Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Amenities: A Review

The writer was hosted.

Picture this: You step into an open-air lobby, with a towering palapa structure protecting you overhead, allowing a cool natural breeze to weave through. Just ahead, there’s a panoramic view of an infinity pool overlooking the Banderas Bay. You’re kindly ushered to take a seat. Moments later, you’re offered a cool towel, chilled champagne, and a shoulder massage with essential oils. That’s how the staff greeted my mom and me for our mother-daughter getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

What sets this AAA Five Diamond brand apart from other all-inclusive resorts is their commitment to delivering high-end, quality experiences. From the dining to amenities and service, Grand Velas effortlessly places an emphasis on elegance and luxury.

Fun things to do

Each day, your private concierge will message you with a list of the daily activities that can be enjoyed around the property, ideal for those wanting to do a little more than just relax poolside.

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Try Morning Yoga with an Ocean View

Yoga students holding a pose outside the courtyard. Behind them are three white, towering arches, and a view of the ocean, with cloudless skies above. — Morning yoga class with ocean views. Photo credit: Grand Velas

Private instructors will guide a class on aerial yoga in the aerobics room of the wellness center. Depending on the day, yoga classes may also be offered outside, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

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Play Volleyball in the Sand (or the Water!)

Beach volleyball players enjoying a game, with a volleyball net separating teams. The ocean is in the background — Volleyball players enjoying a round on the beach. Photo credit: Travel Babbo

In the afternoon, attendants will set up nets and encourage guests to join them for a round of volleyball. From my personal observation, beach volleyball attracted more adults, while most water volleyball players had kids and teenagers.

Dance to Live Music

Guitarist posing with guests on the main terrace, with a sunset overhead. Nearby, a couple enjoys cocktails at a table — Evening music while enjoying the sunset and cocktails. Photo credit: ITravel2000

Each evening approximately around 8PM, guests can enjoy guitarists, live singers, and jazz musicians out on the main terrace. Perfect for those looking to catch some musical vibes with a cocktail in hand before or after their dinner.

Relax in the Spa

Indoor spa hot tubs, with lounge chairs in the background, and elongated windows — Award winning spa with plunge pools and lounge area. Photo credit: Grand Velas

In celebrating my mom’s birthday, it’s a must to treat her to some well-needed spa time! Recently awarded five stars from Forbes Travel Guide, the SE Spa offers an expansive list of services to choose from, including facials, body wraps, scrubs, and massages tailored to your liking.

Before your treatment, you can enjoy water-based amenities, which include whirlpools, cold plunge pools, saunas, and showers. Guests can still enjoy these amenities even if they’re not booking a treatment.

Bike along the Shores

Guests will meet in the lobby for a roundtrip just outside the resort. With safety taking a top priority, your guide will supply you with all the safety gear for a safe trip – helmets, knee pads, and shoulder pads.

Places to eat

Azul

Rows of tables set up for breakfast service, and clear glass windows align the restaurant, with the ocean in the background — Azul restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Photo credit: Grand Velas

Breakfast buffet with an ocean view – the perfect way to start the day! Guests can enjoy breakfast buffet items with an elevated twist of luxury – specialty omelets and fajitas can be found in some of the hot action stations, while cold items include salmon, parfaits, and fruits. Also open for lunch time, which guests can fancy themselves a plate and head over to the pool to enjoy.

Selva Del Mar

Across the pool on the opposite side of Azul you’ll find a sit-down lunch space. You can enjoy this casual menu either at the table or served while you’re lounging by the pool. This menu also services the beach, where you can take lunch in your private cabana.

Frida

Paying homage to the beloved artist Frida Kahlo, you’ll find dinner offerings with traditional Mexican flavors. With an array of dishes to choose from, guests will also need to save room for dessert (the chocolate mousse with mole sauce…yum!) The dress code is smart casual, so avoid shorts, flip-flops, or beachwear. Because we arrived fashionably late, we missed the sunset out on their balcony, however we enjoyed stargazing with a perfect view of a traditional fire show just below us on the main terrace.

Sen Lin

Open for dinner, this Asian-inspired restaurant offers dishes such as Vietnamese spring rolls, Pad Thai, miso soup, Korean-style steak, and green curry shrimp. While elegant, Sen Lin also welcomes families, with live music adding to the experience. Much like Frida, you’ll want to dress smart casual.

Piaf

As the famed name suggests, Piaf offers a French-inspired menu. Guests can order dishes such as veal, beef with cabernet sauce, and tender steak. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with treats like chocolate cake and crème brûlée. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant has a dress code of elegant-casual, so leave the flip flops and hats in your room.

Lucca

Found on the same floor as Frida, Lucca offers an Italian-Mediterranean vibe, with ocean views and live music. Signature dishes include lamb chops with creamy carrot polenta, Chilean sea bass with a Sicilian crust, and shrimp and porcini risotto with truffle.

Accommodations

Master suite, with king bed, Smart TV mounted across from bed. A couch, coffee table, and desk are towards the back of the room, next to the balcony — Expansive master suite with sitting area and balcony overlooking the Pacific. Photo credit: Grand Velas

“I hope we have an ocean-view room,” mom exclaimed. Much to our delight, we did, and we soon found out that all 267 rooms have a view of the ocean, thanks to the intentional architectural design of the resort.

Read our review of the Resort: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Review: Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Getaway in Puerto Vallarta

Master Suite: Perfect for couples, friends, or in this case, mothers and daughters, this 1,000-square-foot suite offers a choice of a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. Relax on a private terrace with ocean views, unwind in the living area, and enjoy luxurious amenities.
One-Bedroom Governor Suite: Perfect for couples or small families, this 1,000-square-foot suite features a separate bedroom and living area for extra comfort and space. Choose between a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, accommodating up to three adults or two adults and two kids.
Grand Terrace Suite: Ideal for couples, this suite offers a split-level layout with a bedroom and living area on the first floor. Upstairs, enjoy a private terrace with a hydromassage jacuzzi and ocean views.
Grand Class Suite: Designed for adults seeking ultimate luxury, this 1,865-square-foot suite features an open bedroom and living area with a king-size bed, walk-in closet, and desk. The private terrace includes a jacuzzi and seating area with views of Banderas Bay.

SheBuysTravel tip: Your private terrace is THE place to catch the sunset.

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Getting There: Transportation Options:

Safest/Easiest: Booking a resort transfer. A driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to the resort.
Alternative: You can also use licensed taxis or ride-share services from Puerto Vallarta Airport. Choose authorized taxis or trusted ride-share apps for a safe trip.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Try to book a mid-morning flight. Arriving at the airport during less busy times can help you avoid long immigration lines.