Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 650 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 18 |
| Included | 15 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 17 | 13 |
| 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
Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Pros
- Ultra All-Inclusive genuinely includes premium branded alcohol—significant in the UAE market where many competitors serve soft drinks only.
- Rixy Kids Club operates until 10pm—meaningful for parents who want dinner time without children's club closing pressure.
- Turkish hammam in the Avitane Spa is the most authentic spa offering in the area given Rixos's Turkish heritage.
Cons
- Aja (pan-Asian) opens only Thursday–Saturday—three evenings per week for one of the more interesting restaurants on property.
- Alcoholic beverages restricted to guests 21+ per UAE law—guests aged 18–20 pay the full all-inclusive rate but cannot access alcohol.
- 60-minute drive from Dubai International Airport; for guests flying into DXB, transfer costs and time are meaningful.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the larger property, while Rixos Bab Al Bahr has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.