Club Med Columbus Isle vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Columbus Isle | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 236 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 1 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1992 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Columbus Isle | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Columbus Isle | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Columbus Isle | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Columbus Isle | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 21 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Columbus Isle
Pros
- San Salvador's wall dives, blue holes, and reef drop-offs are some of the most distinctive dive sites accessible from any Club Med — the dive operation is the main reason serious divers choose this resort
- Bonefish Bay Beach is a genuine mile-long white sand beach with calm, clear water — not manufactured by the resort
- The 5-minute transfer from San Salvador Airport (ZSA) is one of the easiest resort arrivals in the Caribbean
- Post-2023 renovation has addressed many of the room quality issues that affected pre-renovation reviews
Cons
- Sand flies are active at dusk and can be severe — oil-based insect repellent is essential, not optional, for outdoor evening activities
- Scuba diving is extra cost and is the primary activity draw — guests who don't dive get less unique value from this specific location vs. other Club Med properties
- Limited flight connections to ZSA mean any disruption (weather, missed connections) can strand guests — book direct flights if available
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.