Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Domes Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.5 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 52 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 55 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2024 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 4 | 9 |
| Included | 1 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 8 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 13 | 2 |
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 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 has more dining venues, while Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection offers more activities.