Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sandals Dunn's River
Velas Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandals Dunn's River |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 260 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2023 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandals Dunn's River |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sandals Dunn's River |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 21 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandals Dunn's River |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 14 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandals Dunn's River |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 4 |
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
Sandals Dunn's River
Pros
- 2023 full renovation means you're booking a genuinely new resort — rooms, pools, restaurants, and public spaces are all fresh
- Dunn's Rum Club is the best bar experience on the property and genuinely connected to Jamaican rum culture — plan an evening here
- Golf at Upton Estate is included with transfers — rare to have complimentary green fees at an all-inclusive
- Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) is 20–30 minutes away vs 90 minutes from MBJ — worth checking flight options from your origin
Cons
- 90-minute transfer from Sangster International (MBJ) is a real consideration for families with young children or late-night arrivals
- The beach, while beautiful, is on the smaller side — not a wide open stretch
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Dunn's River has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Sandals Dunn's River has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.