Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Royalton Luxury Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 289 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 22 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 27 |
| Included | 17 | 25 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
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
Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
- Smugglers Cove is genuinely calm — much better swimming conditions than the Atlantic-facing beaches of northern Saint Lucia
- Dorado Seafood & Grill is one of the few all-inclusive restaurants that meaningfully uses the local catch — Saint Lucia's fresh fish is worth seeking out
- Casino del Mar on-site provides an evening option that neither Sandals property nearby offers
- The Pitons, Sulphur Springs, and waterfall excursions from this location are among the best island experiences in the Caribbean — budget at least one day off-property
Cons
- The resort has terrain variation — stairs and slopes between sections can be tiring for guests with mobility concerns or families with strollers
- Some rooms are farther from the beach than the resort map suggests — ask specifically about beach proximity at booking
- Renovations running August through December 2025 may affect some areas of the property during that period
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort offers more activities.