Excellence Oyster Bay vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Excellence Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 315 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 10 | 7 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2018 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | 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 | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 26 | 11 |
| Included | 26 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 16 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 15 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Oyster Bay | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 27 |
| Included | 14 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 10 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence Oyster Bay
Pros
- Private peninsula location means no beach vendors and genuinely secluded feel
- Beach House suites (2019) provide direct beach access from a private deck — uncommon in all-inclusive resorts
- Caribbean Grove restaurant applies Jamaican culinary traditions to the gourmet format — specifically worth booking at an Excellence property in Jamaica
- Victorian architectural style distinguishes this property from the generic modern all-inclusive design
Cons
- Drink service to beach loungers is slow — going to a swim-up bar is faster for getting a drink
- Some plunge pool rooms face walkways with limited privacy — request an assessment of which units have better seclusion
- Seagrass in the ocean and narrow beach sections are consistent notes in reviews
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 Excellence Oyster Bay has more restaurants, while Excellence Oyster Bay is the larger property, while Excellence Oyster Bay has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.