Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.5 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 190 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1999 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | No | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 9 |
| Included | 5 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 6 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 22 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino
Pros
- The only adults-only all-inclusive on St. Croix — no competitive alternatives if that's your requirement.
- Staff quality is consistently the highest-rated element in guest reviews, with multiple guests noting bartenders learn drink orders within the first day.
- The east end location is genuinely quieter than Christiansted town; less traffic, less noise.
- PADI 5-star dive operation on-site, with St. Croix's famous Wall dive accessible by boat.
Cons
- Dining variety runs thin by day four or five — the buffet rotation repeats and the only à la carte option is Tuscany, which is dinner-only.
- Casino charges and the Carina Café are not included in the all-inclusive package, which surprises some guests who assume everything on-site is covered.
- Sargassum seaweed affects the beach during May–September and can close beach sections; check current conditions before 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 Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino offers more activities.