Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 379 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1993 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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 Selection Diar El Andalous
Pros
- The Al Hambra buffet is consistently one of the stronger hotel buffets in Port El Kantaoui — the Tunisian dishes (sliced beef, grilled lamb, regional flavors) go beyond the generic Mediterranean spread
- Six treatment rooms in the spa is a specific practical advantage over smaller wellness areas at comparable resorts in this destination
- The La Chicha Moorish Café provides a genuine cultural experience that requires leaving the all-inclusive mindset briefly — worth the extra charge
Cons
- The Italian and Tunisian a la carte restaurant's one-complimentary-visit limitation is not prominently communicated — guests who want to dine there multiple times need to budget for additional visits
- Last renovation was 2015 — some parts of the property show age that a partial update doesn't conceal
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.