Divi Southwinds Beach Resort vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Divi Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Divi Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.1 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 133 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 7 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1980 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2018 | — |
Features
| Metric | Divi Southwinds 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 Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 11 |
| Included | 0 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Divi Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Divi Southwinds Beach Resort | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 18 | 27 |
| Included | 11 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
Pros
- St. Lawrence Gap restaurants and bars are a short walk — you won't feel trapped eating the same buffet every night.
- Full kitchens in all suites and an on-site mini-mart make self-catering genuinely practical on longer stays.
- Wild green monkeys roam the resort grounds — children (and adults) are delighted by this more than any programmed activity.
- Dover Beach's southern exposure means calmer water than the east coast, making it reliably swimmable.
Cons
- No traditional all-inclusive — all on-site dining and bar costs are extra, which surprises guests expecting a Barbados all-inclusive experience.
- Housekeeping reported as weekly in some units — if daily service matters, confirm the schedule before arrival.
- Bar and restaurant prices on-site are considered expensive relative to the local alternatives within walking distance.
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 Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.