Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Paradisus Gran Canaria
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 299 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2023 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 11 |
| Included | 11 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 21 |
| Included | 18 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 2 |
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 Gran Canaria
Pros
- Lemon Fish Nikkei Sky Bar is a genuinely good restaurant by any standard — the sky terrace and fusion concept stand out in the Canary Islands market
- 2023 new-build quality means no dated rooms, non-functioning AC, or bathroom maintenance issues common in older Gran Canaria all-inclusives
- Year-round mild climate means this property is viable outside peak summer — November through February brings European visitors escaping cold at reasonable rates
Cons
- San Agustín beach has dark volcanic sand — guests expecting Caribbean-style white sand will need to adjust expectations or drive 10 minutes to the artificial beaches at Playa del Inglés
- Sun lounger allocation at the main pool can be contentious — the resort enforces a policy of removing reserved-but-unoccupied items that creates friction with guests who use towels to claim chairs
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus Gran Canaria has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.