Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 361 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1989 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 14 |
| Included | 11 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 8 |
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 Selection Creta Marine
Pros
- The 2024 full rebuild means everything is genuinely new — rooms, restaurants, and common areas all rebuilt from scratch rather than incrementally updated
- Three private coves give a varied and secluded beach experience that open-access beach properties cannot replicate
- The Vegghera Cretan Tavern with locally sourced ingredients is a legitimate reason to eat there — especially if the Irini Tzortzoglou guest menu is running during your stay
Cons
- All-inclusive guests have limited complimentary visits to the specialty restaurants — this limit is not prominently advertised and surprises guests who expect unlimited access
- Cove beaches are smaller and more varied in terrain than many guests expect; if flat wide sandy beach is non-negotiable, this is not the right property
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Iberostar Selection Creta Marine has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Creta Marine has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.