Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 394 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 14 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2011 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 28 |
| Included | 9 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya
Pros
- Passion by Martín Berasategui consistently delivers better food than any comparable all-inclusive specialty restaurant in the Riviera Maya — book it for your first or second evening
- Mangrove forest setting provides genuine shade and privacy unavailable at beach-strip resorts — rooms are quieter and the property feels less like a hotel complex
- Room renovation in 2020–21 means contemporary finishes without the dated décor common in older Playa del Carmen all-inclusives
Cons
- The main buffet (Bana) food temperature is consistently reported as lukewarm — not hot — across multiple guest reviews; use specialty restaurants for most dinners to avoid this
- Beach access requires a shuttle or 10-minute walk — this is not a walk-out-to-the-waves property; the mangrove location creates the atmosphere but removes the immediacy of beach living
- Sargassum seaweed at this stretch of Riviera Maya coast can be severe from May through October — the cenote pools become primary swim areas during bad weeks
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.