Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 614 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1993 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Selection Bávaro Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 9 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites |
|---|---|---|
| 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 rated — one of Mexico's most awarded all-inclusive resorts
- Every room is a suite starting at 1,000 sq ft with private terrace and ocean or pool views
- Truly all-inclusive: premium spirits, wines, 24-hour room service, and stocked minibar included
- Exceptional dining with Michelin-recognized chefs and three AAA Four Diamond restaurants
- Outstanding check-in experience with complimentary massage, welcome drink, and cool towel
- World-class SE Spa with 20 treatment rooms and guided hydrotherapy circuit
- Excellent kids club (9 AM–11 PM) and separate teen club with engaging programming
- Beautiful Banderas Bay beach with free water sports equipment and surfing lessons
Cons
- Pool areas can be crowded during high season (December through March)
- Poolside chair reservations can be competitive in early morning hours
- Some ocean view suites have partially obstructed views from palm trees or the Azul restaurant
- A la carte restaurants require advance reservations (concierge handles this)
- WiFi signal can be weak or slow around the pool area
- Premium pricing — consistently among the most expensive all-inclusives in Mexico
Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites
Pros
- Beautiful beach and well-maintained pool areas are consistently praised.
- Staff are friendly, kind, attentive, and provide excellent service.
- Wide variety and quality of food options, especially at buffets and specialty restaurants like the steakhouse.
- Rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and feature high ceilings and balconies.
- Resort maintains high levels of overall cleanliness.
- Diverse range of daily activities and nightly entertainment options.
- Excellent value for money for an all-inclusive experience.
- Family-friendly atmosphere with comprehensive kids' and teen clubs (Star Camp).
- Features unique attractions like an 18-hole golf course and a mini pirate-themed water park.
- Part of Iberostar’s 'Wave of Change' sustainability initiative, including a coral lab.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites has more dining venues, while Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites offers more activities.