Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Averroes
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Averroes |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 256 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2001 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Averroes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Iberostar Averroes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 7 |
| Included | 9 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Averroes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Averroes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 9 |
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
Iberostar Averroes
Pros
- Private beach with complimentary loungers and parasols — no separate sunbed charge, unlike many comparable Spanish Iberostar properties.
- Buffet food quality and authentic Tunisian integration (briks, couscous, tajines) runs above what the price tier would suggest.
- The hammam and Turkish bath are genuinely practiced here, not decorative spa theater.
- Proximity to Kairouan and Carthage — historically significant sites that most beach holiday destinations can't offer.
Cons
- Air conditioning and heating only operate during specific seasonal windows — shoulder months have neither system running.
- The Olivier restaurant is included but restricted to once per stay per guest — the best food on property is artificially rationed.
- Only local Tunisian beverages are fully included; imported spirits are charged separately even on the all-inclusive rate.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Iberostar Averroes offers more activities.