Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 270 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2013 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 2 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only
Pros
- 'Stay at 1, Play at 3' is a genuine value extension — access to two more pool environments and dining options without paying more makes longer stays meaningfully more varied
- Staff quality is the most consistent positive in guest reviews — specific staff members are named, which indicates real service rather than uniform anonymity
- Swiss La Petite Fondue is specific enough to be memorable — cheese and chocolate fondue dinner is a different experience from standard all-inclusive Italian or steak options
Cons
- Only one pool on-site — guests who don't use the 'Stay at 1, Play at 3' sister property access will find pool space limited during busy periods
- The resort was renovated in 2013 — over a decade ago now; some guests find room finishes showing their age
- Five restaurants are adequate for a short stay but feel repetitive on longer trips without actively using the sister property options
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only is the larger property, while Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only has more dining venues.