Club Med Vittel Ermitage vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Vittel Ermitage | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 105 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 1 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1967 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2024 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Vittel Ermitage | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | No | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Vittel Ermitage | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 4 | 15 |
| Included | 4 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Vittel Ermitage | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Vittel Ermitage | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Vittel Ermitage
Pros
- Art Deco manor architecture is genuinely distinctive — not a purpose-built resort block
- Group golf lessons and full practice facility access are included in the rate, making this viable for first-time and developing golfers
- From September 2025, dogs are welcome — the only Club Med property with this positioning
- Staff (G.O. team) receives consistent high marks for energy and warmth, which matters in a quieter countryside setting
- Regional French buffet with Normandy oysters, lobster, and Vittel trout is a cut above standard Club Med buffet programming
Cons
- The two larger Palmarium pools are closed for renovation through 2027 — current swimming is limited to a 12x5m above-ground pool that guests regularly describe as undersized
- The 18-hole golf course now requires a paid green fee; this used to be more inclusive
- In-room Wi-Fi is frequently described as weak in standard rooms; a paid 'business Wi-Fi' upgrade exists but should not be a necessity
- Parking on-site costs extra; free spaces exist along the approach avenue but require a short walk
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Club Med Vittel Ermitage offers more activities.