Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Our Rating
8.1
9.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
358
539
Restaurants
8
8
Pools
5
4
Year Opened
2024
2008
Year Renovated
2024
2021
Features
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
No
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
Yes
Dining Comparison
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Venues
14
15
Included
14
15
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Room Categories
6
11
Suite Categories
6
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Activities
22
23
Included
18
17
Extra Charge
4
6
Pros & Cons
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort
Pros
Brand new (2024) — no maintenance backlog, modern finishes throughout, and equipment that hasn't been through years of salt air and heavy use.
The lazy river with caves is a distinctive feature not available at most Mazatlán properties.
10–25 minute airport transfer is shorter than comparable Pacific Mexico resorts.
TPC golf course adjacent — a genuine draw for serious golfers not available elsewhere in South America.
The turtle sanctuary next door (July–December) provides an unusual wildlife experience within walking distance.
Cons
The beach is unreliable for swimming due to Pacific currents — this is a meaningful limitation for guests who book specifically for a beach-swimming holiday.
Eight dining venues for 358 suites is a lower ratio than comparable AMR Collection properties — the buffet can feel crowded during peak meal windows.
The gated Estrella del Mar location means any trip to Mazatlán's city center or historic downtown requires arranging transport.
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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.
