Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection
Velas Resorts vs Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 1,350 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 24 |
| Included | 15 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 3 |
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
Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection
Pros
- The 13-slide water park with wave pool is one of the most substantial at any Egyptian Red Sea all-inclusive — a genuine family differentiator.
- Red Sea access from Naama Bay gives reliable 20–30 meter visibility for snorkeling and diving year-round — the marine environment here is genuinely world-class.
- The adults-only wing with its own pool and rooftop access is a meaningful separation that makes this property work for mixed groups of couples and families.
- 10–20 minute airport transfer is among the fastest in Sharm El Sheikh — minimal transit time between landing and pool.
Cons
- The main buffet draws consistent complaints about blandness and crowded peak-time service — plan to use the à la carte restaurants as the primary dinner option.
- The kids' club programming has language-accessibility limitations noted by English-speaking guests.
- Beach size is relatively small for the number of guests — early positioning is necessary for preferred spots.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection has more restaurants, while Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection is the larger property, while Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.