Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts
Velas Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 48 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 1 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2018 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | No |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 4 |
| Included | 9 | 3 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 16 |
| Included | 21 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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
Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts
Pros
- Encanto Farm & Sea is genuinely excellent — not just by resort standards, but by Los Cabos dining standards generally; the tasting menu with Baja wine pairings is the meal of the trip
- The 48-room scale means the pool and beach are never crowded; loungers are always available and staff learns your name within hours of arrival
- December–April whale watching from the beach and suite terraces is the single best free activity available without a boat in Los Cabos
Cons
- The beach is not swimmable — riptides and wave conditions make ocean entry genuinely dangerous, and the pool is the only safe water option; guests who didn't research this are consistently disappointed
- 98 steps to some rooms from beach level and limited elevator coverage means the property physically challenges guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage
- One restaurant for the full stay is workable for 3–4 nights but starts to feel limiting by day five even with Chef Morales rotating the menu
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.