Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 49 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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
Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica
Pros
- Dedicated butler service for every suite — not a shared team, but an assigned butler who handles restaurant bookings, drink requests, and excursion arrangements
- No reservation required at any of the four restaurants — a genuine rarity in luxury all-inclusives and eliminates the nightly scramble for dinner slots
- Coco Café runs 24 hours and serves Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, one of the finest coffees produced anywhere in the world
- Endless Privileges rate covers top-shelf spirits, 24-hour in-suite dining, daily sparkling wine, complimentary laundry, unlimited international calls, and one motorized snorkeling tour per stay
- Morning yoga on the pier overlooking the Caribbean — open to all levels, complimentary, and consistently the activity guests mention most in reviews
- Five-minute transfer from Sangster International Airport — one of the shortest resort-to-airport drives in Montego Bay, which matters at the end of a trip
- Sip, Savor & See program provides a complimentary dinner at a participating nearby resort — genuinely useful variety for stays longer than four nights
- Jerky Jo's beachside jerk shack produces the most authentically Jamaican food on property and is included in the rate
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 Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica offers more activities.