Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ocean Blue & Sand
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | — |
| Room Count | 267 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 19 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 33 |
| Included | 21 | 28 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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
Ocean Blue & Sand
Pros
- The bowling alley, climbing wall, baseball batting cage, and archery range make this one of the more activity-dense all-inclusives in Punta Cana — particularly useful for families with teenagers who exhaust the standard beach-and-pool program quickly.
- Mike's Coffee is a genuine daily-use amenity — specialty espresso drinks and homemade cakes from 7 AM to 10 PM make this a better morning coffee option than most all-inclusive buffets.
Cons
- Bucanero, the beachfront seafood restaurant, carries an extra charge even for all-inclusive guests — this is a recurring guest complaint and worth budgeting for if beachfront seafood dining is a priority.
- Sargassum seaweed is a seasonal reality on Playa Bávaro. The resort is on one of the stretches most frequently affected in Punta Cana — check forecasts before booking if beach swimming is a primary activity.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Ocean Blue & Sand has more restaurants, while Ocean Blue & Sand has more dining venues, while Ocean Blue & Sand offers more activities.