Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Viva Maya 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 Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 604 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Maya 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 Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Pros
- The supervised flying trapeze is available for adults and children alike — the single most distinctive activity at any Playa del Carmen all-inclusive
- 12,200 sq meter main pool has enough room for the full occupancy without feeling overcrowded — a rarity at 600+ room resorts
- The beach cleaning program keeps seaweed levels manageable even in the May–October season when neighboring resorts struggle
Cons
- 604 rooms opened in 2002 means some buildings show significant age in finishes and fixtures — room condition varies noticeably by building
- At 604 rooms, service response times in restaurants and at bars can slow during peak meal periods
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort offers more activities.