Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Our Rating
7.9
9.8
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
408
267
Restaurants
4
8
Pools
4
4
Year Opened
—
2003
Year Renovated
2023
2015
Features
Metric
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
No
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
Yes
Dining Comparison
Metric
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Total Venues
10
9
Included
10
9
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Room Categories
11
12
Suite Categories
4
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Total Activities
23
23
Included
21
21
Extra Charge
2
2
Pros & Cons
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Pros
Pacific sunsets from the volcanic sand beach or the observation pier are a genuine resort highlight — not resort marketing, consistently flagged by guests as a trip memory
Cana Brava's seafood restaurant is significantly above average for an all-inclusive — the ceviche uses genuinely fresh product
The Premium zone upgrade delivers real value: ocean-view rooms, private pool, and Macarela exclusivity are tangible perks, not just branding
Latin American and Costa Rican clientele gives the property an authentic local atmosphere rather than a generic international resort feel
Heliconia Spa's oceanfront bungalow setting is distinctive — treatments in a tropical garden steps from the Pacific is a different experience from a standard hotel spa
Cons
The volcanic sand beach is unsuitable for swimming most days — guests expecting a Caribbean-style swim-and-snorkel beach will be disappointed
90-minute airport transfer from San Jose adds real friction to tight schedules and late-night arrivals
Room quality is uneven during the multi-year renovation — request a Building 1 (Fiesta Double) room to get the renovated standard; other categories may still be in the older condition
Three of four restaurants require a 2-night minimum stay for reservations — guests on shorter stays are limited to the buffet and snack bar for most meals
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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica is the larger property, while Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica has more dining venues.
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
