Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Velas Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 301 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Saint Vincent and The Grenadines |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 16 |
| Included | 9 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 16 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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 Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Pros
- Buccament Bay is one of the calmest, most swimmable beaches in the Sandals portfolio — the protected cove keeps conditions good even when the wider Caribbean is choppy.
- The boat transfer from Argyle Airport for butler guests is legitimately scenic and cuts a 45-minute road drive to 20 minutes on the water.
- Buccan and Gatsu Gatsu are among the more distinctive restaurant concepts in the brand — both worth booking on arrival day.
Cons
- As of early 2025, being a recently opened resort means some operational inconsistencies that older Sandals properties don't have — staffing ratios, service timing, and menu consistency are still maturing.
- No sister resort exchange program — you can't shuttle to a nearby Sandals property for entertainment variety, unlike Ocho Rios or Nassau properties.
- Saint Vincent's relative obscurity means fewer off-property excursions compared to Jamaica or Cancun — this is by design but limits flexibility.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines has more restaurants, while Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines is the larger property, while Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.