Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 335 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Lanzarote 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 Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 13 |
| Included | 15 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 11 |
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 Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Pros
- No reservations required at any of the four à la carte restaurants — a practical advantage for spontaneous evening planning.
- The 10-minute promenade walk to Puerto Calero Marina opens up independent restaurant options for guests who want a break from the all-inclusive.
- Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes, wine region, and Timanfaya National Park make this one of the better-sited Secrets properties for island exploration.
Cons
- Main buffet (World Café) loses quality at dinner and lacks variety for stays over 5-6 nights.
- Some rooms have persistent humidity issues and dated bathroom fittings despite the 2019 renovation.
- Coffee service is effectively unavailable after 6pm outside of room service — an unusual gap.
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 Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa offers more activities.