Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Velas Resorts vs Occidental Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Occidental at Xcaret Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Occidental at Xcaret Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Occidental at Xcaret Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 20 |
| Included | 9 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Occidental at Xcaret Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Occidental at Xcaret Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| 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
Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Pros
- The Xcaret park adjacency is the single most specific reason to choose this property over other Riviera Maya all-inclusives — underground rivers, Mayan ruins, wildlife, and the nightly Espectacular show within walking distance.
- The Teen Club fills a genuine gap — most Riviera Maya family resorts have kids' clubs that stop at age 12, leaving teenagers without a dedicated space.
- The adults-only saltwater pool is a distinctive option — saltwater is preferred by many guests over chlorinated freshwater.
Cons
- 765 rooms at peak occupancy produces significant buffet crowding and pool competition for sun loungers.
- Premium spirits cost extra even on the all-inclusive package — budget for this or consider the Royal Level upgrade.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Occidental at Xcaret Destination has more restaurants, while Occidental at Xcaret Destination has more dining venues, while Occidental at Xcaret Destination offers more activities.