Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Rixos Borovoe
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 200 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2012 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 1 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 9 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Borovoe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 12 |
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 Borovoe
Pros
- The only Rixos all-inclusive in a national park—Borovoe's pine forests and Lake Shchuchye are genuinely worth a dedicated trip for the right guest.
- Hammam and Finnish sauna included in the base rate, not treated as an upsell—meaningful in a cold-weather destination.
- Winter activity program (skiing, ice skating, sledging) extends the resort's appeal beyond the standard summer season.
Cons
- Four of the specialty restaurants are extra-cost à la carte—the all-inclusive label covers only the L'Olivo buffet for main meals.
- Kazakhstan's first wake park and most adventure activities (rope park, horseback riding, go-karts) carry additional charges.
- Astana airport is 287 km away—plan the transfer in advance; options are not as developed as in Western resort markets.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Rixos Borovoe has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.