Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Los Establos Boutique Resort
Velas Resorts vs Elite Island Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Los Establos Boutique Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 17 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2000 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Los Establos Boutique Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | No |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Los Establos Boutique Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 6 |
| Included | 9 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Los Establos Boutique Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Los Establos Boutique Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Los Establos Boutique Resort
Pros
- The daily included tour program is genuinely substantive — 13+ guided excursions means a week-long stay never exhausts the options, and the bird-watching guides are legitimately expert
- Coffee from the adjacent Kotowa estate, one of Panama's most awarded plantations, is available all day and is a quality entirely different from a generic resort coffee station
- The 17-room scale means staff learns your name and preferences almost immediately — this isn't a selling point, it's just what actually happens
Cons
- There is no beach and no swimmable water — the single mountain pool is the only aquatic option unless you book the expensive Boca Chica island excursion add-on
- The treetop dining experience charges extra on top of the all-inclusive rate, which feels incongruous — factor this into budget
- The 4,000-foot altitude means evenings are genuinely cool (sometimes below 60°F) — guests who packed for a tropical beach trip will be cold
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Los Establos Boutique Resort offers more activities.