Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 241 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 7 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1996 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2026 | — |
Features
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 5 | 11 |
| Included | 0 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 7 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 35 | 27 |
| Included | 12 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 23 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
Pros
- Every suite has a full kitchen, washer, and dryer — genuinely useful for families or stays over five nights.
- The 2026 renovation updated all 240 rooms; furnishings and bathrooms are current as of early 2026.
- 24-hour ocean-view fitness center is the best gym facility on Palm Beach.
- Palm Beach is directly out front with calm, swimmable water and complimentary cabanas.
- Kids 6–12 stay free, reducing the cost burden significantly for families.
Cons
- All-inclusive isn't integrated — you add it separately and use it mainly at other Divi properties nearby, requiring shuttle transportation.
- Check-out is 10am with limited flexibility, which is earlier than most Aruba competitors.
- All dining is à la carte and extra charge unless you've purchased the all-inclusive add-on — easy to underestimate food costs on a room-only booking.
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 is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort offers more activities.