Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Palm Island Resort & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Elite Island Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Palm Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 43 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1968 |
| Year Renovated | — | 1999 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Palm Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Palm Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 5 |
| Included | 11 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Palm Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Palm Island Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 32 |
| Included | 18 | 25 |
| 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
Palm Island Resort & Spa
Pros
- Pre-closure, the staff-to-guest ratio was among the best in the Caribbean — with only 41 rooms, the team learned every guest's name and preferences within hours
- Five beaches around a private island means different exposures and completely uncrowded conditions even at full occupancy
- The Grenadines reef systems are among the Caribbean's healthiest — snorkeling directly off the resort beaches is genuinely rewarding
Cons
- The resort is closed following complete destruction by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 — do not book until official reopening is confirmed
- Getting here requires a connecting flight to Union Island (via Barbados or St. Vincent), then a 5-minute boat transfer — logistics deter casual travelers and inflate total trip cost
- Pre-closure, the deliberate absence of TVs and in-room phones was policy, not an amenity gap — not suited to guests who want connectivity
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 has more dining venues, while Palm Island Resort & Spa offers more activities.