Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 278 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 30 |
| Included | 9 | 30 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| 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 Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
Pros
- The Sordo Madaleno architecture gives this property a design identity most all-inclusives lack — the rooftop infinity pool layout in particular is well-executed.
- Free-flow access to Dreams Bahia Mita next door meaningfully extends dining variety on a multi-night stay.
- Introductory surf lessons included in the plan is an uncommon perk that suits the Punta Mita location.
- Whale watching on Banderas Bay (December–March) is a genuine seasonal activity worth planning a trip around.
- The Preferred Club hydrotherapy circuit access is a built-in value if you'd otherwise pay for spa access separately.
Cons
- Banderas Bay is not a calm Caribbean swimming beach — some days the surf makes conditions rough for casual swimmers who expected flat water.
- The property's upscale Punta Mita location means limited local wandering; reaching Puerto Vallarta for cultural experiences requires a ~45-minute taxi.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort is the larger property, while Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort has more dining venues, while Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers more activities.