently ranks among the top all-inclusive brands on TripAdvisor, with particularly high marks for romance and honeymoon experiences.
Velas Resorts
What They Do Best
Velas Resorts is a Mexican-owned luxury hotel group that has earned multiple AAA Five Diamond designations — one of only a handful of all-inclusive brands to achieve this distinction. The group operates two tiers: Grand Velas (ultra-luxury all-inclusive) and Velas Resorts (luxury all-inclusive). Grand Velas properties are consistently ranked among the top all-inclusive resorts in the world, with culinary programs featuring celebrity Mexican and international chefs, world-class spas, and uncompromising service standards.
Resort Experience
Grand Velas resorts redefine the all-inclusive concept with truly fine-dining restaurants (not simplified "resort versions"), premium Champagnes and wines included in the rate, and expansive suite accommodations. SE Spa by Grand Velas is an award-winning spa concept with 20,000+ square foot facilities. Personal concierges manage guest preferences and reservations. The all-inclusive package at Grand Velas is arguably the most comprehensive in the industry — everything from gourmet dining and premium drinks to 24-hour in-suite service, fitness classes, and daily spa access is included. Kids' clubs and teen lounges are available at family properties.
Locations & Properties
Grand Velas operates in Riviera Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta area), Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos. Velas Vallarta is the original family-friendly property in Puerto Vallarta. Casa Velas is an adults-only boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta. Mar del Cabo is a boutique property in Cabo. Grand Velas Los Cabos and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit are among the most awarded luxury all-inclusive properties in Mexico, consistently appearing on Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure best-of lists.
Guest Experience
Velas Resorts attracts the luxury traveler who might otherwise avoid all-inclusives. The culinary quality, service level, and suite design rival non-all-inclusive luxury hotels. The Mexican ownership brings an authentic cultural pride to the experience — from the locally inspired cuisine to the art and architecture. Velas Prestige Club loyalty program offers exclusive rates and upgrades. Grand Velas properties command premium pricing but deliver corresponding value, making them favorites of food and travel media worldwide.
Excellence Resorts Resorts
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Oyster Bay
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Riviera Cancun
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Coral Playa Mujeres
Rating9.0Adults OnlyExcellence Playa Mujeres
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Punta Cana
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence El Carmen
Velas Resorts Resorts
Rating9.7Grand Velas Los Cabos
Rating9.2Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Rating9.8Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Rating9.9Adults OnlyGrand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos
Rating9.3Adults OnlyCasa Velas Adults Only All Inclusive
Rating9.1Adults Only