Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Sandals Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 9.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 74 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1997 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2010 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 9 |
| Included | 11 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 27 |
| Included | 18 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 4 |
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
Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Pros
- All 74 rooms have ocean views and a dedicated butler — there's no inferior room category to accidentally book.
- The exchange program to Sandals Ochi and Sandals Dunn's River means you have access to 33 restaurants from a single base.
- The two-cove beach layout separates water sports from quiet swimming without any conflict between the two.
Cons
- Some rooms show their age from the 2010 renovation cycle — request recently updated rooms if this matters to you.
- On-site dining tops out at 5 restaurants; guests who don't use the exchange shuttles may feel the options are thin by day 4.
- Golf at Upton Estate includes green fees but mandatory caddies add a cost that surprises guests who don't research this in advance.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues.