Club Med Changbaishan vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Changbaishan | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 280 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 42 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2018 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Changbaishan | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | No | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Changbaishan | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 3 | 9 |
| Included | 3 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Changbaishan | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 9 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Changbaishan | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 19 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Changbaishan
Pros
- The 42-pool hot spring complex including 11 traditional Chinese herbal bath pools is a genuine draw — nothing comparable exists at other Club Med properties
- Ski-in/ski-out access with included group lessons and ski pass from day 2 removes the typical friction of booking ski holidays independently
- Mini Club Med ski program for ages 4–10 is well-reviewed for its instructor-to-child ratio and structured progression
- The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve setting makes guided hikes substantively different from resort walks — actual old-growth forest
Cons
- Hot springs become crowded in the afternoons after ski return — morning sessions before 11 AM are significantly quieter
- English-speaking ski instructors are limited; non-Mandarin speakers wanting technical feedback should book private lessons
- The Family Stand-alone Suites are 5 minutes from the main building — this walk in sub-zero temperatures is a real consideration
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 Club Med Changbaishan is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Changbaishan offers more activities.