Club Med Magna Marbella vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Magna Marbella | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 485 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2022 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2022 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Magna Marbella | 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 Magna Marbella | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 5 | 9 |
| Included | 5 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Magna Marbella | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Magna Marbella | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Magna Marbella
Pros
- The Tierra Gourmet Lounge dinner — three courses with live music and strong Andalusian flavors — consistently ranks as a highlight; book it on day one before tables disappear
- 10 tennis courts and 5 padel courts rarely have serious wait times even in peak season — a rarity among European resort tennis programs
- All 485 rooms were renovated in 2022; nothing feels dated in the way older Club Meds can
- Panoramic views from the main pool terrace covering both the Sierra Blanca mountains and Mediterranean Sea are genuinely striking — worth a morning coffee with that view even before swimming
Cons
- No direct beach access — families expecting to walk from pool to sand will need a 25-minute walk or taxi to reach Playa del Venus
- Baby Club (4–23 months) and Petit Club (2–3 years) are significant additional costs beyond the all-inclusive rate — budget for these if traveling with very young children
- Lobster and Wagyu beef carry surcharges even within the Tierra Gourmet Lounge — verify which items trigger extra billing when ordering
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 Magna Marbella is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Magna Marbella offers more activities.