Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs BlueBay Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 76 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 7 |
| Included | 9 | 3 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 11 |
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
Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa
Pros
- Access to Bluebay Beach Resort's Oasis Spa, gym, and PADI dive centre is a genuine value — 5-star amenities at a 4-star room rate.
- Zanzibar's east coast reefs are legitimately world-class for diving and snorkeling — the location matters more than the star rating for underwater enthusiasts.
- The Swahili-Arab architecture gives Sultan Sands an authentic regional character that sets it apart from generic tropical resort design.
- Organized family activities and kids-friendly programming are consistently well-reviewed by families with children.
Cons
- Tidal variation on Kiwengwa Beach means morning swimming is frequently not possible — this requires adjusting expectations significantly if beach swimming is the primary activity.
- Room quality varies considerably between updated Bahari rooms and older, un-renovated categories — specify a renovated room when booking.
- Rooms don't have kettles — a minor inconvenience for tea and coffee drinkers that multiple guests specifically mention.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Sultan Sands Island Resort & Spa offers more activities.