Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
Velas Resorts vs El Cid Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 150 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 2 |
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
Ventus Ha' at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
Pros
- Two adults-only rooftop pools with Balinese beds and live DJ are genuinely uncrowded — rarely more than a dozen guests at a time
- Temazcal ceremony at El Cocay Spa is one of the more authentic Mayan experiences available at a Riviera Maya resort
- Exchange privilege effectively gives you 10+ restaurants across three properties with no extra charge or transportation needed
- Suites with hammock balconies facing the mangrove are quiet and private — you hear birds rather than bass from a pool party
Cons
- Timeshare sales pitch at check-in is aggressive and consistently reported as the most frustrating part of arrival — plan for 15-20 minutes of firm refusal
- Beach requires a short walk or golf cart ride — Ventus Ha' is not beachfront despite being part of a beach resort complex
- Lower-floor rooms receive limited natural light due to overhanging balconies and mature vegetation — specifically request floor 3 or above
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.