Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Our Rating
9.0
9.1
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
—
257
Restaurants
6
10
Pools
4
5
Year Opened
2025
2013
Year Renovated
2017
2013
Features
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Total Venues
17
18
Included
14
17
Extra Charge
3
1
Room Comparison
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Room Categories
7
10
Suite Categories
5
6
Activities Comparison
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Total Activities
23
25
Included
20
22
Extra Charge
3
3
Pros & Cons
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Pros
300 yards of calm, protected bay beach with included non-motorized water sports — kayaks, windsurfers, boogie boards, and snorkeling — represents genuine beach-use value.
The pirate-themed kids' pool with waterslides, rock climbing wall, and mini-golf give this property a broader family activity footprint than most Riviera Nayarit competitors.
The Tranquil Pool with its no-music policy is a thoughtful design decision — a rare practical amenity in a family resort for adults who want to swim quietly.
Cons
The specialty restaurant reservation system is the resort's biggest operational frustration — with 6 restaurants for 496 rooms, demand consistently exceeds availability.
Main pool and main buffet dining room noise levels are frequently described as very high — the outdoor patio at Casa Bella and the Tranquil Pool are the practical alternatives.
Room service carries an extra charge — not a standard all-inclusive inclusion here.
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Pros
Pink Gin Beach is genuinely calm and swimmable — sheltered cove geometry prevents the choppy surf that affects more exposed Caribbean beaches.
Ten restaurants for 257 rooms is a high ratio, resulting in shorter waits and more consistent kitchen quality than larger Sandals properties.
Five-minute airport transfer is among the shortest in the Sandals chain — no long bus rides after a redeye.
SkyPool suites with private infinity plunge pools are architecturally distinctive and not replicated at most other properties.
PADI scuba diving up to two dives/day is included — at $80–100 per dive externally, this adds real value for certified divers.
The property's smaller, quieter personality makes it work well for couples who want intimacy over high-energy activity.
Cons
The Sandals app reservation system is unreliable — restaurants show as fully booked while tables are available, and closures go unannounced.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
"Partial ocean view" and even some "ocean view" rooms deliver disappointing sightlines — verify the specific building and floor before booking.
Butler Elite categories represent a meaningful price jump; the value is clearest for guests who actually use 24-hour room service and prefer to delegate planning.
Beach lounger availability at the South Seas pool requires early claiming (pre-8:30 AM on busy weeks) — not ideal for late risers.
Older sections of the property show maintenance wear relative to the newer Italian village buildings.
