Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Waves Punta Cana
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Waves Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 427 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1997 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2003 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Waves Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Waves Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 19 |
| Included | 15 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Waves Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Waves Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 7 |
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 Waves Punta Cana
Pros
- Coral restoration laboratory is a genuinely unique resort feature — not a tank display but a working scientific facility
- P.B. Dye golf course on the property, not a shuttle ride away
- Blue Flag beach is among the best in Punta Cana, consistently well-maintained
- Star Camp covers three distinct age groups (4-7, 8-12, 13-17) with programming tailored to each
Cons
- 1997 build with 2003 renovation — rooms are noticeably dated compared to newer Punta Cana competitors
- Sargassum seaweed is an uncontrollable variable from May through September
- Specialty restaurant reservations are first-come; guests who don't book on arrival day may find popular venues fully booked
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Iberostar Waves Punta Cana has more dining venues, while Iberostar Waves Punta Cana offers more activities.