Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Velas Resorts vs Sunscape Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 341 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 21 | 13 |
| 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
Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Pros
- Snorkeling directly off the beach into the National Underwater Park — no boat required, no extra charge for the access itself.
- No reservations required at any of the six à la carte restaurants — arrive at opening, get seated, no pre-planning needed.
- The White Whale Brewery is an included on-site craft beer experience, unusual for the all-inclusive format.
- Complimentary shuttle to Willemstad makes day trips easy without renting a car.
Cons
- Room quality varies significantly — the property was last comprehensively renovated in 2015 and some rooms show their age in fixtures and furnishings.
- Standard room WiFi is not included in the all-inclusive rate — only Sun Club guests get complimentary in-room internet.
- Casino bar drinks cost extra even with the all-inclusive wristband — easy to get caught off guard.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is the larger property, while Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.