Alua Leo vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Leo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 285 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 1 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Leo | 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 Leo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 4 | 9 |
| Included | 3 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Leo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 4 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Leo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Leo
Pros
- Can Pastilla Beach is 150 meters from the hotel — flat sand, calm water, and no transfer needed.
- PMI Airport is 4km away, making this one of the most transfer-efficient all-inclusives in Mallorca.
- Dedicated cycling center differentiates this property for active guests wanting to explore the island.
- The A2 airport bus stops directly across the street for about €5 per person.
- Staff are consistently praised for friendliness and helpfulness across all departments.
Cons
- All rooms are 215 sq ft — tight for three guests, especially where open-plan bathrooms lack full doors.
- Room quality varies widely; some show water staining, mold in bathrooms, or non-functional in-room safes.
- Outdoor pools close November through late April — check dates if booking in shoulder season.
- Nightly shows run every other evening rather than nightly — less entertainment coverage than some comparable resorts.
- No complimentary in-room water, coffee, or tea — a recurring complaint for a 4-star property.
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 Leo is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues.