Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.0 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 307 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 7 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 11 |
| Included | 10 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 27 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Esencia de Fuerteventura by Princess
Pros
- Two heated Esencia pools exclusive to section guests — genuinely meaningful in the October–April period
- Sea-view rooms in the Esencia section provide Atlantic views that are among the better hotel views in Fuerteventura
- El Mirador's terrace at sunset is one of the more atmospheric dining settings in the resort corridor
Cons
- Some drinks including fresh orange juice at breakfast cost extra even on the standard all-inclusive plan — check the inclusions list
- Cleanliness complaints in some room categories — inspect on arrival and report issues immediately to housekeeping
- 77–80 km from Fuerteventura airport is a long transfer — roughly 50 minutes
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 offers more activities.