Divi Southwinds Beach Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.1 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 133 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1980 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2018 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Divi Southwinds 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 Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 0 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 18 | 23 |
| Included | 11 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
Pros
- St. Lawrence Gap restaurants and bars are a short walk — you won't feel trapped eating the same buffet every night.
- Full kitchens in all suites and an on-site mini-mart make self-catering genuinely practical on longer stays.
- Wild green monkeys roam the resort grounds — children (and adults) are delighted by this more than any programmed activity.
- Dover Beach's southern exposure means calmer water than the east coast, making it reliably swimmable.
Cons
- No traditional all-inclusive — all on-site dining and bar costs are extra, which surprises guests expecting a Barbados all-inclusive experience.
- Housekeeping reported as weekly in some units — if daily service matters, confirm the schedule before arrival.
- Bar and restaurant prices on-site are considered expensive relative to the local alternatives within walking distance.
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 offers more activities.