Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 536 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Praia do Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 15 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Praia do Forte
Pros
- TAMAR sea turtle conservation project operates on-site — the most distinctive eco-tourism engagement available at any Iberostar property
- Five specialty à la carte restaurants including Odoiá, the only restaurant in this portfolio serving traditional Bahian cuisine
- Spa Kids and Spa Baby treatment programs are genuinely rare amenities not available at comparable all-inclusives
- P.B. Dye 18-hole golf course with nine ocean-view holes is among the better course designs attached to a Brazilian resort
Cons
- Sprawling grounds create significant walking distances — guests with mobility limitations should request rooms near main facilities at check-in
- Irregular paved surfaces in some areas make navigation difficult for wheelchairs or guests with limited mobility
- Specialty restaurant reservations are competitive — guests report difficulty booking preferred options mid-stay without early action
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte has more dining venues, while Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte offers more activities.