Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Velas Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 21 |
| Pools | 4 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 26 |
| Included | 11 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
- The only all-inclusive resort in the world holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant simultaneously
- Cocina de Autor delivers an extraordinary 8-10 course MICHELIN-starred tasting menu included in the all-inclusive rate — a rarity at any price point
- All 307 suites start at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terraces, jacuzzi tubs, and 24-hour personalized butler concierge
- Seven diverse gourmet restaurants with 51 complimentary wine labels keep dining fresh even on extended stays
- SE Spa spans 35,000 sq ft with a signature seven-step hydrotherapy water journey, 16 treatment rooms, and Baja-inspired treatments
- Three-tiered heated infinity pools (86°F) with dedicated family, activity, and adults-only sections provide options for every guest
- Genuinely family-friendly luxury — Kids Club operates 9 AM to 11 PM, Teens Club with DJ and gaming, Family Duplex Suites with plunge pools and teepees
- Premium all-inclusive includes airport transfers, daily-restocked minibar with artisanal mezcal and wine, and 24-hour in-suite dining
- Staff-to-guest ratio approaches 3:1, resulting in exceptionally attentive and personalized service
- Grand Class suites and above include private plunge pools on oceanfront terraces — a genuine luxury differentiator
Cons
- Beach is not swimmable due to strong undertows and unpredictable waves — common along the Los Cabos corridor but disappointing for some guests
- Premium price point starting around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in winter — significantly above most all-inclusive competitors
- Cocina de Autor restricts entry to adults and guests over 18, limiting the experience for families with younger children
- Hydrotherapy water journey costs $70 as a standalone experience — only included with spa treatments of 50+ minutes or in premium suite categories
- Resort location on the Tourist Corridor between the two Cabos means downtown dining and nightlife require a 15-25 minute taxi ride
- Some guests report that the pool areas can feel crowded during peak season (December through March), especially around the family pool
- Limited swimmable beach options nearby — El Chileno Beach is a short drive away but requires transportation
- Wi-Fi can be inconsistent in some suite locations according to multiple guest reports
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.