Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sunscape Sabor Cozumel
Velas Resorts vs Sunscape Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Sabor Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.6 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 128 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1996 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Sabor Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Sabor Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 14 |
| Included | 15 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Sabor Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sunscape Sabor Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 19 |
| 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 Sabor Cozumel
Pros
- Largest private beachfront on Cozumel with walk-in snorkeling to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the main reason to choose this property over other island options.
- 128 rooms means the resort operates with a small-hotel feel: staff learn names and preferences within a day, and there's no impersonal mega-resort atmosphere.
- The 2021 renovation freshened rooms and common areas — this is not a dated property despite being a decade-old brand.
- Sunny Side Grill runs late-night bites from 11 PM to 7 AM — important for guests on night dive schedules.
Cons
- Four restaurants for a week-long stay is limiting — the dining rotation will feel repetitive by day five or six. Plan to eat dinner in Cozumel town at least twice on extended stays.
- Room service carries a service and delivery charge even with the all-inclusive wristband — worth knowing before you pick up the phone.
- 20 minutes from the airport is the longest transfer among Cozumel properties — factor in arrival/departure timing.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Sunscape Sabor Cozumel offers more activities.