Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Velas Resorts vs Pueblo Bonito Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 749 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2002 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2004 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 21 |
| Included | 9 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 14 |
| 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
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Pros
- Every suite faces the Pacific Ocean—the view consistency at this scale is unusual and the resort's clearest architectural achievement.
- The Sky Pool at sunset is among the best infinity pool experiences in Los Cabos.
- Fun Lab teen lounge (noon–10 PM) is the most complete teen program in the Pueblo Bonito network.
- The Market at Quivira food hall concept adds variety that standard all-inclusive restaurants don't provide.
- Whale watching directly from the beach between December and March—no excursion required.
Cons
- The resort's Pacific beach is not swimmable—a significant limitation for a beach resort. Swimming requires a shuttle trip.
- 757 suites creates genuine crowding at pools and the Sky Pool area during peak weeks.
- LaFrida's surcharge and 16+ policy means families with teenagers still pay extra for the best dinner.
- The 40–50 minute airport transfer is among the longer ones in the Cabo all-inclusive segment.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort is the larger property, while Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.