Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 278 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 30 |
| Included | 15 | 30 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 17 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 7 |
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
Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
Pros
- The Sordo Madaleno architecture gives this property a design identity most all-inclusives lack — the rooftop infinity pool layout in particular is well-executed.
- Free-flow access to Dreams Bahia Mita next door meaningfully extends dining variety on a multi-night stay.
- Introductory surf lessons included in the plan is an uncommon perk that suits the Punta Mita location.
- Whale watching on Banderas Bay (December–March) is a genuine seasonal activity worth planning a trip around.
- The Preferred Club hydrotherapy circuit access is a built-in value if you'd otherwise pay for spa access separately.
Cons
- Banderas Bay is not a calm Caribbean swimming beach — some days the surf makes conditions rough for casual swimmers who expected flat water.
- The property's upscale Punta Mita location means limited local wandering; reaching Puerto Vallarta for cultural experiences requires a ~45-minute taxi.
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 Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort has more dining venues, while Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers more activities.