Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ocean El Faro
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 26 |
| Included | 9 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 13 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 13 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean El Faro |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| 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 El Faro
Pros
- The colonial lighthouse bar (El Faro) is architecturally distinctive — there is no equivalent bar structure at any other Punta Cana resort.
- A professional bowling alley on-property is genuinely unusual for Uvero Alto and provides an activity option on rainy days.
- The El Beso adults-only section provides real separation from family zones — dedicated pool, restaurant, and a quieter room environment.
Cons
- Standard à la carte reservation slots fill quickly and getting a table is the most consistent guest complaint — Privilege tier significantly mitigates this, but it costs more.
- The main beach is rocky in sections with wave action; the calmer bay swimming area is not immediately obvious and guests don't always find it.
- The lazy river floats run short during peak occupancy — bringing your own inflatable is the workaround guests repeatedly recommend.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Ocean El Faro has more restaurants, while Ocean El Faro has more dining venues, while Ocean El Faro offers more activities.