Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Our Rating
7.7
9.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
283
539
Restaurants
9
8
Pools
7
4
Year Opened
2018
2008
Year Renovated
2017
2021
Features
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
No
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
Yes
Dining Comparison
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Venues
18
15
Included
18
15
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Room Categories
13
11
Suite Categories
11
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Activities
25
23
Included
20
17
Extra Charge
5
6
Pros & Cons
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Pros
Direct Seven Mile Beach access with calm water, minimal boat traffic, and genuine Caribbean sunset views from the resort's west-facing beach.
Nine pools including dedicated adults-only options mean you can almost always find a calm spot regardless of occupancy.
The Ackee Restaurant staffed by an all-Jamaican culinary team delivers an authentic experience; the Di Romagna Italian consistently impresses.
The Azulitos Playhouse hours (7 AM–11 PM) are longer than any comparable Jamaica all-inclusive kids program.
Rooms in the 400–800 sq ft range feel genuinely spacious, with premium bedding and large balconies noted consistently.
Cons
No elevators on property — a significant accessibility issue and a daily inconvenience for upper-floor guests with luggage.
Room service takes an hour or more routinely — plan meals at restaurants rather than relying on in-room delivery.
The property shows age: chipped paint, scratched furniture, and minor mold in pool areas are recurring observations.
Evening entertainment is inconsistent and minimal during low-occupancy periods — don't book for nightlife.
Check-in requires a ~$200 USD deposit hold that surprises many guests; prepare your card for the hold.
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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma has more dining venues, while Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma offers more activities.
