Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sunscape Coco Punta Cana
Velas Resorts vs Sunscape Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Coco Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 1,091 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Coco Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Coco Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 26 |
| Included | 15 | 25 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Coco Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Coco Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 1 |
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
Sunscape Coco Punta Cana
Pros
- The $25 million 2023 renovation means rooms and common areas are genuinely fresh — not just touched up.
- No reservations required at any à la carte restaurant — walk in, get seated, and eat without planning a day in advance.
- Seven pools give the property genuine variety — families can rotate between activity zones without retracing steps.
- Explorer's Club and Core Zone run until 10 PM, giving parents full evening time without arranging babysitters.
Cons
- At 1,091 rooms, the resort is large enough that the walk from room to beach can be a 10-minute journey depending on your building.
- Sargassum seaweed is a seasonal reality on Bavaro Beach — check the forecast before booking if beach swimmability is your top priority.
- Sun Club WiFi is complimentary; standard rooms charge separately for internet — factor this in when comparing room categories.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Sunscape Coco Punta Cana has more restaurants, while Sunscape Coco Punta Cana is the larger property, while Sunscape Coco Punta Cana has more dining venues, while Sunscape Coco Punta Cana offers more activities.