Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 272 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1971 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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 Finisterra All Inclusive
Pros
- The 1968 clifftop location gives genuinely panoramic views of both the Pacific and Cabo Bay from rooms and the Whale Watchers Bar — a visual experience that newer, lower-elevation resorts can't match.
- Downtown Cabo San Lucas is walkable — restaurants, the marina, nightlife, and shops are accessible without paying for a cab every time.
- Whale season (December–April) makes the Whale Watchers Bar genuinely useful — humpbacks breach within visible range.
Cons
- The Pacific beach is not swimmable due to strong currents — this applies to all of Cabo San Lucas beach but surprises guests who don't research in advance.
- The clifftop architecture means some buildings are connected by steep pathways — guests with mobility limitations should ask about elevator access and room location at booking.
- 45-minute airport transfer from SJD is standard but the arrival taxi or shuttle situation in Cabo can be chaotic — pre-book transfers.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive is the larger property, while Sandos Finisterra All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.