Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
Our Rating
9.7
8.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
307
146
Restaurants
7
4
Pools
4
4
Year Opened
2016
2020
Year Renovated
—
2020
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
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
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
Total Venues
11
12
Included
11
12
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
Room Categories
11
10
Suite Categories
11
8
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
Total Activities
27
19
Included
18
12
Extra Charge
9
7
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
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
Pros
At 148 rooms, staff-to-guest ratios allow genuine personal service that the 500-room Margaritaville properties cannot match — guests are recognized by name from the second day
The Gourmet Inclusive program covers all four a la carte restaurants without specialty surcharges — meaningful savings versus properties where specialty dining is extra
Puerto Morelos is one of the calmer small towns on the Riviera Maya — a 10-minute walk from the resort puts guests in a real fishing village rather than a tourist strip
Cons
148 rooms means less activity variety — guests who want multiple pools, multiple entertainment zones, and 10+ restaurants should book a larger Island Reserve property
Water clarity at Puerto Morelos varies with reef proximity and conditions — not the postcard-clear Caribbean water seen at some Riviera Maya properties
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
The property lacks the scale of kids' programming infrastructure of the larger family resorts — families with young children who need structured entertainment should consider the Wave section at Cap Cana instead
