Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | — |
| Room Count | 539 | 356 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2025 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 La Romana Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 12 |
| Included | 15 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 3 |
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 La Romana Resort & Spa
Pros
- Bayahibe Beach consistently ranks as one of the cleanest beaches in the Dominican Republic — the bay position keeps it calm and the Blue Flag certification is renewed annually.
- La Romana International Airport is 15-20 minutes away — one of the fastest airport-to-resort transfers in the Caribbean.
- No reservations required at any restaurant — just show up, including at Sakura's teppanyaki tables.
Cons
- À la carte restaurant quality is inconsistent — some evenings Chinola and Noor feel underpowered relative to the buffet (Caoba).
- Room service carries a $10 delivery fee — the only out-of-pocket expense in the all-inclusive rate.
- Some beach areas have rocky or coral seabed — water shoes are advisable.
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.