Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Paradisus Grand Cana
Velas Resorts vs Paradisus by Meliá — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Grand Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 432 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2018 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Grand Cana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Grand Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 17 |
| Included | 11 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Grand Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Paradisus Grand Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 16 |
| 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
Paradisus Grand Cana
Pros
- Mangú by Leandro Díaz is a genuinely distinctive restaurant — Dominican cuisine at fine-dining presentation level that doesn't exist at comparable Punta Cana competitors
- All-suite property means the baseline room quality is higher than standard Punta Cana all-inclusives — even the entry Suite is more spacious than most 'standard rooms' in the area
- Family Concierge kids' club runs evening hours (to 10 PM) — meaningful for parents who want dinner time without organizing separate childcare
Cons
- Vacation club solicitation is persistent — decline at check-in, skip any 'orientation meeting,' and if the excursions desk ties their service to a presentation, book excursions through a third party instead
- À la carte dinner reservations require aggressive early booking — queue at the reservations desk immediately after check-in for the full week's allocation
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Paradisus Grand Cana is the larger property, while Paradisus Grand Cana has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.