Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Viva Wyndham Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 314 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 9 |
| Included | 15 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 38 |
| Included | 17 | 29 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 9 |
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 Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in Cabarete — active travelers who want consistent trade winds, proper wind sports, and an all-inclusive wrapper have no alternative
- Cabarete's independent restaurant and bar strip is walkable from the resort — a built-in option for evenings when you want something outside the property
- 20–30 minute transfer from Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP) is one of the shorter airport connections on the Dominican Republic's north coast
Cons
- The beach is semi-public and part of the town — guests expecting a private, controlled beach environment will find Cabarete's social beach atmosphere a mismatch
- The 2016 renovation is aging and some guest reviews report finishes starting to show wear
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 Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive offers more activities.