Club Med Rio Das Pedras vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Rio Das Pedras | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 346 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1989 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2024 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Rio Das Pedras | 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 Rio Das Pedras | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 9 |
| Included | 8 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Rio Das Pedras | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Rio Das Pedras | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 20 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Rio Das Pedras
Pros
- Waterskiing and wakeboarding with group lessons are included — this is rare at any all-inclusive and the primary sporting differentiator at Rio Das Pedras over other Brazil Club Meds
- The Ilha Grande excursion (extra cost) is one of the most genuinely distinctive nearby destinations available from any Club Med in the Americas — a car-free national park island with Atlantic Forest and clear water that looks nothing like a standard day-trip
Cons
- The drive from Rio's Galeão International Airport is 110–150 km and averages 2–2.5 hours under normal conditions — plan for up to 4 hours during Carnival; factor this transfer time into arrival/departure scheduling
- Unrenovated standard rooms co-exist with the 2024-renovated deluxe units — always book a confirmed renovated Deluxe or Junior Suite category and verify at check-in
- Jangada reservations are limited to one per stay and fill within hours of arrival — go to the restaurant between noon and 1pm on the day you arrive to secure your slot
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 Rio Das Pedras is the larger property, while Club Med Rio Das Pedras has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.