Grand Velas represents the pinnacle of luxury all-inclusive resorts, but their Riviera Maya and Los Cabos properties offer deeply different settings. Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a sprawling, jungle-meets-beach compound with multiple distinct sections (including family and adults-only areas) bordering the calm Caribbean Sea. Grand Velas Los Cabos, on the other hand, is a single dramatic arc where every massive suite has an unobstructed view of the tumultuous Pacific Ocean. Both offer Michelin-star-caliber dining through their Cocina de Autor restaurants, but Los Cabos provides dramatic desert-ocean scenery while Riviera Maya offers swimmable beaches and lush mangrove jungles.
Key Metrics
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Our Rating
9.7
9.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
307
539
Restaurants
7
8
Pools
4
4
Year Opened
2016
2008
Year Renovated
—
2021
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
No
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
Yes
Dining Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Venues
11
15
Included
11
15
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Room Categories
11
11
Suite Categories
11
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Activities
27
23
Included
18
17
Extra Charge
9
6
Pros & Cons
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
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
