Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.6 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 650 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 8 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 18 |
| Included | 11 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Bab Al Bahr |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 19 |
| Included | 18 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 6 |
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 Bab Al Bahr
Pros
- Ultra All-Inclusive genuinely includes premium branded alcohol—significant in the UAE market where many competitors serve soft drinks only.
- Rixy Kids Club operates until 10pm—meaningful for parents who want dinner time without children's club closing pressure.
- Turkish hammam in the Avitane Spa is the most authentic spa offering in the area given Rixos's Turkish heritage.
Cons
- Aja (pan-Asian) opens only Thursday–Saturday—three evenings per week for one of the more interesting restaurants on property.
- Alcoholic beverages restricted to guests 21+ per UAE law—guests aged 18–20 pay the full all-inclusive rate but cannot access alcohol.
- 60-minute drive from Dubai International Airport; for guests flying into DXB, transfer costs and time are meaningful.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the larger property, while Rixos Bab Al Bahr has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.