Club Med Palmiye vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 680 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1991 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2007 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | 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 Palmiye | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 9 |
| Included | 11 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 15 | 23 |
| Included | 10 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Palmiye
Pros
- The included watersports program — waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, SUP — is the most comprehensive of any Club Med in the Mediterranean region
- 11 tennis courts and 6 padel courts mean racquet sports access rarely becomes a queue issue, even at peak occupancy
Cons
- Sailing and wakeboarding develop genuine queues in July and August — arrive at the watersports desk when it opens; popular slots book out by mid-morning
- Strong winds cancel boat activities with little warning; if sailing is your primary reason for booking, check Kemer's June–August wind patterns before committing to specific dates
- Room quality in unrenovated Villagio bungalows is noticeably dated — request a refurbished Hotel room or newer bungalow unit at booking to avoid disappointment
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 Palmiye is the larger property, while Club Med Palmiye has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.