Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 485 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 19 |
| Included | 15 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
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 Moxché Playa del Carmen
Pros
- Three man-made cenotes are the most distinctive pool feature in Riviera Maya — a genuine differentiator from competing all-inclusives.
- Food quality at the à la carte restaurants (Bisou, Allora, Dos Almas) is consistently rated well above the all-inclusive norm.
- The nightly taco and marquesitas carts are an informal evening highlight that generates consistently warm mentions in guest reviews.
Cons
- Anti-algae barriers on the beach are functional but visually disruptive — the beach is supplementary, not a primary draw.
- Suki Teppanyaki tables and the Tanoshii Omakase experience require reservations and fill within hours of check-in.
- 35-65 minute airport transfer from CUN depending on traffic — longer than Cancun Hotel Zone properties.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen has more dining venues.