Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 412 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 12 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 20 |
| Included | 9 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| 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
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Pros
- Maroma Beach is objectively one of the best beaches attached to any all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean — fine sand, calm water, and consistently praised.
- All-suite format means even entry-level rooms have furnished terraces and more space than standard hotel rooms.
- The Preferred Beach Club with beachfront firepits is the most distinctive dining amenity in the Secrets portfolio.
Cons
- 500-acre property means significant walking distances between buildings — factor in buggy wait times for guests with mobility considerations.
- Sargassum seaweed accumulates on Riviera Maya beaches seasonally — the beach can look very different in August versus January.
- Price premium over other Secrets properties in Mexico is significant — primarily justified by the beach and all-suite format.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún has more restaurants, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún is the larger property, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún has more dining venues, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún offers more activities.