Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16)
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 505 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1988 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 29 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 12 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
- AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star simultaneously — one of the most decorated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
- Suites start at 1,000 sq ft with private terraces, ocean views, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry level here exceeds most competitors' premium categories
- Premium spirits, wines, and 24-hour room service are fully included — not standard at most all-inclusives, even premium ones
- Banderas Bay is swimmable — actual ocean swimming possible, unlike Los Cabos Pacific corridor properties
Cons
- Pool lounger competition peaks by 8 AM in high season (December through March) — early rising is required for preferred positions
- Some ocean view suites have partial obstructions from palm trees or the Selva del Mar restaurant building — ask at booking about specific suite positioning
- Piaf and Frida fill up during high season — book before arrival rather than assuming walk-in availability
Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16)
Pros
- Direct Fañabé Beach access and promenade proximity make this the most walkable of Costa Adeje's all-inclusive options — guests can leave the resort easily without organizing an excursion
- Adults-only (16+) creates a genuinely quieter atmosphere than the family-heavy resorts neighboring it on the Tenerife coast
- Year-round Canary Islands climate with clear days and stable temperatures makes seasonal booking less critical than at Mediterranean resorts
Cons
- Buffet hot food temperatures are inconsistently maintained — guest feedback is consistent about this; eat closer to opening time for best results
- Noise from adjacent hotel's cooling installations affects specific room locations — request a room away from the east/northeast side when booking
- Air conditioning quality has been noted as variable across different room categories
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) is the larger property, while Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) has more dining venues, while Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) offers more activities.