Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Domes Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 201 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2024 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 9 |
| Included | 10 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 13 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton
Pros
- Amphitheater hillside design means almost every room has a direct Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga Island view — the view quality is consistent throughout the property rather than dependent on luck with room assignment.
- Adults-only 16+ policy and cool-inclusive format create a quieter, more composed atmosphere than traditional family all-inclusives.
- Opened 2023 with updated renovations the same year — facilities are genuinely new without dated elements.
Cons
- One-hour drive from Heraklion airport is a commitment — factor in transfer costs and time on both arrival and departure days.
- Pebble beach requires water shoes; guests expecting a sandy beach will need to adjust expectations for this stretch of Crete.
- As a 2023 opening, the long-term service consistency track record is still being established.
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 Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton has more dining venues, while Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton offers more activities.