Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Playa de Muro Village
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa de Muro Village |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 182 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2005 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa de Muro Village |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Iberostar Playa de Muro Village |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa de Muro Village |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa de Muro Village |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 27 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 9 |
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
Iberostar Playa de Muro Village
Pros
- Same Blue Flag Playa de Muro beach access as the adjacent 4-star property but with 5-star room and restaurant quality — the Embat beachfront restaurant at dinner is a genuine step up
- Gust's Mallorcan rice dishes are considered among the best rice cooking on the island — the charcoal-grilled version and the arroz brut are the specific ones to order
- The cycling infrastructure (workshop, wash station, storage) makes this one of the more cycling-friendly all-inclusives in Spain
Cons
- Some rooms have had reports of a sulphur-like odour — likely plumbing-related and block-specific; ask for a room away from any known problem areas
- Mosquitoes in garden-facing rooms are a seasonal summer issue — bring repellent if you're booking a garden-view room
- Outdoor pools are genuinely cold before July — the 25-metre indoor pool is the workaround but adults-only hours from 3 PM limit when children can use it
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues.