Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Velas Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Ochi Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 519 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 16 |
| Pools | 4 | 105 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1990 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Ochi Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ochi Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 21 |
| Included | 9 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Ochi Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Ochi Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 10 |
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
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Pros
- The Rabbit Hole speakeasy is genuinely novel — the daily password mechanic and Prohibition-era concept are executed well and stand out in the all-inclusive world
- 105 pools means you can almost always find an empty one — the sheer volume reduces competition for pool space
- The private cove beach is legitimately excellent — calm water in a sheltered location
- Dunn's River Falls is 20 minutes from the resort — the most famous Jamaica excursion is unusually accessible from Ochi
- 16 restaurants give the dining program enough range to avoid repetition across a week's stay
Cons
- The resort is large and the two-section layout requires shuttle use — this limits spontaneous movement between the Great House and Riviera
- Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is 1 hour 45 minutes away — the longest airport transfer for any Sandals Jamaica property
- Spa treatments are charged separately and run expensive — budget for this if spa is a priority
- AC and condensation issues in rooms come up periodically — mention at check-in if you notice a problem
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Ochi Beach Resort has more restaurants, while Sandals Ochi Beach Resort is the larger property, while Sandals Ochi Beach Resort has more dining venues, while Sandals Ochi Beach Resort offers more activities.