Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16)
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 266 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2022 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 7 |
| Included | 15 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| 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
Princess Inspire Tenerife (Only Adults +16)
Pros
- Complete 2022–2023 refurbishment is visible in the room quality — not a property maintaining 15-year-old fixtures
- 200 meters from Playa Fañabé (Blue Flag, calm water) without being on the busiest Costa Adeje strip
- Esencia Zone tier adds genuine spa and in-room upgrades — meaningful if the spa is part of your plan
- Three outdoor pools plus heated winter pool makes this viable for off-season Tenerife trips
Cons
- The One restaurant may carry a supplement depending on your board type — check booking terms specifically before planning your stay around it
- 16+ minimum age means this is quieter than a family resort but not as strictly adult as some competitors — expect a social rather than meditative atmosphere
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, 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.