Club Med Opio en Provence vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Opio en Provence | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 435 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1978 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Opio en Provence | 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 Opio en Provence | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Opio en Provence | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Opio en Provence | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Opio en Provence
Pros
- The Golf restaurant dinner (truffle risotto, grilled sea bass, Tropézienne pie) on the olive grove terrace is the best meal the property offers — worth booking every evening you're there if availability allows
- CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil runs multiple sessions daily — aerial bungee, aerial silk, and juggling classes are genuinely instructional and not just novelty
Cons
- The resort is large and hilly with many stairs between buildings — guests with strollers, mobility issues, or room assignments far from main facilities will find this genuinely tiring rather than charming
- Some rooms are dated and inconsistent in maintenance quality; the 2017 renovation didn't address all 435 rooms equally — request newer buildings when booking
- Day passes sold to external visitors can make the main pool crowded during summer; the Zen Pool becomes the practical adult escape
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 Opio en Provence is the larger property, while Club Med Opio en Provence offers more activities.