Club Med Val d'Isère vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Val d'Isère | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 216 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2022 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Val d'Isère | 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 Val d'Isère | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Val d'Isère | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 8 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Val d'Isère | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 19 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Val d'Isère
Pros
- Val d'Isère is one of the most respected ski domains in Europe — the Espace Killy terrain is extensive and varied, and having it included in the all-inclusive price is the main value proposition
- The 2023 complete rebuild means genuinely new infrastructure — no aging room stock, no outdated common areas
- Exclusive Collection lounge and concierge service adds a practical tier of organization that's useful for coordinating ski equipment, restaurant bookings, and excursions
- Les Millésimes gourmet restaurant is a cut above the standard Club Med dining offering
Cons
- On-site ski hire is expensive and has limited opening hours — book equipment from shops in Val d'Isère village before arrival
- Wednesday special gourmet menu at Les Millésimes costs extra even within the all-inclusive rate — read the fine print
- Val d'Isère is one of the most expensive Alpine destinations to reach; transfer costs add meaningfully to the total trip cost
- The ski-in route runs on a blue piste, which works for most skiers but frustrates advanced skiers wanting direct high-mountain access
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Val d'Isère offers more activities.