AluaSun Mediterráneo vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | AluaSun Mediterráneo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.4 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 170 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2020 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | AluaSun Mediterráneo | 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 | AluaSun Mediterráneo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 3 | 9 |
| Included | 3 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Mediterráneo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Mediterráneo | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
AluaSun Mediterráneo
Pros
- Access to Purobeach Menorca Oasis del Mar beach club at AluaSoul Menorca is the standout benefit — included with your stay and otherwise adults-only
- Apartments are genuinely spacious (527-538 sq ft) with kitchenettes, private terraces, and room for families of four
- Short airport transfer (17-18 min) and quiet eastern location away from the main resort belt
- Staff consistently praised across reviews; small property size helps here
Cons
- No sandy beach adjacent to the property — Cala Alcaufar is a 15-minute walk, Punta Prima a 10-minute drive
- Dinner buffet is repetitive on stays longer than 5 nights; the La Trattoria à la carte partially compensates
- Evening entertainment runs three times a week and primarily in Spanish — limited for non-Spanish speaking guests
- Some rooms have hard mattresses and dated decor; air conditioning is centrally controlled in some units
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 AluaSun Mediterráneo offers more activities.