Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Ocean Blue & Sand
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | — |
| Room Count | 307 | — |
| Restaurants | 7 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 19 |
| Included | 11 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Ocean Blue & Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 33 |
| Included | 18 | 28 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 5 |
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
Ocean Blue & Sand
Pros
- The bowling alley, climbing wall, baseball batting cage, and archery range make this one of the more activity-dense all-inclusives in Punta Cana — particularly useful for families with teenagers who exhaust the standard beach-and-pool program quickly.
- Mike's Coffee is a genuine daily-use amenity — specialty espresso drinks and homemade cakes from 7 AM to 10 PM make this a better morning coffee option than most all-inclusive buffets.
Cons
- Bucanero, the beachfront seafood restaurant, carries an extra charge even for all-inclusive guests — this is a recurring guest complaint and worth budgeting for if beachfront seafood dining is a priority.
- Sargassum seaweed is a seasonal reality on Playa Bávaro. The resort is on one of the stretches most frequently affected in Punta Cana — check forecasts before booking if beach swimming is a primary activity.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Ocean Blue & Sand has more restaurants, while Ocean Blue & Sand has more dining venues, while Ocean Blue & Sand offers more activities.