Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ikos Andalusia
Velas Resorts vs Ikos Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 425 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 19 |
| Included | 9 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 14 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Andalusia |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Ikos Andalusia
Pros
- Complimentary Tesla/Mini Cooper for a day is a genuinely useful inclusion — the Costa del Sol is worth exploring by car
- Complimentary green fees for licensed golfers is included in the base rate, not an add-on
- Dine Out program extends the all-inclusive to local Estepona and Marbella restaurants
- Nine pools across 21 acres mean the property never feels like a single crowded pool deck
- Heroes Crèche covers infants from 6 months — one of the youngest minimum ages in luxury resort childcare
Cons
- A la carte restaurant reservations must be booked before arrival — guests who don't use the app in advance often can't get into preferred restaurants
- Heroes Crèche for children under 4 is at extra cost, which adds up quickly for families with infants or toddlers
- 45-minute airport transfer from Málaga is manageable but longer than most Costa del Sol competitors
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Ikos Andalusia has more restaurants, while Ikos Andalusia is the larger property, while Ikos Andalusia has more dining venues, while Ikos Andalusia offers more activities.