Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 304 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2025 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 16 |
| Included | 9 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 9 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
Pros
- Baby Beach lagoon water is genuinely exceptional — shallow, calm, and clear, with no surf and no seaweed.
- Modern 2025 property with design-forward rooms; no aging infrastructure issues common at older all-inclusives.
- Ground-level private plunge pool suites deliver actual privacy — not just a larger balcony.
- Tierra (South American) and Portofino (Italian) are the standout dinner restaurants and deliver above-average quality for an all-inclusive.
- The hydrotherapy circuit's cenote-style reflecting pool is a genuinely distinctive spa element.
Cons
- The beach is a 5-minute walk across a service road — not a direct-beachfront property despite the name.
- Alcohol cannot be served by resort staff at the public Baby Beach section.
- Soundproofing is poor — rooms near the plaza area get event noise clearly at night.
- The eastern coast wind is stronger than Aruba's west side — pool and beach comfort can be affected on windy days.
- Airport transfer is 30+ minutes; no ridesharing services — pre-arrange transportation before arrival.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is the larger property, while Secrets Baby Beach Aruba has more dining venues, while Secrets Baby Beach Aruba offers more activities.