Alua Linda Mallorca vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.9 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 189 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2026 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2026 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 3 | 15 |
| Included | 3 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 2 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 22 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Linda Mallorca
Pros
- Complete 2026 renovation means the property is in genuinely new condition — no old-stock maintenance issues.
- 269 sq ft rooms are meaningfully larger than the 215 sq ft standard common at comparable properties.
- PMI Airport is 7 minutes away by the A2 bus from the stop directly across the street.
- Three pools including a quiet relax pool separate from the main activity area.
- Pet-friendly policy for small dogs — rare in the all-inclusive segment.
Cons
- Only two room categories with no sea-view option at any price point.
- No spa or dedicated wellness facility beyond fitness classes and gym.
- Terra buffet does not serve lunch — guests must use the Fresco poolside bar or go off-site at midday.
- No specialty à la carte restaurant — dining variety requires leaving the property.
- Post-2026 guest reviews are limited; the renovation track record is strong on paper but untested at scale.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Alua Linda Mallorca offers more activities.