Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only
Velas Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 107 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 1 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 3 |
| Included | 9 | 3 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 18 |
| Included | 21 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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
Sandos Atlantic Gardens - Adults Only
Pros
- Bungalow format gives genuine independent-unit privacy — meaningfully different from sharing a corridor with 200 other guests.
- One pool is heated in winter, making it a functional all-year destination in a climate that can be cool from November to March.
- Sound baths, yoga, and organized volcanic landscape hikes are programming you won't find at most Canary Island all-inclusives.
Cons
- One buffet restaurant for all three meals means repetition sets in faster on longer stays — guests staying 7+ nights consistently mention this.
- No beach on the property itself — Playa Flamingo requires an 800m walk each way, which adds up if you go multiple times daily.
- Limited evening entertainment given the small size — one bar, one venue.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.