Esencia de La Palma by Princess vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 11 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | 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 | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 9 |
| Included | 8 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 23 |
| Included | 11 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Esencia de La Palma by Princess
Pros
- 2021 Esencia renovation means rooms are in good condition — better maintained than older sections of the La Palma Princess
- Sea view rooms face a genuinely distinctive volcanic Atlantic coastline — not your standard beach hotel view
- Adults-only (16+) throughout the Esencia section — consistently quiet even in peak season
- La Palma itself has low tourist density by Canary Islands standards — if you've done Gran Canaria and Tenerife, this is meaningfully different
Cons
- Hilly terrain with no lifts in accommodation blocks — not suitable for guests with limited mobility without ground-floor room assignment
- Many drinks carry additional charges beyond the basic all-inclusive selection
- A rental car is effectively required to access the island's main attractions — budget for this
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 Esencia de La Palma by Princess has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.