Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ikos Olivia
Velas Resorts vs Ikos Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Olivia |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 291 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2015 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Olivia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Olivia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 20 |
| Included | 9 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Olivia |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ikos Olivia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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 Olivia
Pros
- 450-meter Blue Flag beach with shallow, genuinely swimmable water — one of the better swimming beaches in the Ikos portfolio
- 300-label wine program included in the all-inclusive rate — ask for sommelier recommendations at dinner
- 22 acres of ancient olive trees creates natural shade throughout the grounds — unlike most treeless pool deck resorts
- April 2025 renovation completes a full room and public area redesign — guests booking after this date get a fully refreshed product
Cons
- Adults-only pool and beach sections exist but the overall resort atmosphere skews family-forward — couples wanting tranquility should book Deluxe Collection
- Pre-renovation rooms were noted as dated; guests booking before the April 2025 completion should be aware of this
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Ikos Olivia is the larger property, while Ikos Olivia has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.