Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 457 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 19 |
| Included | 15 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 18 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 18 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 8 |
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 Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Pros
- Hilton Honors points earning adds meaningful value for frequent travelers who accumulate points across hotel stays.
- The Sip, Savor & See program is a genuine bonus — access to sister AMR Collection properties nearby expands the culinary range beyond what any single resort offers.
- Juanillo Beach remains one of the most genuinely uncrowded upscale beaches in Punta Cana's eastern corridor.
- 18 room categories give more booking precision than most resorts — you can target exactly the combination of view, size, and swim-out you want.
Cons
- The minibar is a persistent minor complaint — it's small and minimally stocked by default; call ahead to request specific items.
- Swim-out rooms collect moisture and mosquitoes faster than elevated categories — the trade-off is real and worth knowing before booking.
- The dual-brand setup (Secrets + AMR + Hilton) creates some guest confusion about which benefits belong to which tier.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton has more dining venues, while Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton offers more activities.