Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 437 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1989 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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 Fuerteventura Palace
Pros
- 2025 renovation means facilities are genuinely current — no dated infrastructure issues
- Jandía Beach is less congested than beaches in northern Fuerteventura resort zones
- On-demand night childcare (ages 2-12) is a rare amenity that significantly improves evening flexibility for families
- Fuerteventura's consistent trade winds make kitesurfing and windsurfing available here at a genuinely high level
- Star Prestige private pool and restaurant creates effective adults-only separation within the family-friendly property
Cons
- 80–86 km from Fuerteventura airport means a 1–2 hour transfer — the longest standard transfer of any Iberostar Canary Islands property
- Fuerteventura's afternoon wind can limit beach comfort; mornings are consistently more suitable for swimming and lounging
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace has more dining venues.