Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize
Velas Resorts vs Margaritaville Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 0 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 8 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize
Pros
- Barrier reef snorkeling is directly accessible from the resort dock without a boat trip — this is rare in Belize and makes a genuine difference for water sports guests
- The remote north-end location means the beach is quiet and the pace is slow — a real advantage over the crowded San Pedro beachfront if that's what you want
- The 3,700 sq ft Penthouse and 1,421 sq ft Two-Bedroom Suite with full kitchens offer genuine value for families who prefer some self-catering flexibility
Cons
- The non-all-inclusive default structure catches guests off guard — review your booking carefully and decide before arrival whether to add the package or budget for a la carte restaurant pricing
- Evening options for leaving the resort are limited to the boat taxi to San Pedro, which requires advance coordination after dark — factor this in if nightlife is important
- The 30-minute boat transfer from San Pedro airport is non-negotiable and adds logistical complexity to late-night arrivals
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize offers more activities.