Playa del Inglés location means a real town's restaurants, shops, and nightlife are minutes from the resort — unlike remote beach properties, you have genuine alternatives without a long taxi ride
Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve is walkable from the beach end — one of the Canary Islands' most dramatic landscapes for a free afternoon
The pool heating in winter (November-April) makes this a viable year-round property, which is rare for outdoor pool-focused resorts
10-15 minute walk to one of Gran Canaria's best beaches — the proximity without the isolation is the defining location trade-off
Cons
Dining options are narrow for an all-inclusive: two restaurants with the à la carte lunch at Bohío potentially carrying additional charges — confirm coverage at booking
No private beach access — the resort pool is the only exclusive water amenity; the beach is a public, shared resort beach a 10-minute walk away
27 sq ft rooms are modest — for a couples or honeymoon property, the room size can feel tight if spending significant time indoors
The Princess Disco Lounge entertainment program varies heavily by season — shoulder season guests may find fewer shows running than peak season
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
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Gran Canaria Princess (Only Adults +16) is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
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
