Esencia de La Palma by Princess vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 307 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 7 |
| Pools | 11 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | 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 | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 11 |
| Included | 8 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Esencia de La Palma by Princess | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 27 |
| Included | 11 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Esencia de La Palma by Princess
Pros
- 2021 Esencia renovation means rooms are in good condition — better maintained than older sections of the La Palma Princess
- Sea view rooms face a genuinely distinctive volcanic Atlantic coastline — not your standard beach hotel view
- Adults-only (16+) throughout the Esencia section — consistently quiet even in peak season
- La Palma itself has low tourist density by Canary Islands standards — if you've done Gran Canaria and Tenerife, this is meaningfully different
Cons
- Hilly terrain with no lifts in accommodation blocks — not suitable for guests with limited mobility without ground-floor room assignment
- Many drinks carry additional charges beyond the basic all-inclusive selection
- A rental car is effectively required to access the island's main attractions — budget for this
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 has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.