Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Paradisus Los Cayos
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Los Cayos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 802 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 32 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2018 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Los Cayos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Paradisus Los Cayos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 26 |
| Included | 9 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Los Cayos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Los Cayos |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Paradisus Los Cayos
Pros
- Cayo Santa María's beach is among Cuba's finest — genuinely calm, clear water with white sand.
- 30 swim-up pools tied to ground-floor rooms is a strong structural feature rarely matched elsewhere in Cuba.
- Introductory scuba diving included in the all-inclusive rate — uncommon and worth using.
- Cuban cultural programming (salsa lessons, nightly shows) has more authenticity than at most resort circuits.
- Royal Service adults-only zone offers meaningful exclusivity — butler, private pool, dedicated restaurant.
Cons
- Main buffet (Naos) receives consistently mixed reviews — Cuba's import constraints directly affect variety and quality.
- The 110km transfer from Abel Santamaría Airport (SNU) takes 1h37m one-way — budget extra transfer time.
- Room service is only available to The Reserve and Royal Service guests — standard rooms have no in-room dining option.
- Specialty restaurants require formal dress, which many guests find incongruous with a beach all-inclusive.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus Los Cayos has more restaurants, while Paradisus Los Cayos is the larger property, while Paradisus Los Cayos has more dining venues, while Paradisus Los Cayos offers more activities.