Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Boavista |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 484 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Boavista |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Boavista |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 11 |
| Included | 15 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Boavista |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Boavista |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 18 |
| Included | 17 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 4 |
Pros & Cons
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
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
Pros
- Adults-only swim-up pool rooms are a genuinely distinctive accommodation category — private in-pool access is unusual in the all-inclusive market.
- 8–10 minute airport transfer (1.5km from BVC) is among the shortest of any resort destination globally.
- Boa Vista is less developed than other Cape Verde islands — the isolation is an asset for guests seeking genuine quiet.
- Two swim-up bar pools provides variety across the day.
- Five massage rooms in the spa means better treatment availability than most properties of this size.
Cons
- Boa Vista's isolation is also a limitation — there's minimal off-property culture, shopping, or dining.
- Trade winds that make windsurfing excellent also make the beach feel windy and blow sand — not for everyone.
- Specialty restaurants operate on fixed two-sitting system — if both sittings are full, there's no flexibility.
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 Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.