Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 335 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 13 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 11 |
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 Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Pros
- No reservations required at any of the four à la carte restaurants — a practical advantage for spontaneous evening planning.
- The 10-minute promenade walk to Puerto Calero Marina opens up independent restaurant options for guests who want a break from the all-inclusive.
- Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes, wine region, and Timanfaya National Park make this one of the better-sited Secrets properties for island exploration.
Cons
- Main buffet (World Café) loses quality at dinner and lacks variety for stays over 5-6 nights.
- Some rooms have persistent humidity issues and dated bathroom fittings despite the 2019 renovation.
- Coffee service is effectively unavailable after 6pm outside of room service — an unusual gap.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa offers more activities.