Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya
Velas Resorts vs Hyatt Zilara — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 291 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2022 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2022 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 12 |
| Included | 11 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 4 |
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
Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya
Pros
- The teppanyaki experience at Tempest is consistently cited as one of the better restaurant moments at any all-inclusive in this corridor — interactive, well-executed, and a genuine evening out rather than just fuel.
- Ocean Front suites come with personalized butler service that guests describe as genuinely attentive — staff learn preferences and follow through without being asked twice.
- Lola Beach Restaurant's seafood program punches above what you'd expect from a beachfront all-inclusive kitchen: the quesabirria tacos and whole fried fish are specifically called out in guest reviews.
- The adults-only policy holds — enforcement is consistent, and the atmosphere reflects it. No noise from children's areas because there are none.
- Sunrise beach yoga is a legitimate standout activity, not just a marketing checkbox — the setting on the Caribbean beach at dawn is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Cons
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.