Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Breathless Resorts & Spas vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 362 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 9 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2020 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa | 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 | Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 21 | 9 |
| Included | 20 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 15 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 15 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 20 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Pros
- Three-zone layout genuinely lets you choose between party and calm each day — a more considered design than single-energy party resorts.
- Renovated 2020 — the rooms feel current compared to older Cancun properties in this price range.
- Swim-out rooms offer direct terrace pool access and are consistently rated the best room type on property.
- Premium spirits are available — ask bartenders for specific brands and tip to ensure quality pours.
Cons
- Some rooms have glass-walled showers with limited privacy coverage — verify room layout before finalizing your booking.
- No reservations at à la carte restaurants means waits during peak evenings — arrive at least 15 minutes before opening to avoid queues.
- Beach can be affected by sargassum May through October; the pools may be your primary water option during this period.
- The Xcelerate pool music is genuinely loud — not suitable for guests wanting afternoon quiet.
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 Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa offers more activities.