Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
Velas Resorts vs Majestic Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Elegance Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 597 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Elegance 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 Elegance Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Elegance Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 9 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Majestic Elegance Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
Pros
- The 300-meter river-style pool is genuinely distinct from any other pool configuration in Punta Cana and makes a real difference for guests who spend significant time in the water
- The Elegance Club's à la carte breakfast and lunch access at Il Botaccio means adults can realistically skip the main buffet for all three meals daily
- The 19-minute transfer from PUJ airport is shorter than most Bávaro-area properties — a meaningful logistics advantage for late arrivals or guests with connections to make
Cons
- The property opened in 2008 and shows wear in areas that 2019-vintage sister properties don't — guests comparing photos to other Majestic properties may find the physical plant less polished
- The Kids Club is shared with the adjacent Majestic Colonial, which requires a short walk between properties — convenient in good weather, less so when it rains
- Kabuki's teppanyaki tables require reservations and fill fast — guests who don't book on day one often find their preferred evenings unavailable
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Majestic Elegance Punta Cana is the larger property, while Majestic Elegance Punta Cana has more dining venues, while Majestic Elegance Punta Cana offers more activities.