Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Moon Palace Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Palace Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 731 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2015 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 28 |
| Included | 18 | 24 |
| 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
Moon Palace Jamaica
Pros
- The Awe Spa is Jamaica's largest at 35,000 sq ft with 23 treatment rooms — it's a destination in itself, not just a standard resort spa add-on.
- The private beach is the longest white-sand stretch in Ocho Rios and genuinely swimmable — a real differentiator from rougher-water Jamaica properties.
- The FlowRider wave simulator and Wired Lounge teen club are included and provide substantive activity for guests of ages that most all-inclusives neglect.
Cons
- The mandatory 16% service fee on resort credit redemptions (spa, excursions, premium dining) is a significant surcharge that catches guests off guard — budget for it explicitly.
- Dolphin Cove is on-site but not included in the all-inclusive — it costs extra, and guests who assume it's covered will be surprised at check-out.
- Guests flying into Montego Bay face a 1 hour 40-minute transfer — plan departure time 5 hours before your MBJ flight to avoid missing it.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Moon Palace Jamaica is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Moon Palace Jamaica offers more activities.