Closest property in the Bahia Principe complex to the children's water park and mini-golf — a meaningful logistical advantage for families with young children who plan to spend time there.
Staff friendliness and grounds maintenance are consistently the two highest-rated aspects in guest reviews.
Los Corales Dominican restaurant is an underrated specialty dinner — authentic local cooking with easier reservation availability than Italian or Japanese venues.
The quiet Turquesa pool is a genuinely better option than the main pool for guests who want to swim without the daytime social energy.
Cons
Furthest property from Arena Gorda Beach in the complex — shuttle is mandatory for every beach visit, adding management overhead to beach days.
Some room blocks are dated post-2015 renovation with mold and wear reported — request a newer or recently serviced room category at check-in.
Mosquitoes are a real problem in the evenings — pack DEET-based repellent.
Sales pitches for membership programmes are an annoyance noted by multiple guests — a polite but firm decline is the effective response.
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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa has more dining venues.
