Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Moon Palace Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Palace Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 731 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2015 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 28 |
| Included | 21 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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
Moon Palace Jamaica
Pros
- The Awe Spa is Jamaica's largest at 35,000 sq ft with 23 treatment rooms — it's a destination in itself, not just a standard resort spa add-on.
- The private beach is the longest white-sand stretch in Ocho Rios and genuinely swimmable — a real differentiator from rougher-water Jamaica properties.
- The FlowRider wave simulator and Wired Lounge teen club are included and provide substantive activity for guests of ages that most all-inclusives neglect.
Cons
- The mandatory 16% service fee on resort credit redemptions (spa, excursions, premium dining) is a significant surcharge that catches guests off guard — budget for it explicitly.
- Dolphin Cove is on-site but not included in the all-inclusive — it costs extra, and guests who assume it's covered will be surprised at check-out.
- Guests flying into Montego Bay face a 1 hour 40-minute transfer — plan departure time 5 hours before your MBJ flight to avoid missing it.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Moon Palace Jamaica is the larger property, while Moon Palace Jamaica has more dining venues, while Moon Palace Jamaica offers more activities.