Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 630 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2006 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 21 |
| Included | 9 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 21 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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 Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa
Pros
- The lagoon pool complex is among Varadero's best — multiple connected sections with hydromassage areas separate the social and quiet zones effectively
- Royal Service tier insulates guests from Cuba's typical all-inclusive service inconsistencies — dedicated restaurants, beach area, and concierge operate at a noticeably higher standard
- Staff quality receives unusually strong praise for a Cuban property — multiple reviews cite specific staff members by name as exceptional
Cons
- Main buffet variety is limited even by Cuban resort standards — specialty restaurant reservations are more important here than at Paradisus properties in Mexico or the Dominican Republic
- The property size is large and navigating between Royal Service and standard areas requires planning — some guests feel the distances are inconvenient
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.