Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton vs Grand Velas Los Cabos: Which is Better? (2026) | Resort Flock
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Our Rating
8.1
9.7
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
268
307
Restaurants
6
7
Pools
5
4
Year Opened
2022
2016
Year Renovated
—
—
Features
Metric
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
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
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Total Venues
13
11
Included
12
11
Extra Charge
1
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Room Categories
15
11
Suite Categories
15
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Total Activities
23
27
Included
21
18
Extra Charge
2
9
Pros & Cons
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Pros
TPC Cartagena golf course access — the only TPC-certified course in South America, and it's adjacent to the property.
Free weekend shuttle to the historic Walled City of Cartagena — a UNESCO World Heritage site that's genuinely worth visiting.
Scuba diving is listed as included (unusual for an all-inclusive at this price tier) — verify on arrival.
Four tennis courts plus structured clinics is more tennis infrastructure than most comparable resorts.
All suites start at 589 sq ft — the entry-level room is genuinely spacious.
Cons
Strong winds on Manzanillo Beach can blow sand and make extended beach time uncomfortable on gusty days.
The Karibana gate security is reported by some guests as creating minor friction for incoming taxis or visitors — factor this into transport planning.
Six dining venues for 268 rooms is a lower ratio than other AMR Collection properties — peak-hour waits at World Café are reported.
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
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 Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
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
