Alua Gran Camp de Mar vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Gran Camp de Mar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 128 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 1 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2018 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Gran Camp de Mar | 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 Gran Camp de Mar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 9 |
| Included | 7 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Gran Camp de Mar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 6 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Gran Camp de Mar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Gran Camp de Mar
Pros
- Two direct-access sandy beaches — one on each side — is a structurally rare setup; if one beach is windy or crowded, the other is a few minutes' walk
- Four-treatment-room spa with an adults-only hydrotherapy indoor pool is meaningfully more comprehensive than the single massage cabin that passes for spa at many comparable Mallorcan all-inclusives
- Adults-only terrace with Balinese beds and Jacuzzis provides a genuine quiet adults space that most family-oriented competitors in this tier don't offer
Cons
- Coin/token system for drinks at some bars — even for all-inclusive guests — generates consistent confusion; ask at check-in to understand exactly how drinks work at each bar before you encounter it
- Pool sunbeds fill early in peak season — arriving poolside after 9:30am in July often means no preferred spots available
- Rooms sharing walls have thin insulation — neighbor noise is a consistent complaint; request rooms not adjacent to other families or upper floors at booking
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.