Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Selection Playa Mita
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 452 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 15 |
| Included | 11 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 26 |
| Included | 18 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 11 |
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 Playa Mita
Pros
- Huichol and Cora cultural integration with 100% locally sourced design materials gives the resort genuine regional character
- Pacific coast conditions enable surfing and bodyboarding unavailable at Caribbean all-inclusives
- Climate-controlled Aqua Fun water park operates comfortably even on the hottest afternoons
- Two-level infinity pool is one of the largest and most distinctive pool designs among Pacific Mexico resorts
Cons
- Some rooms show maintenance issues and signs of age — review specific room categories before booking and request recently refreshed units
- 80 km from Puerto Vallarta airport means a 45-minute minimum transfer — longer than Riviera Maya alternatives for most North American travelers
- Pacific beach conditions are choppier in afternoons than Caribbean equivalents — morning beach time is more reliably swimmable
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.