Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Touareg
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Touareg |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 880 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Touareg |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nayarit | Hotel Riu Touareg |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 19 |
| Included | 9 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Touareg |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Touareg |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 2 |
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 Touareg
Pros
- Praia de Lacacao is one of the most visually impressive beaches at any Riu property — wide, white, and uncrowded.
- The adults-only zone with Kulinarium access provides a noticeably calmer experience than the main resort.
- Boa Vista's turtle nesting season (July–October) adds a genuinely rare excursion option not available at any other RIU location.
- Pool temperatures are maintained in winter — Boa Vista can be cool in December and January, and heated pools matter.
Cons
- Ocean swimming is genuinely limited by Atlantic swell — guests expecting Caribbean-style calm water will be disappointed.
- The resort's décor and room finishes show their age ahead of the 2026 refurbishment; don't book expecting a fresh property.
- Boa Vista's isolation means off-resort dining and nightlife essentially don't exist — you're committing to the property for your entire stay.
- Most specialty restaurants require reservations and operate limited sittings — failing to book on arrival day means settling for the main buffet.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Touareg is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Touareg has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Touareg offers more activities.