Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya
Velas Resorts vs Kimpton All-Inclusive — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | — |
| Room Count | 539 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2025 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 14 |
| Included | 15 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 14 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 0 |
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
Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cenote and river kayaking are included in the all-inclusive package — not off-property excursions. This is the single most distinctive activity offering in Riviera Maya.
- Top-shelf domestic and international spirits are included — this is an actual differentiator, not a marketing claim, at this price tier.
- The Temazcal Ritual at Kej Spa is authentic to Mayan cultural context — a different category of spa experience from a standard resort treatment.
- 30 minutes from Cancun airport is among the shorter transfers for any Riviera Maya all-inclusive — meaningful if early check-in or late-night arrivals are part of your trip.
Cons
- As a recently rebranded property, operational adjustments are still being worked out — some early guests have reported inconsistencies. Read recent reviews rather than pre-opening marketing.
- The access boundary between Tres Rios and neighboring properties has historically required enforcement — confirm what areas are exclusive to Kimpton guests at check-in.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues.