Desire Riviera Maya Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Desire Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Desire Riviera Maya Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.4 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 112 | 267 |
| Restaurants | — | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2006 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Desire Riviera Maya Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Desire Riviera Maya Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 19 | 9 |
| Included | 17 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Desire Riviera Maya Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 15 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 10 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Desire Riviera Maya Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 21 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Desire Riviera Maya Resort
Pros
- Five specialty restaurants for dinner means guests on a 5-night stay can eat at a different à la carte venue every evening.
- Late-night snacks at Melange Bar until 4 AM (included) — the best post-nightclub food access of any Desire property.
- The Eden section's 2024 addition brings the newest rooms, swim-up suites, and a Diamond-tier experience to a 20-year-old property.
- The rooftop Jacuzzi Lounge with 30-person capacity and ocean views remains functional and social regardless of beach sargassum conditions.
Cons
- Sargassum is the primary environmental risk — Puerto Morelos beach conditions vary seasonally and can be severe April through August.
- Cabanas at the main pool require advance reservation; guests who don't book early are shut out during peak periods.
- Buffet dinner at El Arrecife has inconsistent temperature and quality — plan to use specialty restaurants for evening meals.
- Jacuzzi pump noise has been reported in some adjacent rooms — ask at check-in whether your room is near the jacuzzi facilities.
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 is the larger property, while Desire Riviera Maya Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.