Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a luxury all-inclusive resort on the beach in Nuevo Vallarta, on the Nayarit side of Banderas Bay. Its 267 suites are decorated in a contemporary Mexican style, and the grounds are laid out with open corridors, koi ponds and gardens that lead down to a three-level infinity pool facing the ocean.
It is one of the most highly regarded all-inclusives on the Mexican Pacific, with gourmet restaurants, a large spa and strong family programs. It works for couples who want a refined stay and for families who want kids and teens clubs, and it is only about 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport.
At a glance
Highlights
- Luxury all-inclusive in Nuevo Vallarta on Banderas Bay
- Three-level infinity pool facing the ocean
- All suites around 1,000 sq ft or larger
- 16,000 sq ft spa with hydrotherapy
- About 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Every accommodation is a suite of around 1,000 square feet or more, with ocean or pool views. Family Two-Bedroom suites suit larger groups, while the Grand Terrace and Grand Class suites are reserved for guests 16 and older.
- Master Suite Pool View, Ocean View and Ocean Front (about 1,000 sq ft)
- Parlor Ocean View
- Governor One-Bedroom Suite
- Family Two-Bedroom Suite
- Grand Terrace Suite (about 1,769 sq ft) and Grand Class suites, ages 16+
Restaurants and bars
The all-inclusive plan covers meals, snacks, domestic and premium drinks and 24-hour room service. The a la carte restaurants serve dinner with a dress code and need reservations. Frida and Lucca have live music in the evenings. There are several bars, including a swim-up bar.
- Azul: international, poolside, breakfast and lunch
- Frida: traditional Mexican, dinner
- Lucca: Italian and Mediterranean, dinner
- Sen Lin: Asian, dinner
- Piaf: French, dinner, ages 12+
- Selva del Mar: poolside snack bar
- Amat Cafe: coffee, tea and snacks
- Bars: Aqua swim-up bar and the lobby bar
Beach, pools and spa
The resort faces the wide beach of Nuevo Vallarta, and the beach is swimmable. The signature three-level infinity pool overlooks Banderas Bay, and there is a separate children’s pool and a hot tub.
SE Spa covers about 16,000 square feet and includes a hydrotherapy area and holistic treatments. Spa services are charged separately. There is also a fitness center with yoga and pilates.
Activities and entertainment
The Kids’ Club for ages 4 to 12 runs daily beach and pool games, crafts and nature activities, and the Teens’ Club organizes social events and games into the evening. A baby concierge and a playground help families with very young children. Tennis and table tennis are also available.
Nuevo Vallarta is a calm, flat area known for golf and long beaches. From the resort you can reach the marina, the Riviera Nayarit towns of Bucerias and Sayulita, or downtown Puerto Vallarta and its Malecon by car. The concierge can arrange whale watching in winter, boat trips to the Marietas Islands and golf rounds.
Who it’s best for
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a great choice for a luxury Pacific beach holiday close to the airport, especially for families who want polished kids and teens programs.
- Best for: couples and families who want a top-tier all-inclusive with gourmet dining, a large spa and spacious suites close to the airport.
- Consider another resort if: you want to walk to bars and restaurants in a town, or you are on a tight budget.
Getting there from Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is about 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), north along the coast into Nuevo Vallarta. To skip the taxi lines, you can book a private Puerto Vallarta airport transfer in advance so your driver is waiting when you land.
At Puerto Vallarta airport, the arrivals hall after customs has many sales desks offering transport and timeshare tours. If your transfer is pre-booked, head straight outside to meet your driver at the pick-up area. Booking ahead fixes the price and makes arrival simple, especially with children or a lot of luggage.
Good to know
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are at their busiest from about November to April, when the weather is dry and humpback whales visit Banderas Bay, usually from December to March. Summer brings heat, humidity and afternoon rain, and the Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to November.
- Check-in 3:00 pm, check-out 12:00 pm
- Piaf is for guests 12+; Grand Terrace and Grand Class suites are 16+
- Dinner restaurants require reservations and have a dress code
- Spa treatments, laundry and phone calls cost extra
- Kids’ Club, gratuities and taxes are included
- Babysitting is available for a fee
Location of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
FAQ about Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit all-inclusive?
Yes. Meals, snacks, premium drinks, room service, kids club, gratuities and taxes are included.
Is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit good for families?
Yes. It has a Kids' Club for ages 4 to 12, a Teens' Club, a baby concierge and a children's pool.
Is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit adults only?
No, but some suites (Grand Terrace and Grand Class) are for guests 16 and older.
How far is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit from the airport?
It is about 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
How many restaurants does Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit have?
There are seven dining venues, including Frida, Lucca, Sen Lin and Piaf.
How many suites does Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit have?
The resort has 267 suites.
Is the beach at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit swimmable?
Yes. The Nuevo Vallarta beach in front of the resort is swimmable.
How big is the spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?
SE Spa is about 16,000 square feet with a hydrotherapy area.
What time is check-in at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?
Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 12:00 pm.
Where is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?
It is on Avenida Cocoteros in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, on Banderas Bay.
