Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Paradisus by Meliá Bali
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus by Meliá Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 492 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2026 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus by Meliá Bali |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Paradisus by Meliá Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 13 |
| Included | 11 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus by Meliá Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus by Meliá Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 21 |
| Included | 18 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 10 |
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
Paradisus by Meliá Bali
Pros
- Destination Inclusive® off-property cultural excursions are genuinely included and organized—the most distinctive all-inclusive offering in Bali.
- Reopened February 2026 after 1.5 years of renovation—everything is new.
- Kopi Petani uses Kintamani beans: one of the few resort coffee shops in Bali worth actually visiting.
- The Reserve adults-only section's lobster roll at the pool bar is an unusually specific and well-reviewed inclusion.
Cons
- Nusa Dua is geographically isolated from Seminyak and Ubud—guests who want Bali's nightlife or cultural scene will need transport beyond the included excursions.
- Specialty restaurants all require advance reservations—with six dinner options, slots can fill by day two in peak season.
- Premium alcoholic beverages (above the standard tier) are at a discounted rate, not free.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus by Meliá Bali has more restaurants, while Paradisus by Meliá Bali is the larger property, while Paradisus by Meliá Bali has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.