Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Princess Senses The Mangrove
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Senses The Mangrove |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 14 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Senses The Mangrove |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Princess Senses The Mangrove |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 29 |
| Included | 9 | 28 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Senses The Mangrove |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Senses The Mangrove |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| 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
Princess Senses The Mangrove
Pros
- The 180-acre mangrove setting creates genuine seclusion — the property sounds and feels different from concrete-strip all-inclusives
- 14 overwater villas give this resort a room product that's rare in Jamaica and typically associated with Maldives-style properties
- The 19,376 sq ft spa with 12 treatment rooms is large enough to accommodate demand without the booking scarcity smaller resort spas face
- 'Stay at 1, Play at 2' with Princess Grand Jamaica is useful for multi-generational groups where adults and families want different environments
Cons
- The beach is smaller and the water rockier than resort photos suggest — guests who prioritize beach quality over other amenities should research current beach conditions
- 68–75 minute drive from Montego Bay airport means significant transfer time on arrival and departure days
- The resort is newly reopened after hurricane closure in 2026 — service consistency is still being re-established
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Princess Senses The Mangrove has more restaurants, while Princess Senses The Mangrove has more dining venues.