Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Velas Resorts vs Sunscape Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 6.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 341 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 18 |
| Included | 15 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 17 | 13 |
| 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
Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Pros
- Snorkeling directly off the beach into the National Underwater Park — no boat required, no extra charge for the access itself.
- No reservations required at any of the six à la carte restaurants — arrive at opening, get seated, no pre-planning needed.
- The White Whale Brewery is an included on-site craft beer experience, unusual for the all-inclusive format.
- Complimentary shuttle to Willemstad makes day trips easy without renting a car.
Cons
- Room quality varies significantly — the property was last comprehensively renovated in 2015 and some rooms show their age in fixtures and furnishings.
- Standard room WiFi is not included in the all-inclusive rate — only Sun Club guests get complimentary in-room internet.
- Casino bar drinks cost extra even with the all-inclusive wristband — easy to get caught off guard.
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 Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.