Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 528 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 7 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2007 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2018 | — |
Features
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 25 | 11 |
| Included | 25 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 4 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 27 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar
Pros
- Limbo restaurant and M.E.A.T. Steakhouse are standout specialty dining experiences — better than the equivalent at the Grand hotels.
- The Coffee Shop at Luxury Ambar is the best coffee on the entire Bahia Principe Bavaro complex — seek it out on your first morning.
- 2018 renovation means more consistent room condition than older properties in the complex.
- Swim-Up Corner suite category provides the most premium room experience without paying for a separate villa-style property.
Cons
- Specialty restaurant reservation access is the most common complaint — the system is limited and slots fill quickly.
- Arena Gorda Beach seaweed (June–September) can significantly impact beach usability.
- The adults-only atmosphere is partly diluted by sharing facilities with the family Grand hotels.
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
- 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
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar is the larger property, while Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.