Grand Velas Los Cabos vs JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 272 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 15 |
| Included | 11 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 32 |
| Included | 18 | 25 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 7 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
- The only all-inclusive resort in the world holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant simultaneously
- Cocina de Autor delivers an extraordinary 8-10 course MICHELIN-starred tasting menu included in the all-inclusive rate — a rarity at any price point
- All 307 suites start at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terraces, jacuzzi tubs, and 24-hour personalized butler concierge
- Seven diverse gourmet restaurants with 51 complimentary wine labels keep dining fresh even on extended stays
- SE Spa spans 35,000 sq ft with a signature seven-step hydrotherapy water journey, 16 treatment rooms, and Baja-inspired treatments
- Three-tiered heated infinity pools (86°F) with dedicated family, activity, and adults-only sections provide options for every guest
- Genuinely family-friendly luxury — Kids Club operates 9 AM to 11 PM, Teens Club with DJ and gaming, Family Duplex Suites with plunge pools and teepees
- Premium all-inclusive includes airport transfers, daily-restocked minibar with artisanal mezcal and wine, and 24-hour in-suite dining
- Staff-to-guest ratio approaches 3:1, resulting in exceptionally attentive and personalized service
- Grand Class suites and above include private plunge pools on oceanfront terraces — a genuine luxury differentiator
Cons
- Beach is not swimmable due to strong undertows and unpredictable waves — common along the Los Cabos corridor but disappointing for some guests
- Premium price point starting around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in winter — significantly above most all-inclusive competitors
- Cocina de Autor restricts entry to adults and guests over 18, limiting the experience for families with younger children
- Hydrotherapy water journey costs $70 as a standalone experience — only included with spa treatments of 50+ minutes or in premium suite categories
- Resort location on the Tourist Corridor between the two Cabos means downtown dining and nightlife require a 15-25 minute taxi ride
- Some guests report that the pool areas can feel crowded during peak season (December through March), especially around the family pool
- Limited swimmable beach options nearby — El Chileno Beach is a short drive away but requires transportation
- Wi-Fi can be inconsistent in some suite locations according to multiple guest reports
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar has more dining venues, while JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar offers more activities.