Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Velas Resorts vs Marival Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 169 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 11 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 14 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 21 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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
Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Pros
- Entry-level suites start at 1,410 sq ft — guests who find standard hotel rooms confining get genuine residential space at the base category
- Access to adjacent Marival Emotions' facilities gives a 169-residence property a functional activity and dining roster comparable to a much larger resort
- Cocina de Autor is the most ambitious gastronomic restaurant among Nuevo Vallarta all-inclusives — the tasting menu justifies the designation
Cons
- The World Spa charges extra on top of an already premium all-inclusive rate — spa-focused travelers should budget for treatments separately
- Bay of Banderas Pacific water lacks the turquoise clarity of Caribbean or Baja resorts — manage expectations for guests focused on ocean appearance
- At this price tier and room size, the property attracts guests expecting the highest service standards — staff inconsistencies during busy periods stand out more than they would at a volume resort
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 Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.