Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Bouganville Playa
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bouganville Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 481 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1985 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bouganville Playa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bouganville Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 7 |
| Included | 9 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bouganville Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bouganville Playa |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Iberostar Bouganville Playa
Pros
- The Aquafun waterslide zone is heated and genuinely engaging for kids — not just a token splash pad, but slides of actual size.
- The Star Prestige rooftop terrace on the 11th floor provides a genuine adult escape with Atlantic views, whirlpool baths, and complimentary drinks without leaving the resort.
- 13–16 minutes from Tenerife South Airport — one of the shortest transfers of any Costa Adeje all-inclusive.
- The fitness class program (aqua cycling, paddle yoga, Tai Chi, fit jumping) is notably more comprehensive than comparable resorts in the same destination.
Cons
- Standard rooms at 237 sq ft are small — the in-room safe costs extra and there's no coffee or tea equipment, which is an odd omission at this price point.
- Buffet meals become repetitive after 5+ nights — there's no a la carte alternative for general guests.
- Star Prestige access is required for the most appealing adult spaces — guests booking standard rooms have no access to the rooftop terrace or exclusive terraces.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Bouganville Playa is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Iberostar Bouganville Playa offers more activities.