Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection
Velas Resorts vs Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 1,350 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 24 |
| Included | 9 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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
Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection
Pros
- The 13-slide water park with wave pool is one of the most substantial at any Egyptian Red Sea all-inclusive — a genuine family differentiator.
- Red Sea access from Naama Bay gives reliable 20–30 meter visibility for snorkeling and diving year-round — the marine environment here is genuinely world-class.
- The adults-only wing with its own pool and rooftop access is a meaningful separation that makes this property work for mixed groups of couples and families.
- 10–20 minute airport transfer is among the fastest in Sharm El Sheikh — minimal transit time between landing and pool.
Cons
- The main buffet draws consistent complaints about blandness and crowded peak-time service — plan to use the à la carte restaurants as the primary dinner option.
- The kids' club programming has language-accessibility limitations noted by English-speaking guests.
- Beach size is relatively small for the number of guests — early positioning is necessary for preferred spots.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection has more restaurants, while Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection is the larger property, while Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh All Inclusive Collection has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.