Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center
Velas Resorts vs Royal Decameron — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 313 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2012 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 16 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 25 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 1 |
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
Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center
Pros
- Punta Sal offers genuinely warm Pacific water year-round (24–28°C) — rare on the South American Pacific coast, which is cold almost everywhere else
- Six pool configurations mean there's almost always a quiet option even at full occupancy
- All-Inclusive Plus tier resolves most of the standard package's friction points — minibar, private pool, preferential reservations, and Wi-Fi in one upgrade
Cons
- Main buffet dining is inconsistent — the resort's own tiered system essentially acknowledges this by routing Plus guests to preferential à la carte access
- The 19-module layout means some rooms are a long walk from the beach and pools — module location matters, request proximity at booking
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center is the larger property, while Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center has more dining venues, while Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center offers more activities.