Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Playa Gaviotas
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 355 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1987 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2014 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Playa Gaviotas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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 Playa Gaviotas
Pros
- The Star Prestige infinity pool overlooking Jandía Beach is genuinely better than anything in the standard guest area — the upgrade pays for itself in pool quality alone
- Jandía Beach at this location is 25 km long; even at full resort capacity, you can find uncrowded stretches 10 minutes' walk in either direction
- The bowling alley gives families a genuine rainy-day option that most Fuerteventura all-inclusives don't have
- The Canarian-themed buffet nights at Atlántico — papas arrugadas, mojo sauces, ropa vieja — are authentically done and worth planning around
Cons
- Standard-category rooms are consistently described as dated in reviews — this is the main gap between what the price suggests and what you get
- Beach loungers on Jandía Beach cost extra and are not managed by the hotel — budget accordingly
- The spa hydrotherapy circuit access is an additional daily fee, not included in the AI rate
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Playa Gaviotas is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Iberostar Playa Gaviotas offers more activities.