Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Slavija
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Slavija |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 126 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 1 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1984 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Slavija |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Slavija |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 4 |
| Included | 15 | 0 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Slavija |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Slavija |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 5 |
| Included | 17 | 4 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 1 |
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 Slavija
Pros
- Rooftop infinity pool delivers genuinely spectacular Adriatic views — one of the best pool settings in Budva
- Thermal facilities (sauna, steam, hammam) are included for all guests with no extra charge
- Walking distance to Budva Old Town — 10 to 15 minutes on foot for restaurants, bars, and historic sites
- Massages are consistently praised as high quality relative to spa price level
- Attached supermarket is convenient for everyday purchases without leaving the building
Cons
- Not all-inclusive — food and drinks beyond breakfast add up quickly for guests who eat and drink freely
- Rooftop pool is seasonal (closed November to April) — visiting outside summer means the main amenity is unavailable
- No kids' club or organized child activities — families with young children will need to plan entertainment independently
- Parking is fee-based and limited during peak season
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.