Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sunscape Dominicus La Romana
Velas Resorts vs Sunscape Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Dominicus La Romana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 854 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2023 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Dominicus La Romana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Dominicus La Romana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Dominicus La Romana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 13 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Dominicus La Romana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 30 |
| Included | 17 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 7 |
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 Dominicus La Romana
Pros
- Playa Dominicus is genuinely one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic — calm, clear, and shallow enough for young children.
- La Cala floating pier restaurant is a memorable dining experience even if it costs extra — the ocean setting is genuinely unique.
- La Romana Airport is only 21 minutes away — one of the shortest airport transfers among Dominican Republic all-inclusives.
- The 'kid's check-in' red-carpet welcome is a small touch that families with young children consistently mention as a positive first impression.
Cons
- Room quality is uneven — Sun Club rooms have been recently renovated but standard Deluxe categories vary by building and guest reviews note inconsistent hot water and noise transfer.
- At 854 rooms, the property is large enough that walking between buildings, beach, and restaurants covers real distance.
- Water shoes are genuinely needed for beach entry due to scattered rocks — pack them, don't just hope for the best.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Sunscape Dominicus La Romana has more restaurants, while Sunscape Dominicus La Romana is the larger property, while Sunscape Dominicus La Romana has more dining venues, while Sunscape Dominicus La Romana offers more activities.