Alua Calvia Mallorca vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Calvia Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 324 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2026 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Calvia Mallorca | 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 Calvia Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 8 | 9 |
| Included | 8 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Calvia Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 13 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Calvia Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 15 | 23 |
| Included | 10 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Calvia Mallorca
Pros
- January 2026 renovation means all 391 rooms are in genuinely new condition — no mixed-vintage inventory to navigate, which is the most common source of quality inconsistency at older all-inclusives
- My Favourite Club exclusive pool eliminates the peak-season sunbed competition that plagues Mallorca all-inclusives in July and August
- 25-minute airport transfer from Palma (PMI) is among the shorter times for a south-coast Mallorca all-inclusive
Cons
- Magaluf's party destination reputation can put guests off before they arrive, even though the resort itself is positioned above that scene — research the specific resort rather than the neighborhood
- No specialty à la carte dining — guests eating all meals on property for 7+ nights will eat buffet only, every night
- As of early 2026, post-renovation guest reviews are limited — first-season operational issues are common after major renovations, and the risk of teething problems is real
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 Calvia Mallorca is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.