Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 485 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 19 |
| Included | 11 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 17 |
| 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
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
Pros
- Three man-made cenotes are the most distinctive pool feature in Riviera Maya — a genuine differentiator from competing all-inclusives.
- Food quality at the à la carte restaurants (Bisou, Allora, Dos Almas) is consistently rated well above the all-inclusive norm.
- The nightly taco and marquesitas carts are an informal evening highlight that generates consistently warm mentions in guest reviews.
Cons
- Anti-algae barriers on the beach are functional but visually disruptive — the beach is supplementary, not a primary draw.
- Suki Teppanyaki tables and the Tanoshii Omakase experience require reservations and fill within hours of check-in.
- 35-65 minute airport transfer from CUN depending on traffic — longer than Cancun Hotel Zone properties.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen has more restaurants, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen is the larger property, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.