Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Barceló Hotels vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 307 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 7 |
| Pools | 9 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2022 | — |
Features
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 11 |
| Included | 6 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 27 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort
Pros
- The Hypoxia Room and professional cycling center are genuinely unique — no other all-inclusive in the Canary Islands offers comparable training infrastructure for serious athletes
- La Dolce Vita's wood-fired pizza is one of the better specialty restaurant offerings in the Barceló Canaries portfolio
- Lanzarote's consistent 20-25°C year-round climate makes this the most practical base for cold-weather training camps in January-February
Cons
- The 10-lane Olympic pool costs €3.50 per session even for all-inclusive guests — a minor irritant at a resort that markets itself as sports-focused
- Cala del Ancla is a small pebbly cove, not a sandy beach — guests expecting a Canaries beach holiday should check beach photos before booking
- Sunlounger towel-reservation starts before 8 AM in peak season and there is minimal enforcement — a frustration repeatedly noted in summer reviews
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 Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.