Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 412 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville | 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 Luxury Bouganville | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 9 |
| Included | 17 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 22 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville
Pros
- Four-poster beds and spa baths are the most commented-on room feature — more distinctive than standard all-inclusive room design.
- Altos de Chavón (20 minutes) is the most accessible cultural excursion from any Dominican Republic all-inclusive — the clifftop replica village above the Chavón River is genuinely worth a half-day.
- Takara Oriental restaurant gets specific positive reviews — the Asian cuisine is the most interesting specialty dinner option at La Romana.
Cons
- Ocean water at La Romana is murky — this is a pool-focused resort by practical necessity.
- Some room maintenance issues (leaky bathrooms, non-functioning minibars) appear in reviews.
- À la carte reservation slots are limited — book all three of your weekly slots on arrival.
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 Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville is the larger property, while Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.