Divi Little Bay Beach Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Little Bay Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.9 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 211 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1989 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2018 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Divi Little Bay Beach 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 | Divi Little Bay Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 9 |
| Included | 8 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Little Bay Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 9 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Little Bay Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 10 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
Pros
- Private peninsula setting gives the resort a more isolated feel than typical Philipsburg properties, while remaining walking distance to town.
- Three distinct pool options including an infinity pool mean you can find your preferred crowd level.
- The PureRoc lava-rock cooking experience is genuinely unique on St. Maarten — families with kids enjoy it particularly.
- Philipsburg casinos, duty-free shopping, and restaurants are a 15-minute walk for guests who want evenings off property.
Cons
- Buildings A and B and beachfront units were under renovation through late 2025 — confirm room renovation status before booking.
- MIX AT OCEANS rooftop lounge is extra charge for standard all-inclusive guests, which feels restrictive given the room rates.
- 10am check-out creates friction for guests with afternoon flights.
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 Little Bay Beach Resort has more dining venues, while Divi Little Bay Beach Resort offers more activities.