Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Tabaiba Princess
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tabaiba Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 389 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tabaiba Princess |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tabaiba Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tabaiba Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tabaiba Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| 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
Tabaiba Princess
Pros
- Nine pools including a dedicated water park and a separate adults-only (18+) heated pool — more aquatic infrastructure variety than most Maspalomas properties.
- Shared facilities with Maspalomas Princess effectively expand the dining and pool options without additional cost.
- The adults-only spa area (€10 entry, 90-minute sessions) is a genuinely comprehensive wellness facility for the price.
- The specialty restaurants (Italian and Asian) include one complimentary visit per five nights — meaningful savings on a week-long stay.
Cons
- Maspalomas Beach is 1.5–2 km away — not walkable for casual back-and-forth trips. Budget taxi costs or accept the 20-minute walk if beachgoing is a daily priority.
- The property opened in 1997 with only a partial 2019 renovation — room quality varies and the overall feel is not as fresh as newer properties.
- The adults-only spa requires advance €10 booking in 90-minute slots — the friction of booking and paying separately can deter spontaneous use.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Tabaiba Princess is the larger property, while Tabaiba Princess has more dining venues.