Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Rixos Borovoe
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 200 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2012 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 10 |
| Included | 15 | 1 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 9 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 17 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 12 |
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 Borovoe
Pros
- The only Rixos all-inclusive in a national park—Borovoe's pine forests and Lake Shchuchye are genuinely worth a dedicated trip for the right guest.
- Hammam and Finnish sauna included in the base rate, not treated as an upsell—meaningful in a cold-weather destination.
- Winter activity program (skiing, ice skating, sledging) extends the resort's appeal beyond the standard summer season.
Cons
- Four of the specialty restaurants are extra-cost à la carte—the all-inclusive label covers only the L'Olivo buffet for main meals.
- Kazakhstan's first wake park and most adventure activities (rope park, horseback riding, go-karts) carry additional charges.
- Astana airport is 287 km away—plan the transfer in advance; options are not as developed as in Western resort markets.
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.