Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Es Trenc
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 192 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1971 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 6 |
| Included | 9 | 4 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 14 |
| Included | 21 | 7 |
| 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 Selection Es Trenc
Pros
- All-new renovation opened April 2025 — no deferred maintenance issues or dated infrastructure
- Every room has a sea-view balcony without exception — no downgrades at the base category
- Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views is one of the more visually impressive pool settings in southern Mallorca
- 100% renewable energy and zero single-use plastics are genuine commitments, not marketing language
- Proximity to Es Trenc beach (1 km, one of Mallorca's finest) is a location advantage
Cons
- Base room size of 194 sq ft is compact, even by European beach hotel standards
- All-inclusive snack options between main meals are consistently described as insufficient
- Main pool's narrow sail-shape is frustrating for guests who want to swim laps
- No dedicated children's program — families with young children will find limited structured activities
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.