Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Domes Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 201 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 7 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2024 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | — |
Features
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 11 |
| Included | 10 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 27 |
| Included | 12 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 13 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton
Pros
- Amphitheater hillside design means almost every room has a direct Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga Island view — the view quality is consistent throughout the property rather than dependent on luck with room assignment.
- Adults-only 16+ policy and cool-inclusive format create a quieter, more composed atmosphere than traditional family all-inclusives.
- Opened 2023 with updated renovations the same year — facilities are genuinely new without dated elements.
Cons
- One-hour drive from Heraklion airport is a commitment — factor in transfer costs and time on both arrival and departure days.
- Pebble beach requires water shoes; guests expecting a sandy beach will need to adjust expectations for this stretch of Crete.
- As a 2023 opening, the long-term service consistency track record is still being established.
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 offers more activities.