Club Med Valmorel vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Valmorel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 370 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2011 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Valmorel | 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 Valmorel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Valmorel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Valmorel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 32 | 23 |
| Included | 25 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Valmorel
Pros
- One of the most family-friendly ski properties in the Club Med network — kids' club staffing ratios and attentiveness are consistently praised
- The Valmorel domain's intermediate terrain means children can ski across most of the mountain without constant parental accompaniment on difficult runs
- Traditional Beaufortain architecture gives the property genuine alpine character rather than generic resort aesthetic
- Chalet accommodations offer family groups meaningful space and independence within the managed all-inclusive structure
Cons
- The Valmorel ski domain is too small for advanced skiers — experts will exhaust the interesting terrain in two days
- Standard rooms are compact; the absence of a seating chair in many units is a noted irritant for couples wanting a non-bed relaxation space
- Dining rooms get loud during family-heavy peak weeks — not a quiet dining environment
- One main restaurant for 420 rooms means the buffet rotation feels repetitive by mid-week
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 Valmorel is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Valmorel offers more activities.