Club Med Palmiye vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 680 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 7 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1991 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2007 | — |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | 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 | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 11 |
| Included | 11 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Palmiye | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 15 | 27 |
| Included | 10 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Palmiye
Pros
- The included watersports program — waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, SUP — is the most comprehensive of any Club Med in the Mediterranean region
- 11 tennis courts and 6 padel courts mean racquet sports access rarely becomes a queue issue, even at peak occupancy
Cons
- Sailing and wakeboarding develop genuine queues in July and August — arrive at the watersports desk when it opens; popular slots book out by mid-morning
- Strong winds cancel boat activities with little warning; if sailing is your primary reason for booking, check Kemer's June–August wind patterns before committing to specific dates
- Room quality in unrenovated Villagio bungalows is noticeably dated — request a refurbished Hotel room or newer bungalow unit at booking to avoid disappointment
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 Club Med Palmiye is the larger property, while Club Med Palmiye has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.