Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Velas Resorts vs Sunscape Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 585 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Puerto Plata Dominican Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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 Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Pros
- Catamaran sailing and windsurfing are included — not common at Dominican Republic all-inclusives, and Playa Dorada's wind exposure makes both worthwhile.
- The Robert Trent Jones golf course next door is one of the most convenient golf setups at any Caribbean all-inclusive — minimal transfer time.
- Children's check-in with red-carpet stairs and 'passport' welcome is a genuine family-first touch that sets the tone for the stay.
- No reservations required at any à la carte restaurant — walk in, eat when you want, no advance planning needed.
Cons
- The main buffet is the weak point in the dining program — cold food and limited variety on multi-night stays. Plan to eat at specialty restaurants most evenings.
- In-room WiFi costs extra for standard rooms — only Sun Club guests get it complimentary. Lobby WiFi is free but not room-level.
- The property is large enough (585 rooms) that beach chair competition is real at peak times — arrive early or send one person ahead.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic is the larger property, while Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic has more dining venues, while Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic offers more activities.