Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 485 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 19 |
| Included | 9 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Moxché Playa del Carmen
Pros
- Three man-made cenotes are the most distinctive pool feature in Riviera Maya — a genuine differentiator from competing all-inclusives.
- Food quality at the à la carte restaurants (Bisou, Allora, Dos Almas) is consistently rated well above the all-inclusive norm.
- The nightly taco and marquesitas carts are an informal evening highlight that generates consistently warm mentions in guest reviews.
Cons
- Anti-algae barriers on the beach are functional but visually disruptive — the beach is supplementary, not a primary draw.
- Suki Teppanyaki tables and the Tanoshii Omakase experience require reservations and fill within hours of check-in.
- 35-65 minute airport transfer from CUN depending on traffic — longer than Cancun Hotel Zone properties.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen has more restaurants, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen is the larger property, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen has more dining venues.