Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 272 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 15 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 32 |
| Included | 21 | 25 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
- AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star rated — one of Mexico's most awarded all-inclusive resorts
- Every room is a suite starting at 1,000 sq ft with private terrace and ocean or pool views
- Truly all-inclusive: premium spirits, wines, 24-hour room service, and stocked minibar included
- Exceptional dining with Michelin-recognized chefs and three AAA Four Diamond restaurants
- Outstanding check-in experience with complimentary massage, welcome drink, and cool towel
- World-class SE Spa with 20 treatment rooms and guided hydrotherapy circuit
- Excellent kids club (9 AM–11 PM) and separate teen club with engaging programming
- Beautiful Banderas Bay beach with free water sports equipment and surfing lessons
Cons
- Pool areas can be crowded during high season (December through March)
- Poolside chair reservations can be competitive in early morning hours
- Some ocean view suites have partially obstructed views from palm trees or the Azul restaurant
- A la carte restaurants require advance reservations (concierge handles this)
- WiFi signal can be weak or slow around the pool area
- Premium pricing — consistently among the most expensive all-inclusives in Mexico
JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar
Pros
- Exceptional personalized butler service and attentive, friendly staff.
- High quality and variety of gourmet dining, especially à la carte restaurants (French, Steakhouse).
- Fresh seafood and salads at dining venues.
- Impeccably clean and beautifully maintained grounds and facilities.
- Spacious and well-maintained outdoor pools, including a swim-up bar.
- Breathtaking private white-sand beach with Blue Flag status and calm, turquoise waters.
- Relaxing, tranquil adults-only ambiance.
- Overall luxurious and exclusive experience with Greco-Roman inspired architecture.
- Access to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by P.B. Dye.
- Complimentary access to the spa's hydrotherapy area.
Cons
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar is the larger property, while JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar has more dining venues, while JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar offers more activities.