Club Med Kiroro Grand vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Kiroro Grand | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 268 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2022 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Kiroro Grand | 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 Kiroro Grand | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Kiroro Grand | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 8 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Kiroro Grand | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 10 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Kiroro Grand
Pros
- Ski-in/ski-out access to Kiroro's powder is genuine — the slope entry and return is directly from the resort, not a shuttle ride to a gondola.
- The four dining venues including three specialty restaurants (all included) provide variety that most ski all-inclusives can't match.
- The traditional Japanese Onsen is Club Med's first — the bathing complex (onsen + rotenburo + ofuro) is a substantive cultural experience, not just a hot tub.
- Free shuttle to Otaru gives guests access to a genuinely charming city for half-day excursions without additional logistics.
Cons
- The 90–120 minute transfer from New Chitose Airport is the single biggest logistical friction point — factor this into multi-city Japan itineraries carefully.
- Summer operation exists but the resort's value proposition drops significantly without skiing — the activity program doesn't justify the price in warm months for most guests.
- The resort crowded with tour groups during summer months affects the atmosphere in ways that winter guests won't experience.
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 Kiroro Grand is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Kiroro Grand offers more activities.