Resort Flock LogoResortFlock
⌘K
DestinationsResort FinderBrandsCompareGuidesNews
⌘K

Newsletter

The weekly resort briefing

New resorts, deals, and destination guides — free every week.

Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Explore

  • Resort Finder
  • Brands
  • Brand Families
  • Destinations
  • Vibes
  • Guides
  • Dining Guide
  • News

Travel Guides

  • Best Time to Book
  • Tipping Guide
  • What's Included?
  • Packing Checklist
  • Dining & Menus
  • Adults-Only Guide
  • All Guides →

Best Resorts

  • Best All-Inclusive
  • Best for Families
  • Best Adults-Only
  • Best Luxury
  • Best Beach
  • Best Food
  • Best Budget
  • All Best Of Lists →

Destinations

  • Caribbean
  • Mexico
  • Maldives
  • All Destinations →

Tools

  • Compare Resorts
  • Compare Brands
  • Best Of Lists
About·Contact·Privacy·Terms·Disclaimer·Editorial

© 2026 Resort Flock

  1. Home
  2. /Resorts
  3. /Compare
  4. /AluaSoul Carolina vs Grand Velas Los Cabos

AluaSoul Carolina vs Grand Velas Los Cabos

Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison

AluaSoul Carolina
AluaSoul CarolinaAlua Hotels & Resorts
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Los CabosVelas Resorts

Key Metrics

MetricAluaSoul CarolinaGrand Velas Los Cabos
Our Rating8.09.7
Star Rating4.05.0
Room Count127307
Restaurants27
Pools24
Year Opened—2016
Year Renovated2017—

Features

MetricAluaSoul CarolinaGrand Velas Los Cabos
All-InclusiveYesYes
Adults OnlyYesNo
Beach AccessYesYes
SpaYesYes
Kids ClubNoYes

Dining Comparison

MetricAluaSoul CarolinaGrand Velas Los Cabos
Total Venues811
Included611
Extra Charge20

Room Comparison

MetricAluaSoul CarolinaGrand Velas Los Cabos
Room Categories511
Suite Categories111

Activities Comparison

MetricAluaSoul CarolinaGrand Velas Los Cabos
Total Activities1827
Included1018
Extra Charge89

Pros & Cons

AluaSoul Carolina

Pros

  • Nearly every room has a direct sea view from a private balcony — structural, not just marketing.
  • Direct beachfront access to Font de Sa Cala bay — no transfer, shuttle, or cliff walk required.
  • Spa facilities including indoor pool, hydromassage tub, sauna, and hot tub are included without surcharge.
  • Evening entertainment — bands and dance shows — consistently praised as genuinely high quality.
  • Adults-only (16+) atmosphere maintains a genuinely quiet environment without token 'adults-only zones'.

Cons

  • Lunch and dinner buffet quality is the most consistent complaint — repetitive, sometimes cold, and not matching the 4-star setting.
  • Room soundproofing is poor — noise from neighboring rooms and corridor traffic is frequently mentioned.
  • Many couples find two single beds pushed together rather than a proper double bed — request a king or double at booking.
  • The isolated Sa Font de Sa Cala location means a rental car is essential for exploring beyond the immediate cove.
  • All-inclusive drinks program cuts off at 23:00 — late-night drinks require going to a paid venue.

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Pros

  • The only all-inclusive in the world simultaneously holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant — a genuine distinction, not a marketing claim
  • Cocina de Autor's 8-10 course tasting menu with wine pairing is fully included in the all-inclusive rate — at a standalone restaurant this would cost hundreds per person
  • Every suite starts at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terrace jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry suite here exceeds most competitors' top categories
  • Three-tier infinity pools naturally segregate family, activity, and adult-only zones without restricting access — practical design rather than strict policy

Cons

  • Beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos Pacific currents make ocean swimming dangerous; the infinity pools are where guests actually swim
  • Cocina de Autor is restricted to adults and guests 18+ — families with younger children can't access the MICHELIN-starred restaurant during their stay

Summary

Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.

Explore Destinations

Explore SpainExplore Los Cabos
View full AluaSoul Carolina profileView full Grand Velas Los Cabos profileAbout Alua Hotels & ResortsAbout Velas ResortsCompare other resorts
  • Rates start around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in peak winter — a significant commitment that requires being genuinely invested in the Five Diamond experience to justify