Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Selection Playa Mita
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 452 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 15 |
| Included | 15 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 17 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 11 |
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
Iberostar Selection Playa Mita
Pros
- Huichol and Cora cultural integration with 100% locally sourced design materials gives the resort genuine regional character
- Pacific coast conditions enable surfing and bodyboarding unavailable at Caribbean all-inclusives
- Climate-controlled Aqua Fun water park operates comfortably even on the hottest afternoons
- Two-level infinity pool is one of the largest and most distinctive pool designs among Pacific Mexico resorts
Cons
- Some rooms show maintenance issues and signs of age — review specific room categories before booking and request recently refreshed units
- 80 km from Puerto Vallarta airport means a 45-minute minimum transfer — longer than Riviera Maya alternatives for most North American travelers
- Pacific beach conditions are choppier in afternoons than Caribbean equivalents — morning beach time is more reliably swimmable
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita offers more activities.