Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize
Velas Resorts vs Margaritaville Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 8 |
| Included | 15 | 0 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 8 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 8 |
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
Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize
Pros
- Barrier reef snorkeling is directly accessible from the resort dock without a boat trip — this is rare in Belize and makes a genuine difference for water sports guests
- The remote north-end location means the beach is quiet and the pace is slow — a real advantage over the crowded San Pedro beachfront if that's what you want
- The 3,700 sq ft Penthouse and 1,421 sq ft Two-Bedroom Suite with full kitchens offer genuine value for families who prefer some self-catering flexibility
Cons
- The non-all-inclusive default structure catches guests off guard — review your booking carefully and decide before arrival whether to add the package or budget for a la carte restaurant pricing
- Evening options for leaving the resort are limited to the boat taxi to San Pedro, which requires advance coordination after dark — factor this in if nightlife is important
- The 30-minute boat transfer from San Pedro airport is non-negotiable and adds logistical complexity to late-night arrivals
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, while Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize offers more activities.