Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf
Velas Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2012 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2022 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 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 San Blas Nature Resort & Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 11 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 21 |
| 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 San Blas Nature Resort & Golf
Pros
- 3 km from Tenerife South Airport means transfers under 10 minutes — the shortest resort-to-airport distance of any Tenerife all-inclusive, a practical advantage for families and guests with tight flight schedules.
- Eight pools including two heated adults-only options make this viable year-round — shoulder season (October–April) in Tenerife is often 20–24°C, and the heated pools make that work.
- The San Blas Environmental Reserve integration and sailing lake are genuine — this is a materially different experience from a concrete resort built on a sandy beach.
Cons
- Buffet repetition on stays beyond 4–5 nights is the most consistent guest complaint — the specialty restaurants (Arrozante, La Dolce Vita) carry an additional charge and are the only meaningful break from the rotation.
- Wi-Fi signal in rooms is frequently reported as weak or unreliable — guests who depend on connectivity for work should verify room placement or consider a SIM card.
- Airplane noise from TFS's approach path is audible, particularly during peak hours — the 3 km proximity that makes transfers easy also puts the resort under the flight path.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf has more dining venues, while Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf offers more activities.