Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Viva Wyndham Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 337 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1992 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 17 |
| Included | 15 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 32 |
| Included | 17 | 25 |
| 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
Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Pros
- The 'Stay at 1, Play at 2' exchange is legitimately useful — seven restaurants and two pool environments without leaving the all-inclusive radius
- Playacar beach consistently earns the most enthusiastic guest feedback of any component — calm water, white sand, and genuinely good security within the gated complex
- Xul Ha Mayan restaurant is one of the few specialty options in the area serving authentic Yucatán preparations rather than generic 'Mexican food'
Cons
- Pool loungers are claimed by 8:30 AM during peak weeks — either wake up early or resign yourself to a second-tier position
- Default spirit pour at all bars is local-brand unless you specifically request premium — ask for the top-shelf option by name rather than hoping it's offered
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 Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort offers more activities.