Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Domes Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 52 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 55 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2024 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | No | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 4 | 15 |
| Included | 1 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 8 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 13 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection
Pros
- Every single accommodation has a private Zen Pool — not just premium suites. The smallest room (322 sq ft) still gets one.
- 52 total units keeps the property intimate — you won't feel like one of 500 guests.
- Complimentary shuttle to Oia is useful and frequent — allows use of Oia as a dining and activity base.
Cons
- No beach on-site — Santorini's beaches require a car or taxi trip.
- Two restaurants is limited for a multi-night stay — plan dinners in Oia at least two nights per week.
- Opened 2024 — limited track record and the service consistency data is still limited.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection offers more activities.