Club Med Québec Charlevoix vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Québec Charlevoix | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 302 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2021 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Québec Charlevoix | 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 Québec Charlevoix | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 8 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Québec Charlevoix | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 13 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Québec Charlevoix | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 16 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Québec Charlevoix
Pros
- Le Massif de Charlevoix has the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies — the skiing here with St. Lawrence River views is among the most scenically distinctive in North America, and lift passes are included
- The included 7.5km sled run and the regional Quebecois dining program (Le Chalet gourmet, Terroir & Co. fondue) are not replicable at any other Club Med mountain property
Cons
- The single outdoor hot tub is consistently reported as overcrowded relative to guest volume — plan to use it early morning or after 9pm when demand drops
- The Nordic spa thermal journey (sauna, hammam, snow fountain, cold bath) costs extra at $42–$61 per person per day; it's not a free amenity despite being one of the property's signature features
- Ski equipment rental is not included — budget for it separately and rent on-site or bring personal equipment to avoid delays on arrival day
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 Québec Charlevoix is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Québec Charlevoix offers more activities.