Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 307 | 350 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2010 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| 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 St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 21 |
| Included | 11 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 26 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 8 |
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 St. James Montego Bay
Pros
- Blue Mountain restaurant is one of the few Secrets properties with a specifically Jamaican culinary focus — order the jerk preparations.
- Free access to Wild Orchid next door meaningfully expands entertainment and dining without extra cost.
- The peninsula layout gives water access on multiple sides and a more secluded feel than a straight-line beach resort.
- Piano Bar is a quieter evening option that doesn't require the theater-show format — good for guests who want live music without a production.
Cons
- Food consistency is a recurring issue — dishes can be well-prepared one night and disappointing the next.
- House wine quality is frequently criticized — order by varietal or request a specific label when possible.
- The colonial-style aesthetics are distinctive but the property is showing age in some areas compared to newer Secrets openings.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more restaurants, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay is the larger property, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.