Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 424 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & 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 Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 22 |
| Included | 9 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| 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 Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Pros
- Complimentary twilight golf at the adjacent 18-hole championship course is a genuinely unusual all-inclusive inclusion — saves $80-150 per round.
- Full 2026 renovation means all 424 suites are current with fresh furnishings and modern coastal design.
- Ayara restaurant's Amazonian fusion concept (Brazil/Peru/Argentina) is unlike anything at other Secrets properties.
Cons
- Gated community setting means no walkable access to local restaurants, street food, or nightlife.
- 30-45 minutes from Cancun Airport depending on traffic — longer than Hotel Zone resorts.
- Dreams resort access brings some family-adjacent exposure at shared areas.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort has more restaurants, while Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort is the larger property, while Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort has more dining venues, while Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort offers more activities.