Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hammock Cove Antigua
Velas Resorts vs Elite Island Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hammock Cove Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 41 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hammock Cove Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hammock Cove Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hammock Cove Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hammock Cove Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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
Hammock Cove Antigua
Pros
- Every villa has a private infinity plunge pool — not just premium categories, but all 41 villas — making private morning swims with sea views the baseline experience
- Dedicated Guest Ambassador for every villa delivers genuinely personalized service that large all-inclusives can't replicate structurally
- Adjacent Devil's Bridge National Park provides a world-class natural attraction steps from the property that most guests don't know to prioritize
Cons
- Food quality is occasionally inconsistent relative to the Michelin-caliber ambitions — some meals fall short of the high baseline the resort markets around
- Service sometimes requires follow-up for small requests; the Ambassador model is excellent when it works but lapses occasionally
- Northeast coast location means fewer nearby restaurants and attractions for guests who want to explore beyond the property
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Hammock Cove Antigua has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.