Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 794 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Varadero Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 24 |
| Included | 15 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| 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
Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa
Pros
- YHI Spa Agua Marina's outdoor palapa treatments are legitimately distinctive—one of the few open-air spa experiences in Varadero.
- Integration with the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve means natural surroundings rather than purely manicured resort landscaping.
- Blue Flag beach certification on Punta Francés beach is a consistent quality and cleanliness standard.
- Eleven restaurants make this one of the more diverse dining options on the Varadero strip.
Cons
- Cuban 5-star grading does not match international standards—expect solid 4-star delivery in most areas.
- Bana (teppanyaki) and Bella Mar (gourmet) are only accessible to Reserve/Royal Service tier guests—standard guests miss the best specialty restaurants.
- All specialty restaurants require reservations; with 510 rooms the competition for slots is real.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa has more dining venues.