Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.6 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 650 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 21 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Bab Al Bahr
Pros
- Ultra All-Inclusive genuinely includes premium branded alcohol—significant in the UAE market where many competitors serve soft drinks only.
- Rixy Kids Club operates until 10pm—meaningful for parents who want dinner time without children's club closing pressure.
- Turkish hammam in the Avitane Spa is the most authentic spa offering in the area given Rixos's Turkish heritage.
Cons
- Aja (pan-Asian) opens only Thursday–Saturday—three evenings per week for one of the more interesting restaurants on property.
- Alcoholic beverages restricted to guests 21+ per UAE law—guests aged 18–20 pay the full all-inclusive rate but cannot access alcohol.
- 60-minute drive from Dubai International Airport; for guests flying into DXB, transfer costs and time are meaningful.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the larger property, while Rixos Bab Al Bahr has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.