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 resort in the world holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant simultaneously
Cocina de Autor delivers an extraordinary 8-10 course MICHELIN-starred tasting menu included in the all-inclusive rate — a rarity at any price point
All 307 suites start at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terraces, jacuzzi tubs, and 24-hour personalized butler concierge
Seven diverse gourmet restaurants with 51 complimentary wine labels keep dining fresh even on extended stays
SE Spa spans 35,000 sq ft with a signature seven-step hydrotherapy water journey, 16 treatment rooms, and Baja-inspired treatments
Three-tiered heated infinity pools (86°F) with dedicated family, activity, and adults-only sections provide options for every guest
Genuinely family-friendly luxury — Kids Club operates 9 AM to 11 PM, Teens Club with DJ and gaming, Family Duplex Suites with plunge pools and teepees
Premium all-inclusive includes airport transfers, daily-restocked minibar with artisanal mezcal and wine, and 24-hour in-suite dining
Staff-to-guest ratio approaches 3:1, resulting in exceptionally attentive and personalized service
Grand Class suites and above include private plunge pools on oceanfront terraces — a genuine luxury differentiator
Cons
Beach is not swimmable due to strong undertows and unpredictable waves — common along the Los Cabos corridor but disappointing for some guests
Premium price point starting around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in winter — significantly above most all-inclusive competitors
Cocina de Autor restricts entry to adults and guests over 18, limiting the experience for families with younger children
Hydrotherapy water journey costs $70 as a standalone experience — only included with spa treatments of 50+ minutes or in premium suite categories
Resort location on the Tourist Corridor between the two Cabos means downtown dining and nightlife require a 15-25 minute taxi ride
Some guests report that the pool areas can feel crowded during peak season (December through March), especially around the family pool
Limited swimmable beach options nearby — El Chileno Beach is a short drive away but requires transportation
Wi-Fi can be inconsistent in some suite locations according to multiple guest reports
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.
Every room is a suite starting at 1,184 sq ft with private terrace, jacuzzi, and daily-restocked minibar — among the largest entry-level suites in the Riviera Maya
Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond award
SE Spa spans 90,000+ sq ft with 40+ treatment suites and a Forbes Five-Star rating — one of Mexico's largest and most awarded resort spas
Three distinct ambiances let couples, families, and groups each find their ideal setting within one property
Genuinely premium all-inclusive — eight restaurants, seven bars, premium spirits, 24-hour suite service, and non-motorized water sports all included
Exceptional kids and teens programming with recently renovated, screen-free Kids' Club and tech-forward Teens' Club with PS5 and golf simulator
Water Ceremony hydrotherapy journey with eight unique experiences is complimentary with any 50-minute spa treatment
Personal concierge assigned to every suite across all three ambiances, with butler service in Grand Class and Presidential suites
Direct Caribbean beach access with white sand, lounger service, and marina center for kayaking and snorkeling
Multiple pools across three zones means you always find a spot — including an adults-only infinity pool at Grand Class
Cons
Zen Grand suites are located three-quarters of a mile from the beach — requires shuttle or a 15-minute walk, which some guests find inconvenient for quick beach visits
Popular restaurants like Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up fast — guests report needing to reserve 6 months in advance during high season or risk missing out
Premium price point — one of the most expensive all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya, with rates significantly above competitors
Sargassum seaweed can affect the beach seasonally (typically May–October), and protective barriers, while effective, are not aesthetically pleasing
The resort's large footprint (80 acres) means significant walking or shuttle-waiting between ambiances, restaurants, and facilities
Lunch options can be underwhelming compared to dinner — pool snacks and buffet quality receive mixed reviews from guests
Some guests note the property shows its age in certain Zen Grand areas, despite ongoing renovations
Restaurants have age restrictions that limit family dining options — Cocina de Autor, Piaf, and Bistro are 16+ (12+ between 6–7 PM only)
