Excellence Oyster Bay vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Excellence Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 315 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 10 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2018 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | 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 | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 26 | 9 |
| Included | 26 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 16 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 15 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 10 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence Oyster Bay
Pros
- Private peninsula location means no beach vendors and genuinely secluded feel
- Beach House suites (2019) provide direct beach access from a private deck — uncommon in all-inclusive resorts
- Caribbean Grove restaurant applies Jamaican culinary traditions to the gourmet format — specifically worth booking at an Excellence property in Jamaica
- Victorian architectural style distinguishes this property from the generic modern all-inclusive design
Cons
- Drink service to beach loungers is slow — going to a swim-up bar is faster for getting a drink
- Some plunge pool rooms face walkways with limited privacy — request an assessment of which units have better seclusion
- Seagrass in the ocean and narrow beach sections are consistent notes in reviews
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 Excellence Oyster Bay has more restaurants, while Excellence Oyster Bay is the larger property, while Excellence Oyster Bay has more dining venues, while Excellence Oyster Bay offers more activities.