Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 466 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 20 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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
Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah
Pros
- Lalezar has won Best Hotel Restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah consecutively—the mezze and slow-cooked meats are genuinely worth a dedicated evening.
- Ultra All-Inclusive includes premium branded alcohol—meaningful in the UAE where many all-inclusives serve only soft drinks.
- Rixy Kids Club operates until 10pm, which enables proper adult dinners without rushed timing.
Cons
- Aja (pan-Asian) only opens Friday–Saturday—limited access to one of the more interesting restaurants on property.
- UAE law sets the drinking age at 21; guests 18–20 cannot order alcohol even under the all-inclusive rate.
- 60-minute drive from Dubai International Airport means meaningful transfer costs and time for guests flying into DXB.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah is the larger property, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah has more dining venues, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah offers more activities.