Grand Velas Los Cabos vs SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort
Velas Resorts vs SO/ Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 257 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 13 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2025 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 14 |
| Included | 11 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 22 |
| Included | 18 | 14 |
| 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
SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort
Pros
- All 257 rooms have sea views as standard — there's no base category without a Gulf view, which is unusual for any all-inclusive
- One of very few genuine all-inclusive properties in the UAE — the all-inclusive model is rare in a market that typically operates room-only or half-board
- Ras Al Khaimah's Hajar Mountains jeep tours are a genuinely different excursion option not available from any Dubai resort
- Hammam session is culturally relevant and worth booking — one of the most locally appropriate spa experiences in the Middle East
Cons
- As a November 2025 opener, first-year operational consistency is still establishing — early guest reviews may show variability in service and dining execution
- Dubai Airport transfers run 75+ minutes — guests flying into DXB should factor this into arrival/departure plans
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while SO/ Ras Al Khaimah Hotel & Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.