Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Our Rating
9.7
9.2
Star Rating
5.0
4.5
Room Count
307
169
Restaurants
7
5
Pools
4
5
Year Opened
2016
—
Year Renovated
—
—
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
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
Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Total Venues
11
11
Included
11
8
Extra Charge
0
3
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Room Categories
11
14
Suite Categories
11
10
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Total Activities
27
17
Included
18
14
Extra Charge
9
3
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
Marival Distinct All-Suites & World Spa Handwritten Collection
Pros
Entry-level suites start at 1,410 sq ft — guests who find standard hotel rooms confining get genuine residential space at the base category
Access to adjacent Marival Emotions' facilities gives a 169-residence property a functional activity and dining roster comparable to a much larger resort
Cocina de Autor is the most ambitious gastronomic restaurant among Nuevo Vallarta all-inclusives — the tasting menu justifies the designation
Cons
The World Spa charges extra on top of an already premium all-inclusive rate — spa-focused travelers should budget for treatments separately
Bay of Banderas Pacific water lacks the turquoise clarity of Caribbean or Baja resorts — manage expectations for guests focused on ocean appearance
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 Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
At this price tier and room size, the property attracts guests expecting the highest service standards — staff inconsistencies during busy periods stand out more than they would at a volume resort
