Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 300 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1966 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2024 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie | 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 Marrakech La Palmeraie | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 8 | 9 |
| Included | 8 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 8 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie
Pros
- The free shuttle to Jemaa el-Fna runs multiple times daily — this lets you experience the medina's chaos and return to the palm grove tranquility, which is the ideal way to do Marrakech
- Evening entertainment including the garden party with acrobats is genuinely impressive for a Club Med — guests specifically cite it over standard nightly shows
- The El Kebir restaurant under olive trees is the kind of dining experience that distinguishes the property — the dinner tagine service feels distinctly Moroccan rather than generic resort food
Cons
- The Family Oasis (Ksar) rooms are farthest from the main pool and restaurants — a real logistical inconvenience with strollers and young children, particularly in summer heat
- The family pool consistently runs cold based on guest reports — a significant downside if you're booking specifically for young water-loving children
- Wine selection is limited to Moroccan and French labels only; guests expecting global wine variety will be disappointed
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 Marrakech La Palmeraie is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie offers more activities.