Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Luxury All-Inclusive Guide

There’s a reason luxury travelers keep returning to the Riviera Nayarit coastline. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the first AAA Five Diamond resort on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, combines oceanfront suites with a “Beyond All-Inclusive” concept that goes far beyond buffets. Whether you’re here for the award-winning spa or simply to unwind on a private beach, this guide walks through what makes this property stand out — and what you need to know before you book.

Five Diamond Rating: First on Mexico’s Pacific Coast ·
Oceanfront Suites: Over 300 ·
Private Beach: Yes ·
All-Inclusive: Beyond All-Inclusive ·
Location: Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit ·
Spa Awards: Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Spa Hotel

Here are the essential specifications of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

Is Riviera Nayarit better than Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers often pit these two neighboring destinations against each other, but the answer depends on what you’re after. Riviera Nayarit stretches along 200 miles of coastline and offers a quieter, more nature-driven experience with boutique hotels and surf towns like Sayulita. Puerto Vallarta, by contrast, is a lively city with a vibrant malecon and a broader range of nightlife.

What makes Riviera Nayarit different?

The region’s appeal lies in its lower resort density and protected coves. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit sits in Nuevo Vallarta, a gated section with calm beaches ideal for swimming. According to Forbes Travel Guide (luxury travel authority), the property is “on the northern edge of Banderas Bay, about 25 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta.” This location gives guests easy access to the city’s airport and nightlife while sleeping in a quieter enclave.

Which destination offers better beaches?

For sheer tranquility, Riviera Nayarit wins. Grand Velas’ private beach has gentle waves, making it safe for children. Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are more exposed and can have stronger currents. A Tripadvisor (user review platform) reviewer sums it up: “The beach here is calm – you can actually float without worrying about the waves.”

Can you swim in the ocean at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?

Yes — the resort’s beach on Banderas Bay is known for calm, swimmable conditions. The resort employs lifeguards and maintains designated swimming areas. However, natural wildlife encounters, including crocodiles, occasionally make headlines in the region.

Are there crocodiles in Nayarit?

Crocodiles live in estuaries and mangroves throughout the Riviera Nayarit, but sightings on the open beach at Grand Velas are rare. According to Nayarit State Government (environmental authority), the species is mostly found in freshwater lagoons and protected areas. The resort’s beach is open and patrolled, with signage advising guests to avoid swimming at dusk or in murky water.

Is it safe to swim in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta’s main beaches — Los Muertos, Playa de Oro — are generally safe, but strong currents can occur. The water at Grand Velas is shielded by the bay’s geography, making it one of the safest spots in the region. Lifeguards are present, and the hotel provides floatation devices for kids.

Which Grand Velas resort is the best?

Grand Velas operates three main properties: Riviera Nayarit, Riviera Maya (in the Caribbean), and Los Cabos. Each offers a different flavor of luxury.

What is the most luxurious resort in Mexico?

If raw opulence is the benchmark, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has the edge — it’s the only AAA Five Diamond resort in the entire Riviera Maya. But the Nayarit property is the first Five Diamond on the Pacific Coast, and its spa was named Most Excellent Spa Hotel by Condé Nast Johansens (luxury hotel awards). For many, “best” comes down to preference: Caribbean blue water vs. Pacific sunsets.

What is the nicest resort in Puerto Vallarta?

Within the Puerto Vallarta region, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit consistently ranks #1 of 6 all-inclusives in Nuevo Nayarit on Tripadvisor (user review platform) (4.8 stars from 4,756 reviews). Competitors like Casa Velas and Secrets Vallarta Bay score lower on guest satisfaction.

The pattern: If you want the most award-laden property overall, choose Riviera Maya. For a quieter beach with easier access to Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife, Nayarit wins.

What resort was Defending Jacob filmed at?

Apple TV+’s crime drama Defending Jacob used a Grand Velas property for key scenes — but not the Nayarit one. The show filmed at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located near Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.

Was Defending Jacob filmed at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?

No. Despite its name similarity, the Nayarit resort did not host the production. According to production notes shared by Velas Resorts (official blog), the Riviera Maya property’s palapa-style architecture and oceanfront suites were used as the “Barber family vacation” backdrop. This is a common confusion because both resorts share the same brand.

Why this matters: If you’re a fan of the show and hoping to visit the same villa, book the Riviera Maya. But the Riviera Nayarit offers a different, equally stunning Pacific setting.

Is Riviera Nayarit worth visiting?

Absolutely — especially if you prioritize nature, space, and genuine relaxation over crowded tourist strips. The region offers whale watching (Dec–March), surfing in Sayulita (30 minutes north), and the Marietas Islands (20 minutes by boat).

What are the best attractions near Grand Velas?

• Whale watching: Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay — tours depart from Nuevo Vallarta marina.
• Sayulita: A bohemian surf town with colorful streets and seafood markets.
• Marietas Islands: Snorkeling and the famous “Hidden Beach.” Permits required — book via the resort’s concierge.

What is the best time to visit?

The dry season (November–May) offers 80°F days and low rainfall. June–October is rainy but greener, with lower rates. Hurricane risk peaks September–October, but Banderas Bay is sheltered.

The trade-off: Peak season (Dec–March) brings crowds and higher prices. Shoulder months (April–May) give you near-perfect weather without the premium.

How do you get around at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?

The resort is self-contained — you can walk everywhere. But for excursions, you’ll need transport.

What is the nearest airport?

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is the closest, about 20 minutes south. Forbes Travel Guide (luxury travel authority) states the resort is “25 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta.”

Is there airport transfer included?

It depends on your booking channel. Direct bookings through Velas Resorts sometimes include private transfer. Third-party sites like Expedia (online travel agency) usually list transfer as an add-on. Always verify before arrival.

Step-by-step: Getting from PVR to the resort

1. Book a private transfer: The resort can arrange a sedan or van via its concierge.
2. Take a taxi or Uber: From PVR, a taxi costs about $40 USD; Uber is cheaper but may take longer to arrive.
3. Rent a car: Not recommended if you plan to stay on property — parking is free but not essential.
4. Use the resort shuttle: Some packages include a shared shuttle; confirm when booking.

Once inside, the resort provides a 24/7 shuttle cart to move between buildings. Most guests walk — it’s a flat, landscaped property.

Two regions, one key difference: Riviera Nayarit offers calm beaches and low-rise resorts; Puerto Vallarta offers urban energy and nightlife. Here’s how they stack up:

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s suites vary by size and view. One pattern: every room faces the ocean.

Pros and Cons of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

What we know and what remains unclear

What others say

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the first Five Diamond resort along the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

— Velas Resorts (official site)

The spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit was awarded Most Excellent Spa Hotel by Condé Nast Johansens.

— Condé Nast Johansens (luxury hotel awards)

For the traveler who wants a beach they can actually swim in, gourmet dining without leaving the property, and a setting that feels miles away from the tourist crowds, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit delivers. Its main competition — Riviera Maya — offers Caribbean water but with more seaweed and higher prices. For families and couples seeking a balanced luxury escape on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the choice is clear: book the Nayarit property, confirm your transfers, and pack sunscreen.

Related reading

• Sunscape Coco Punta Cana Photos — another all-inclusive resort gallery for comparison.
• Business Class Air Canada 2025 — premium travel option to reach Mexico.

For those seeking a more affordable option in the same destination, Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta offers a beachfront all-inclusive experience at a lower price point.

Frequently asked questions