Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Paradisus Gran Canaria
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 299 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2023 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 11 |
| Included | 15 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
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
Paradisus Gran Canaria
Pros
- Lemon Fish Nikkei Sky Bar is a genuinely good restaurant by any standard — the sky terrace and fusion concept stand out in the Canary Islands market
- 2023 new-build quality means no dated rooms, non-functioning AC, or bathroom maintenance issues common in older Gran Canaria all-inclusives
- Year-round mild climate means this property is viable outside peak summer — November through February brings European visitors escaping cold at reasonable rates
Cons
- San Agustín beach has dark volcanic sand — guests expecting Caribbean-style white sand will need to adjust expectations or drive 10 minutes to the artificial beaches at Playa del Inglés
- Sun lounger allocation at the main pool can be contentious — the resort enforces a policy of removing reserved-but-unoccupied items that creates friction with guests who use towels to claim chairs
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.