Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 380 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 13 |
| Included | 11 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 3 |
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
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Pros
- The world's largest Riu Palace by room count — the scale supports dining and pool variety that smaller properties can't match.
- Runs the largest Splash Water World on Sal island — the asset rather than a neighbor's asset.
- 8 treatment rooms in the Renova Spa, including 3 couples rooms — more capacity than most all-inclusives at this tier.
- 10-minute airport transfer from SID — among the shortest available for any Cape Verde resort.
- Opened 2021 with no prior renovation history — no dated areas from previous construction eras.
Cons
- 1,001 rooms means specialty restaurants require reservation planning from day one — they fill quickly.
- Sal island has limited off-property options — the resort is effectively self-contained by necessity.
- Trade winds are consistent on Sal; guests sensitive to wind at the beach should factor this in.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.