Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 149 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 1 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 18 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only
Pros
- Panoramic bay views from the hillside pool and most sea-view rooms — the most distinctive setting in the Bahia Principe adults-only portfolio.
- Adults-only creates a genuinely quiet atmosphere that the large Punta Cana properties cannot replicate.
- December–March whale watching in Samaná Bay is one of the Caribbean's best wildlife activities.
- Small private beach with calm bay water — well-maintained and without the crowds of Bavaro.
Cons
- Extensive stairs throughout the hillside property — a genuine disqualifier for guests with mobility issues or anyone who finds repeated stair climbing in heat problematic.
- Isolated Los Cacaos location means all off-site activity requires paid taxis.
- Buffet variety becomes repetitive on 5+ night stays without the cross-complex restaurant access the Punta Cana Grand properties offer.
- Wi-Fi beyond the lobby is a paid upgrade.
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 offers more activities.