Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort
Velas Resorts vs Royalton Luxury Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 38 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 4 |
| Included | 9 | 0 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 21 | 4 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 13 |
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
Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort
Pros
- Walking distance to the town of Holbox — guests can leave the resort easily and explore local restaurants, bars, and shops without needing transportation.
- Staff consistently praised for being genuinely helpful and attentive, not just performatively so.
- The beach is cleaner and quieter than the Cancun Hotel Zone beaches at virtually any time of year.
Cons
- No room service, one primary restaurant, no all-inclusive option — guests who want resort dining convenience should book elsewhere.
- Construction noise from neighboring buildings has been a recurring complaint in recent reviews; confirm current status before booking.
- The à la carte pricing adds up quickly on a multi-night stay; budget accordingly.
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.