Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Sábila
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 472 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1987 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 3 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 5 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Sábila
Pros
- Complete 2017 renovation means the building genuinely feels modern rather than patched-up old stock
- Star Prestige rooftop infinity pool is genuinely exclusive — not shared with anyone outside the tier
- Fañabé Beach is directly accessible on foot and is reliably calm for swimming
- Gourmet Market restaurant is genuinely above resort-average in quality, even with the extra charge
- Tenerife's year-round mild climate means the outdoor pools are usable outside of peak summer
Cons
- Beds are consistently described as too firm across multiple room categories — a specific complaint that's worth noting for guests who are sensitive to sleep surfaces
- Gourmet Market operates Wednesday through Sunday only and costs extra — guests on short stays may not find a convenient night
- The Star Prestige rooftop pool opens late enough that morning lounger competition creates queues
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Sábila is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues.