Excellence Playa Mujeres vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Excellence Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 450 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 13 | 8 |
| Pools | 7 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2007 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | 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 Playa Mujeres | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 22 | 9 |
| Included | 22 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 12 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 22 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence Playa Mujeres
Pros
- Calm, clear water sheltered by Isla Mujeres — one of the most genuinely swimmable beaches near Cancun.
- No reservation required for most restaurants — a practical daily-life advantage over competing resorts.
- Lobster included in the all-inclusive rate (outside conservation season) without upgrade or extra charge.
- 807 sq ft starting room size is genuinely large by Cancun all-inclusive standards.
- Miilé Spa with 15 treatment rooms is one of the better on-site spas in the Excellence portfolio.
Cons
- The lazy river collects mosquitoes during rainy season (June–October) — a real issue reported consistently.
- Some resort areas are dated in finishes; repeat guests notice this more than first-timers.
- Secluded location means any off-site excursion (Chichen Itza, Tulum, Isla Mujeres) requires planning.
- Nightlife is minimal — this is a quiet-by-10-PM resort, which is a problem only if that's not what you want.
- Ground-floor suite terraces offer limited privacy depending on landscaping density.
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 Playa Mujeres has more restaurants, while Excellence Playa Mujeres is the larger property, while Excellence Playa Mujeres has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.