Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 379 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1993 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 22 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| 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
Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous
Pros
- The Al Hambra buffet is consistently one of the stronger hotel buffets in Port El Kantaoui — the Tunisian dishes (sliced beef, grilled lamb, regional flavors) go beyond the generic Mediterranean spread
- Six treatment rooms in the spa is a specific practical advantage over smaller wellness areas at comparable resorts in this destination
- The La Chicha Moorish Café provides a genuine cultural experience that requires leaving the all-inclusive mindset briefly — worth the extra charge
Cons
- The Italian and Tunisian a la carte restaurant's one-complimentary-visit limitation is not prominently communicated — guests who want to dine there multiple times need to budget for additional visits
- Last renovation was 2015 — some parts of the property show age that a partial update doesn't conceal
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.