Enyesque Canarian à la carte dinner included once per stay for 7-night all-inclusive guests — a meaningful food quality upgrade.
Five pools including two heated indoor options — useful given the Atlantic wind conditions that make outdoor pools cold.
The Jandia Peninsula's consistent wind conditions make this the top location in Spain for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
My Favorite Club lounge access and dedicated dining areas genuinely reduce the friction of crowded pool and restaurant spaces.
Comprehensive thermal spa circuit with sauna, steam, Turkish bath, and hot tub.
Cons
Outdoor pools are unheated and frequently described as cold — the Atlantic trade winds keep temperatures lower than guests expect.
Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is 76–85km away — the longest transfer in the Alua portfolio, up to two hours.
Entertainment primarily in French creates a language barrier for non-Francophone guests.
The return walk from Playa Esquinzo-Butihondo is a steep uphill — not manageable with prams or limited mobility.
Buffet food quality is the most consistent complaint — cheap, repetitive, and low-variety.
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
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.
