Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 162 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Mallorca Villamil 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 Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 13 |
| Included | 15 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 17 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 5 |
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 Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa
Pros
- The Sky Bar terrace offers the best cocktails-with-a-view combination on the property — go at sunset for the optimal experience.
- Playa Palmira is a genuinely good beach — calm water, golden sand, and a 5-minute walk from the resort.
- The castle architecture and small scale (162 rooms) make this feel different from typical all-inclusive mega-resorts.
Cons
- Dinner quality in the à la carte restaurants is inconsistent — doesn't always live up to the 5-star designation.
- Lounger reservation with towels is a persistent issue — pool chairs are claimed early and management hasn't enforced a policy.
- Parking costs €40 per day — significant if you're renting a car for island exploration.
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.