Infinity pools with Banderas Bay panoramas from a hillside elevation are genuinely different from any beachfront resort in the area
Trekking trails through the ecological reserve offer bird watching through Sierra Madre jungle — you'll see species not present at beachfront resorts
Adults-only pool area with tree-shaded hot tubs is one of the more atmospheric outdoor spaces on the Riviera Nayarit
Makawe Spa's palm-hut treatment rooms in the jungle garden are architecturally distinctive — the setting enhances the experience
Master Suite plunge pool with bay views plus butler service is a genuinely excellent configuration for couples
Cons
No beach at the resort — Eva Mandarina Beach Club requires a 10-minute shuttle with a limited schedule; plan your beach days around it
Hilly terraced layout requires significant walking and stair navigation — not ideal if mobility is a concern
Most a la carte restaurants are adults-only — families with children have fewer specialty dining options
Evening buffet quality draws mixed reviews; the a la carte restaurants are meaningfully better but limited seats require early booking
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 has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa offers more activities.
