Club Med Lake Paradise vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Lake Paradise | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 370 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Lake Paradise | 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 Lake Paradise | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Lake Paradise | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Lake Paradise | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 20 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Lake Paradise
Pros
- 45 minutes from Guarulhos Airport makes this the most accessible Club Med property for São Paulo-based travelers — no long transfers required.
- The treetop adventure circuit and flying trapeze are included — the activity program is broader than most non-ski Club Med properties.
- Kids' clubs cover from birth (age 0) through 17, with GO counselors forming genuine connections with children over a week-long stay.
Cons
- Room maintenance consistency varies across the five buildings — the Cerejeira and Macieira wings are the most reliable; other wings show age.
- The food is calibrated to Brazilian tastes — heavier and sweeter than European Club Med buffets, which some international guests find limiting.
- The property is large enough to require planning to get around — bicycles (extra cost) or significant walking between buildings and amenities.
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 Lake Paradise is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Lake Paradise offers more activities.