Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 350 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2010 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 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 St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 21 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| 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 St. James Montego Bay
Pros
- Blue Mountain restaurant is one of the few Secrets properties with a specifically Jamaican culinary focus — order the jerk preparations.
- Free access to Wild Orchid next door meaningfully expands entertainment and dining without extra cost.
- The peninsula layout gives water access on multiple sides and a more secluded feel than a straight-line beach resort.
- Piano Bar is a quieter evening option that doesn't require the theater-show format — good for guests who want live music without a production.
Cons
- Food consistency is a recurring issue — dishes can be well-prepared one night and disappointing the next.
- House wine quality is frequently criticized — order by varietal or request a specific label when possible.
- The colonial-style aesthetics are distinctive but the property is showing age in some areas compared to newer Secrets openings.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more dining venues, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay offers more activities.