Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 350 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2010 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 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 St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 21 |
| Included | 9 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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 St. James Montego Bay
Pros
- Blue Mountain restaurant is one of the few Secrets properties with a specifically Jamaican culinary focus — order the jerk preparations.
- Free access to Wild Orchid next door meaningfully expands entertainment and dining without extra cost.
- The peninsula layout gives water access on multiple sides and a more secluded feel than a straight-line beach resort.
- Piano Bar is a quieter evening option that doesn't require the theater-show format — good for guests who want live music without a production.
Cons
- Food consistency is a recurring issue — dishes can be well-prepared one night and disappointing the next.
- House wine quality is frequently criticized — order by varietal or request a specific label when possible.
- The colonial-style aesthetics are distinctive but the property is showing age in some areas compared to newer Secrets openings.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more restaurants, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay is the larger property, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more dining venues, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay offers more activities.