AluaSoul Orotava Valley vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | AluaSoul Orotava Valley | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.8 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 202 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | AluaSoul Orotava Valley | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | AluaSoul Orotava Valley | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 9 |
| Included | 5 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | AluaSoul Orotava Valley | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | AluaSoul Orotava Valley | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 16 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
AluaSoul Orotava Valley
Pros
- The heated pool's view of Mount Teide with the Atlantic beyond is genuinely impressive and hard to match in this price range
- Proximity to Puerto de la Cruz's historic center means real restaurants, real shops, and a properly Canarian atmosphere within a 15-minute walk
- 2021 renovation means rooms are clean, modern, and well-maintained — furniture and fixtures aren't worn out
- Adults-only enforcement is real — the 16+ policy and calm atmosphere are consistently noted as matching what guests expected
- Breakfast buffet quality regularly exceeds expectations for an all-inclusive at this price point
Cons
- The buffet at lunch and dinner gets repetitive quickly on stays longer than 4 nights — plan to eat in town at least 2-3 evenings
- The hilltop location means the walk back from Playa Jardín or the town center involves a hill that some guests find more tiring than expected — the free shuttle only runs Monday–Saturday midday
- The main pool opens at 10 AM; guests wanting early-morning laps have limited options
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 AluaSoul Orotava Valley offers more activities.