Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Waves Dominicana
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Waves Dominicana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 490 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1995 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2006 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Waves Dominicana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Waves Dominicana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 19 |
| Included | 11 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Waves Dominicana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Waves Dominicana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 26 |
| Included | 18 | 22 |
| 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 Waves Dominicana
Pros
- P.B. Dye golf course on property — not a shuttle ride away, which is unusual for Caribbean all-inclusives
- Coral restoration lab is genuinely interesting, not a marketing prop — worth visiting with or without children
- Access to the shared Iberostar Bávaro Suites complex expands dining and beach amenities
- UNESCO-recognized Bávaro Beach is one of the best stretches of sand in the Dominican Republic
Cons
- Rooms haven't been renovated since 2006 — showing their age relative to newer Punta Cana competition
- Specialty restaurant reservations must be booked on arrival day; waiting until day two limits options
- Sargassum seaweed is a real variable between May and September — not a resort problem, but worth knowing before booking summer dates
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Iberostar Waves Dominicana has more restaurants, while Iberostar Waves Dominicana is the larger property, while Iberostar Waves Dominicana has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.