Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Ikos Andalusia
Velas Resorts vs Ikos Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 425 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 19 |
| Included | 15 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 14 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
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
Ikos Andalusia
Pros
- Complimentary Tesla/Mini Cooper for a day is a genuinely useful inclusion — the Costa del Sol is worth exploring by car
- Complimentary green fees for licensed golfers is included in the base rate, not an add-on
- Dine Out program extends the all-inclusive to local Estepona and Marbella restaurants
- Nine pools across 21 acres mean the property never feels like a single crowded pool deck
- Heroes Crèche covers infants from 6 months — one of the youngest minimum ages in luxury resort childcare
Cons
- A la carte restaurant reservations must be booked before arrival — guests who don't use the app in advance often can't get into preferred restaurants
- Heroes Crèche for children under 4 is at extra cost, which adds up quickly for families with infants or toddlers
- 45-minute airport transfer from Málaga is manageable but longer than most Costa del Sol competitors
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Ikos Andalusia has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Ikos Andalusia has more dining venues, while Ikos Andalusia offers more activities.