Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 412 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 12 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 20 |
| Included | 11 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| 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
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Pros
- Maroma Beach is objectively one of the best beaches attached to any all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean — fine sand, calm water, and consistently praised.
- All-suite format means even entry-level rooms have furnished terraces and more space than standard hotel rooms.
- The Preferred Beach Club with beachfront firepits is the most distinctive dining amenity in the Secrets portfolio.
Cons
- 500-acre property means significant walking distances between buildings — factor in buggy wait times for guests with mobility considerations.
- Sargassum seaweed accumulates on Riviera Maya beaches seasonally — the beach can look very different in August versus January.
- Price premium over other Secrets properties in Mexico is significant — primarily justified by the beach and all-suite format.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún has more restaurants, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún is the larger property, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.