Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 164 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Riviera Cancún 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 Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 20 |
| Included | 9 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 27 |
| Included | 21 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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 Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa
Pros
- All 164 suites are Preferred Club — no upgrade decision, no two-tier pool deck, no guests with different access levels.
- Complimentary hydrotherapy circuit access once per stay for all guests is a practical benefit not found at most Secrets properties.
- Free-flow access to Breathless Riviera Cancún's nine restaurants and nightclub means the combined dining variety is substantially better than the on-site options alone.
Cons
- The Secrets-side exclusive Preferred Club pool is genuinely small — guests expecting a spacious private pool environment will need to use the Breathless pools for serious pool time.
- Sargassum accumulation on the beach is seasonal but can be significant — research current conditions before booking if ocean swimming is central to your trip.
- The resort building exterior shows its renovation origins — guests focused on a brand-new feel may prefer newer Secrets properties.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Secrets Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa offers more activities.