Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Jewel Palm Beach
Velas Resorts vs Jewel Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Jewel Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | — |
| Room Count | 267 | 500 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2023 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Jewel Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Jewel Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 21 |
| Included | 9 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Jewel Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Jewel Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 40 |
| Included | 21 | 32 |
| 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
Jewel Palm Beach
Pros
- The sargassum containment net and daily beach clearing make Cabeza de Toro Beach consistently cleaner than comparable Punta Cana properties.
- Seven à la carte restaurants with no reservation requirement is a genuine convenience at a 500-room resort — dining flexibility is real.
- Kids Club staffed by Red Cross–certified counselors with a beach camping program stands out among family resorts in this price range.
- The hydrotherapy circuit at the Jewel Spa — sauna, steam, whirlpool, and ice plunge — is included for spa guests and is one of the better setups locally.
Cons
- Room condition is the most consistent complaint: worn bathrooms, outdated fixtures, and isolated cleanliness reports suggest the property predates the 2023 Jewel rebrand by a significant margin.
- Beach chairs and pool loungers fill up before 9 AM on busy dates — no reservation system means first-come-only.
- Coffee quality across all venues is frequently criticized; the Cocoa Bean Café does not solve the problem.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Jewel Palm Beach is the larger property, while Jewel Palm Beach has more dining venues, while Jewel Palm Beach offers more activities.