Club Med Da Balaia vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Da Balaia | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 372 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1960 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Da Balaia | 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 Da Balaia | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 8 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Da Balaia | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 15 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Da Balaia | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 20 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Da Balaia
Pros
- The Zen Natural Pool is a genuine differentiator — adults-only, plant-filtered, clifftop sea views, and included in the all-inclusive rate
- Flying trapeze and Balaia Golf Club practice access (driving range, putting green) are included; both are unusual in European Club Med properties
- Kids' clubs run from 4 months to 17 — one of the broadest age ranges in the Club Med Europe portfolio
- Vasco Gourmet Lounge provides genuine table-service Portuguese à la carte five nights a week at no extra cost
Cons
- Maria Luísa Beach is scenic but Atlantic surf and currents make casual swimming unreliable — the main pool is where most guests swim
- O'Teatro nightclub noise reaches rooms in surrounding buildings — request upper floors away from the central area if this matters
- Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med for under-4s are extra cost — families with toddlers or infants should factor this into the all-in price
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 Da Balaia is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.