Divi Aruba All Inclusive vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Aruba All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.9 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 203 | 267 |
| Restaurants | — | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Divi Aruba All Inclusive | 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 | Divi Aruba All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 21 | 9 |
| Included | 17 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 19 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Aruba All Inclusive
Pros
- Druif Beach is genuinely one of Aruba's best — calm, clear, less crowded than Palm Beach.
- Shared access to Tamarijn Aruba effectively doubles your restaurant and pool options.
- Low-rise layout means the resort never feels like a packed megaplex.
- The 30-foot rock-climbing wall and Divi Winds Sports Center are legitimately good fitness amenities.
- Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt — no need to gamble on weather windows.
Cons
- Rooms are functional but not impressive — even post-renovation, they get 'just okay' rather than praise.
- Vista 1 building guests have specifically complained about entertainment noise carrying into rooms.
- Chair-reserving with towels is a real issue at peak times — early risers win.
- The beaches at Tamarijn's end are rocky compared to Divi's side.
- Tip culture is strong — staff are attentive but guests report feeling pressure to have cash on hand.
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 Divi Aruba All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Divi Aruba All Inclusive offers more activities.