Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Viva Wyndham Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 337 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1992 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive 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 | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 17 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 32 |
| Included | 21 | 25 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Pros
- The 'Stay at 1, Play at 2' exchange is legitimately useful — seven restaurants and two pool environments without leaving the all-inclusive radius
- Playacar beach consistently earns the most enthusiastic guest feedback of any component — calm water, white sand, and genuinely good security within the gated complex
- Xul Ha Mayan restaurant is one of the few specialty options in the area serving authentic Yucatán preparations rather than generic 'Mexican food'
Cons
- Pool loungers are claimed by 8:30 AM during peak weeks — either wake up early or resign yourself to a second-tier position
- Default spirit pour at all bars is local-brand unless you specifically request premium — ask for the top-shelf option by name rather than hoping it's offered
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Viva Azteca by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort offers more activities.