Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 286 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1974 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2019 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers | 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 La Pointe aux Canonniers | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 21 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers
Pros
- The motorized water sports package (waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking) included in the base rate is the strongest water activity offering at any Club Med Indian Ocean property.
- The 2019 renovation produced consistent room quality across categories — the post-renovation room condition is materially better than historical reviews suggest.
- The kids' clubs cover ages 4 months to 17 years — a comprehensive range that suits families at every stage.
Cons
- The reef immediately around the resort is damaged — guests expecting snorkeling from the beach will be disappointed. Good reef snorkeling requires a paid boat excursion.
- Saturday activity programming is reportedly lighter — historically a staff rest day with reduced GO activity coverage.
- Spa treatments and scuba diving are not included in the all-inclusive rate — these add materially to the total cost for wellness-focused guests.
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 La Pointe aux Canonniers is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.