Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Our Rating
8.0
9.8
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
88
267
Restaurants
3
8
Pools
3
4
Year Opened
2026
2003
Year Renovated
2026
2015
Features
Metric
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
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
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Total Venues
6
9
Included
6
9
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Room Categories
10
12
Suite Categories
6
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Total Activities
25
23
Included
19
21
Extra Charge
6
2
Pros & Cons
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
The Cave Bar swim-through waterfall experience is a genuine standout — it earns its top-ten swim-up bar ranking and works for adults and older children alike.
Motorized water sports (water-skiing, tubing, banana boat) are included, which is uncommon at this price point.
The water taxi dine-around program meaningfully solves the variety problem for a smaller all-inclusive property — additional restaurants at sister Elegant Hotels are within a short boat ride.
The platinum west coast beach is calm, clear, and genuinely beautiful — a cut above the south coast in water quality.
Road tennis classes are a specific Barbados cultural experience that distinguishes this resort from generic Caribbean options.
Cons
Post-renovation opening (January 2026) means early operational inconsistencies — food temperature and bar service are the most reported early concerns.
Value-for-money questions have appeared in initial reviews at the new post-renovation pricing.
No dedicated spa facility — spa treatments are provided on-site without a purpose-built spa environment.
Fine wine and Champagne are excluded from the all-inclusive package — clarify exactly what's included at check-in.
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
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 Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort offers more activities.
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
