Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 466 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 20 |
| Included | 15 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| 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
Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah
Pros
- Lalezar has won Best Hotel Restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah consecutively—the mezze and slow-cooked meats are genuinely worth a dedicated evening.
- Ultra All-Inclusive includes premium branded alcohol—meaningful in the UAE where many all-inclusives serve only soft drinks.
- Rixy Kids Club operates until 10pm, which enables proper adult dinners without rushed timing.
Cons
- Aja (pan-Asian) only opens Friday–Saturday—limited access to one of the more interesting restaurants on property.
- UAE law sets the drinking age at 21; guests 18–20 cannot order alcohol even under the all-inclusive rate.
- 60-minute drive from Dubai International Airport means meaningful transfer costs and time for guests flying into DXB.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah has more dining venues, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah offers more activities.