Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Viva Wyndham Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 314 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 38 |
| Included | 21 | 29 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 9 |
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 Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in Cabarete — active travelers who want consistent trade winds, proper wind sports, and an all-inclusive wrapper have no alternative
- Cabarete's independent restaurant and bar strip is walkable from the resort — a built-in option for evenings when you want something outside the property
- 20–30 minute transfer from Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP) is one of the shorter airport connections on the Dominican Republic's north coast
Cons
- The beach is semi-public and part of the town — guests expecting a private, controlled beach environment will find Cabarete's social beach atmosphere a mismatch
- The 2016 renovation is aging and some guest reviews report finishes starting to show wear
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive is the larger property, while Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive offers more activities.