Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 206 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2004 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Playa Gaviotas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 7 |
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 Gaviotas Park
Pros
- The 2024 full renovation means this is one of the freshest all-inclusive properties on Fuerteventura — room and common area quality is noticeably better than neighbors that last renovated a decade ago
- The Wellness Double room category is unusual in this market — the built-in hydrotherapy access and included massages make it a practical spa-focused choice without paying daily spa fees
- The Aquabike in the pool is a genuinely unusual amenity that guests specifically mention as a highlight
Cons
- The main buffet restaurant (Maday) gets loud at full capacity — it's a large, acoustically hard space and noise carries during busy dinner services
- Water sports access from Jandía beach requires going through external operators and paying extra — the AI rate covers poolside activities but not beach water sports
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, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.