Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Kantaoui Bay
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Kantaoui Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 358 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2015 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Kantaoui Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Kantaoui Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Kantaoui Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Kantaoui Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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
Iberostar Kantaoui Bay
Pros
- Thalassotherapy spa with heated seawater pool is a genuine differentiator — few resorts in this price bracket offer this level of wellness infrastructure
- Food variety and quality at the main buffet consistently exceeds expectations for a Tunisian all-inclusive
- Golden sand beach is private, well-maintained, and included with free loungers
- Two à la carte restaurants included in the rate (one visit each) add variety without extra cost
- Adults-only pool area provides separation for guests who want quiet time
Cons
- Location in Tunisia may feel unfamiliar or logistically complex for first-time visitors compared to European alternatives
- Specialty à la carte restaurants limited to one complimentary visit per stay for each
- Border crossings and regional context require more research before booking than a typical Spanish or Greek property
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Kantaoui Bay is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.