Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 466 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 20 |
| Included | 11 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 25 |
| Included | 18 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 8 |
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
Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah
Pros
- Lalezar has won Best Hotel Restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah consecutively—the mezze and slow-cooked meats are genuinely worth a dedicated evening.
- Ultra All-Inclusive includes premium branded alcohol—meaningful in the UAE where many all-inclusives serve only soft drinks.
- Rixy Kids Club operates until 10pm, which enables proper adult dinners without rushed timing.
Cons
- Aja (pan-Asian) only opens Friday–Saturday—limited access to one of the more interesting restaurants on property.
- UAE law sets the drinking age at 21; guests 18–20 cannot order alcohol even under the all-inclusive rate.
- 60-minute drive from Dubai International Airport means meaningful transfer costs and time for guests flying into DXB.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah has more restaurants, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah is the larger property, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.