Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 282 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2023 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Salinas Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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 Salinas Lanzarote
Pros
- Manrique-designed seawater lagoon pool is architecturally significant and one of the most distinctive hotel pools in Spain.
- Heritage building (classified Artistic and Cultural Heritage site) with genuinely interesting architecture worth exploring—not just a backdrop.
- Destination Inclusive® Lanzarote excursions to Manrique foundations and La Geria wineries are included for 4+ night stays.
- Year-round mild Lanzarote climate removes the seasonal uncertainty of Caribbean destinations.
Cons
- Playa de Las Cucharas is consistently windy—excellent for windsurfing, less ideal for still-water swimming. Playa Los Charcos is the calmer option.
- The Reserve tier requires significant upgrade cost to access the lobster roll pool bar and private pool—budget accordingly.
- Three specialty dinner restaurants require advance reservations; with only 282 rooms the slots are limited but they do fill.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote is the larger property, while Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote has more dining venues, while Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote offers more activities.