Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
Velas Resorts vs Majestic Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Colonial Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 658 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2005 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Colonial Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Majestic Colonial Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 20 |
| Included | 9 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Colonial Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Colonial Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 27 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
Pros
- The Colonial Club butler service creates a genuinely different experience from the main section — butlers handle restaurant reservations and special requests before you need to ask
- Arena Gorda beach is one of the better maintained sections of Playa Bávaro — wide, regularly cleaned, and the water is clear
- The evening entertainment program is better produced than most comparably priced properties in Punta Cana
Cons
- Pool bar and main restaurant waits are noticeably long during peak hours (noon-4 PM) in the family section — this is a 658-room resort and the staffing shows it
- The 2017 renovation updated some rooms but not all — request recently renovated rooms at check-in or book via an agent who can flag the better inventory
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is the larger property, while Majestic Colonial Punta Cana has more dining venues, while Majestic Colonial Punta Cana offers more activities.