Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pacific Mexico's premier family resort where the Sierra Madre mountains meet Banderas Bay. Kids and teen clubs, plunge pool suites, and complimentary bicycles keep every generation engaged. The romantic sunsets and sophisticated atmosphere make it equally appealing for couples and families.
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Traveler Insights(1,840 discussions)
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the resort that consistently settles arguments about whether luxury all-inclusive is actually achievable. It is. The property has held Five Diamond status and repeatedly appears at the top of best all-inclusive in Mexico lists because it genuinely earns the ranking. Every room is a suite starting at 1,000 square feet with jetted tubs, terraces, full minibars, and Nespresso machines. The three award-winning restaurants serve food that people would drive to independently if they weren't already at the resort. Check-in starts with a massage. This is the real deal.
The practical experience at Grand Velas is remarkably frictionless. No reservations needed, no wristband tiers, no charging for decent room service - everything is just included at the level you'd hope. The pool views are genuinely stunning, service is warm and highly competent, and the lack of nickel-and-diming that plagues lesser all-inclusives is noticeably absent. The Pacific Ocean is the main environmental caveat: the water is not Caribbean-clear, the surf can be strong, and the beach has faced erosion. The infinity pool is where most guests spend their water time.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is built for couples celebrating something significant, honeymooners who prioritize food and service over beach snorkeling, and travelers who want to understand what the ceiling of all-inclusive feels like. It competes at the same tier as high-end Secrets properties but beats most on food quality and suite size. Old Town Puerto Vallarta is about 20 minutes south by taxi, and Sayulita surf town is 30-45 minutes north.
Pros
- +The first Five Diamond all-inclusive on Mexico's Pacific Coast - every room is a suite starting at 1,000 square feet with ocean or pool views, private terraces, and jetted indoor tubs
- +Three AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurants (Frida, Lucca, and Piaf) serving Mexican, Italian, and French cuisine that consistently rival upscale non-all-inclusive restaurants
- +Check-in includes a complimentary head-neck-shoulder massage, welcome drink, and cool towel - immediately sets the tone that this is a different caliber of resort
- +Nespresso machines, stocked minibars, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and DVD players in every suite as standard - no chasing upgrades for basic luxury amenities
- +Dedicated butler service and concierge team that handles everything from dinner reservations to private romantic setups on the beach
- +No reservation required for any restaurant - walk-in dining at all six restaurants is always available as part of a truly inclusive model
- +Three-level infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean is consistently cited as one of the most spectacular pool setups at any Mexican all-inclusive
- +Repeatedly called the standard-setter for what luxury all-inclusive should feel like - multiple reviewers describe it as the best resort they have ever stayed at
Cons
- −Price is the primary obstacle - rates run $700-$2,000+ per night for two people, making it one of the most expensive all-inclusive options in Mexico
- −Pacific Ocean means rougher surf and less clear water than the Caribbean side - this is not a snorkeling or calm-swimming resort, and the surf can be powerful
- −Beach erosion is an ongoing issue on the Pacific coast and the beach itself is narrower than Caribbean counterparts - the infinity pool often delivers a better experience than the actual ocean
- −Pool area can get crowded during peak season holidays and spring break, diminishing the tranquility that the price promises
- −Buffet quality does not match the restaurant quality - hot items may not be hot, cold items not cold, and the buffet is a significant step down from the a la carte options
- −Location in Nuevo Vallarta means you're in a resort corridor rather than near Old Town Puerto Vallarta charm - you need a taxi to experience authentic city life
- −267 suites is still large for a luxury property and the scale can feel overwhelming if you prefer smaller boutique experiences
- −Wi-Fi quality is inconsistent in some parts of the property according to recent guest reports
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“Amazing resort for families with young children. Our room was very clean and spacious. We loved the room service and the baby concierge program - upon request, they provided us with a crib, high chair, bouncer, bottle warmer, and best of all, they wa...”
“Our experience at Grand Velas was absolutely incredible and far exceeded our expectations. The room was exceptionally beautiful, comfortable, and clean -- the housekeeping staff (Olga) showed amazing attention to detail. The waiters by the ocean/poo...”
“We had a great time at Grand Velas. By far, the best All-Inclusive we’ve been to. We had a large group with 5 families and the staff were really accommodating! Luis our concierge was great to work with for anything we needed while staying on the prop...”