Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Ocean Blue & Sand
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | — |
| Room Count | 539 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 19 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 33 |
| Included | 17 | 28 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 5 |
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
Ocean Blue & Sand
Pros
- The bowling alley, climbing wall, baseball batting cage, and archery range make this one of the more activity-dense all-inclusives in Punta Cana — particularly useful for families with teenagers who exhaust the standard beach-and-pool program quickly.
- Mike's Coffee is a genuine daily-use amenity — specialty espresso drinks and homemade cakes from 7 AM to 10 PM make this a better morning coffee option than most all-inclusive buffets.
Cons
- Bucanero, the beachfront seafood restaurant, carries an extra charge even for all-inclusive guests — this is a recurring guest complaint and worth budgeting for if beachfront seafood dining is a priority.
- Sargassum seaweed is a seasonal reality on Playa Bávaro. The resort is on one of the stretches most frequently affected in Punta Cana — check forecasts before booking if beach swimming is a primary activity.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Ocean Blue & Sand has more restaurants, while Ocean Blue & Sand has more dining venues, while Ocean Blue & Sand offers more activities.