Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Domes Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.3 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 198 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 5 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2020 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 17 | 15 |
| Included | 5 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 12 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 12 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Pros
- Two Michelin-starred chefs operating simultaneously on one property is exceptional — Anthos and Makris Fine Dining give this resort dining credibility that few Greek resort properties can match.
- Every single accommodation has a private jacuzzi or pool — no need to pay for a top-tier suite to get one.
- Spinalonga Island views from the resort are among the most historically and visually dramatic settings at any Cretan resort.
Cons
- Anthos, Makris, Yaosai, and Antonino's are all extra charge — the premium dining program costs real money on top of an already high room rate.
- The adults-only pool can be cool if unheated in shoulder season — confirm pool heating dates when booking for May or October.
- Golf buggy service is essential due to the hilly terrain — not a walkable resort for guests with mobility limitations.
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 Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection has more dining venues, while Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection offers more activities.