Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | — | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an | 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 Sian Ka'an | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 9 |
| Included | 12 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 4 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an
Pros
- The quietest property in the Bahia Principe Riviera Maya complex—jungle setting and adults-only policy create a genuinely peaceful environment.
- The quiet pool adjacent to Alux (no music) is the only silent outdoor pool in the full complex—worth mentioning to guests who find constant background music draining.
- 24-hour room service and a daily restocked mini-bar are included in the standard rate—practical perks that feel meaningful on a full-week stay.
- Penthouse suite outdoor hydro-massage tubs receive specific commendation in guest reviews—the best-value upgrade on property for couples.
Cons
- Room condition shows the property's age—cracking spa tubs, stained linens, and visible wear appear consistently across reviews despite the Origen renovation.
- Cocktail quality receives poor reviews—low alcohol content and cheap mixes are the specific complaints. Ask for branded spirits by name.
- The beach requires a 10–15 minute trolley and the trolley runs on a schedule—miss one and you're waiting 20–30 minutes.
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 Sian Ka'an has more dining venues, while Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka'an offers more activities.