Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Turquoise
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 320 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Turquoise
Pros
- Le Morne's reef-protected lagoon offers genuinely calm, safe swimming — rare on Mauritius and a real advantage over many competitors.
- Windsurfing, kayaking, and SUP are included; at most Mauritius properties, non-motorized water sports cost extra.
- Being built in 2024 means rooms and public areas are in excellent condition — no renovation fatigue or dated infrastructure.
- The kitesurfing conditions at Le Morne are world-class; independent schools nearby can be arranged in advance.
Cons
- 75 minutes from MRU airport means a long transfer — factor this into arrival and departure planning.
- The specialty restaurants (Indian and Steakhouse) require reservations and are restricted to 3+ night guests, limiting access on short stays.
- Le Morne's remote location means off-resort dining and exploration requires full excursion days rather than casual outings.
- At 390 rooms, this is Riu's smaller Indian Ocean property — if you want the scale and dining variety of Riu Palace Mauritius, this isn't it.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Turquoise is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.