Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 200 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1994 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Divi Village Golf & 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 Village Golf & Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 7 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 7 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort
Pros
- Windows on Aruba and BarTapas are genuinely two of the best restaurant experiences available through any Divi property — having them on-site rather than requiring a shuttle is a real advantage.
- The infinity pool with water slide is the best pool in the Divi Aruba network; sister resort guests shuttle here specifically for it.
- Full kitchens in all 348 suites plus a large nearby supermarket make self-catering practical on longer stays.
- Golf included (before 3pm) with the Signature All-Inclusive is a meaningful value add for golfers.
Cons
- At 348 units, the resort can feel impersonal compared to smaller Divi properties; housekeeping inconsistencies appear in guest feedback during busy periods.
- The Beach Bar at Druif Beach is not included in the all-inclusive — an annoying exception when you've paid for the AI package.
- Garden-only views throughout the entire resort means no ocean-facing rooms.
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 Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort offers more activities.