Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 257 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2013 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
- AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star rated — one of Mexico's most awarded all-inclusive resorts
- Every room is a suite starting at 1,000 sq ft with private terrace and ocean or pool views
- Truly all-inclusive: premium spirits, wines, 24-hour room service, and stocked minibar included
- Exceptional dining with Michelin-recognized chefs and three AAA Four Diamond restaurants
- Outstanding check-in experience with complimentary massage, welcome drink, and cool towel
- World-class SE Spa with 20 treatment rooms and guided hydrotherapy circuit
- Excellent kids club (9 AM–11 PM) and separate teen club with engaging programming
- Beautiful Banderas Bay beach with free water sports equipment and surfing lessons
Cons
- Pool areas can be crowded during high season (December through March)
- Poolside chair reservations can be competitive in early morning hours
- Some ocean view suites have partially obstructed views from palm trees or the Azul restaurant
- A la carte restaurants require advance reservations (concierge handles this)
- WiFi signal can be weak or slow around the pool area
- Premium pricing — consistently among the most expensive all-inclusives in Mexico
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Pros
- Friendly, attentive, and personalized staff service, especially for butler-level guests.
- Outstanding quality and variety of gourmet dining options across 10 specialty restaurants.
- Luxurious and comfortable rooms and suites, often featuring tranquility soaking tubs and great views.
- Beautiful, spacious, and calm Pink Gin Beach with clear turquoise waters.
- Convenient and quick 5-minute airport transfers included.
- Extensive complimentary water sports, including PADI-certified scuba diving for certified guests.
- Innovative resort design with unique features like "pools in the sky" and private plunge pools.
- Exceptional cleanliness throughout the resort, pools, and beaches.
Cons
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.