Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Our Rating
9.7
8.1
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
307
355
Restaurants
7
5
Pools
4
3
Year Opened
2016
2023
Year Renovated
—
2020
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
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
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Total Venues
11
12
Included
11
12
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Room Categories
11
13
Suite Categories
11
9
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Total Activities
27
21
Included
18
19
Extra Charge
9
2
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 Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Pros
The beachfront LandShark Brewery is the only one in Mexico in a beachfront location — house-brewed lager with the Caribbean visible from your barstool is the defining experience
Adults-only (18+) enforcement means the pool and beach maintain an atmosphere suited to relaxed adults rather than active families — the target guest finds this a strong asset
TropRock live music programming gives evening entertainment a specific character that generic adults-only resorts lack
Cons
The TropRock music focus and Baby Boomer demographic skew of the guest mix may not suit adults under 35 seeking a more contemporary vibe
Puerto Morelos beach water clarity varies with reef conditions — not always the postcard-clear Caribbean visible in the marketing photography
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only is the larger property, while Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
At 355 suites, this is larger than boutique but smaller than the mega-resorts — guests who want a specific activity roster (water park, multiple entertainment venues) need a larger property
