Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 241 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1996 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2026 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 5 | 9 |
| Included | 0 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 7 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 35 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 23 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
Pros
- Every suite has a full kitchen, washer, and dryer — genuinely useful for families or stays over five nights.
- The 2026 renovation updated all 240 rooms; furnishings and bathrooms are current as of early 2026.
- 24-hour ocean-view fitness center is the best gym facility on Palm Beach.
- Palm Beach is directly out front with calm, swimmable water and complimentary cabanas.
- Kids 6–12 stay free, reducing the cost burden significantly for families.
Cons
- All-inclusive isn't integrated — you add it separately and use it mainly at other Divi properties nearby, requiring shuttle transportation.
- Check-out is 10am with limited flexibility, which is earlier than most Aruba competitors.
- All dining is à la carte and extra charge unless you've purchased the all-inclusive add-on — easy to underestimate food costs on a room-only booking.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort offers more activities.