Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Our Rating
8.0
9.7
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
88
307
Restaurants
3
7
Pools
3
4
Year Opened
2026
2016
Year Renovated
2026
—
Features
Metric
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive 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
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Total Venues
6
11
Included
6
11
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Room Categories
10
11
Suite Categories
6
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Total Activities
25
27
Included
19
18
Extra Charge
6
9
Pros & Cons
Crystal Cove, Barbados, a Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
The Cave Bar swim-through waterfall experience is a genuine standout — it earns its top-ten swim-up bar ranking and works for adults and older children alike.
Motorized water sports (water-skiing, tubing, banana boat) are included, which is uncommon at this price point.
The water taxi dine-around program meaningfully solves the variety problem for a smaller all-inclusive property — additional restaurants at sister Elegant Hotels are within a short boat ride.
The platinum west coast beach is calm, clear, and genuinely beautiful — a cut above the south coast in water quality.
Road tennis classes are a specific Barbados cultural experience that distinguishes this resort from generic Caribbean options.
Cons
Post-renovation opening (January 2026) means early operational inconsistencies — food temperature and bar service are the most reported early concerns.
Value-for-money questions have appeared in initial reviews at the new post-renovation pricing.
No dedicated spa facility — spa treatments are provided on-site without a purpose-built spa environment.
Fine wine and Champagne are excluded from the all-inclusive package — clarify exactly what's included at check-in.
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
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.
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
