Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 210 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 16 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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
Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius
Pros
- Built new in 2024 — the physical condition of the property is better than any Mauritius resort that hasn't rebuilt since 2010
- Le Morne Brabant UNESCO backdrop is genuinely dramatic — the mountain view from the beach is the strongest visual asset on the island
- 500-meter private beach with calm lagoon water — the Le Morne peninsula location delivers on beach quality
- Solar panels and sustainability certification are legitimate, not greenwashing — relevant for eco-conscious travelers
Cons
- 56 km from MRU airport — roughly an hour's drive; longer than north Mauritius resort transfers
- Le Morne peninsula is remote — no nearby restaurants, shops, or nightlife without a car or resort shuttle
- Renova Spa and gym are at Riu Turquoise, not the Palace building — requires a short walk for every spa visit
- Adults-only (18+) means families traveling with any children cannot stay here
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 Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius offers more activities.