Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 480 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2022 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 8 | 9 |
| Included | 7 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort
Pros
- Cliff-top position means most rooms genuinely look out over the Mediterranean rather than other buildings — the view justifies the location choice over flat beachfront alternatives
- My Favourite Club tier's guaranteed pool sun loungers solve the most frustrating part of peak-season all-inclusive holidays — no 8am lounger race
- Recently renovated rooms are in noticeably better condition than many southeast Mallorca resorts of similar vintage
Cons
- Airport transfer is 49–60 minutes from Palma — among the longer transfers for south-coast Mallorca, particularly significant with young children or heavy luggage
- Cliff-path beach access to Cala Antena is not suitable for pushchairs or guests with mobility limitations
- The beach within walking distance is a rocky cove rather than a wide sandy stretch — guests who want classic Mallorca sand beach need to walk 900m+ to Cala Domingos Gran
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
- AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star simultaneously — one of the most decorated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
- Suites start at 1,000 sq ft with private terraces, ocean views, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry level here exceeds most competitors' premium categories
- Premium spirits, wines, and 24-hour room service are fully included — not standard at most all-inclusives, even premium ones
- Banderas Bay is swimmable — actual ocean swimming possible, unlike Los Cabos Pacific corridor properties
Cons
- Pool lounger competition peaks by 8 AM in high season (December through March) — early rising is required for preferred positions
- Some ocean view suites have partial obstructions from palm trees or the Selva del Mar restaurant building — ask at booking about specific suite positioning
- Piaf and Frida fill up during high season — book before arrival rather than assuming walk-in availability
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort offers more activities.