Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ikos Oceania
Velas Resorts vs Ikos Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Oceania |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 290 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2015 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Oceania |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oceania |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Oceania |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Oceania |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| 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
Ikos Oceania
Pros
- Smallest property in the Ikos portfolio at 290 rooms — shorter walks, less crowd competition, more manageable scale than Dassia or Aria.
- View of Mount Olympus from sea-facing rooms and the adults-only infinity pool — one of the most distinctive natural backdrops in the Ikos brand.
- Five Michelin-starred à la carte restaurants with full Infinite Lifestyle inclusion — the same dining standard as the larger Ikos properties.
- MINI or Tesla day-drive covers the entire Halkidiki peninsula, which has three distinct 'prongs' of coastline worth visiting.
Cons
- 350m beach is the smallest in the Ikos portfolio — sunbeds fill faster and there's less room to spread out.
- Main pool can be cold in early May and June — the smaller pool footprint means fewer backup options when the temperature is off.
- Evening entertainment and the adult-only bar are quieter than at Dassia or Aria — that's a pro or con depending on what you want.
- Thessaloniki Airport is 50km away — a longer transfer than Corfu or Kos, which can add cost if booking private transport.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Ikos Oceania is the larger property, while Ikos Oceania has more dining venues, while Ikos Oceania offers more activities.