Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 206 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2004 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Park
Pros
- The 2024 full renovation means this is one of the freshest all-inclusive properties on Fuerteventura — room and common area quality is noticeably better than neighbors that last renovated a decade ago
- The Wellness Double room category is unusual in this market — the built-in hydrotherapy access and included massages make it a practical spa-focused choice without paying daily spa fees
- The Aquabike in the pool is a genuinely unusual amenity that guests specifically mention as a highlight
Cons
- The main buffet restaurant (Maday) gets loud at full capacity — it's a large, acoustically hard space and noise carries during busy dinner services
- Water sports access from Jandía beach requires going through external operators and paying extra — the AI rate covers poolside activities but not beach water sports
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 Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park has more dining venues, while Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park offers more activities.