Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Viva Wyndham Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 307 | 286 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2015 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 8 |
| Included | 11 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 31 |
| Included | 18 | 25 |
| 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
Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort
Pros
- Coson Beach is one of the Dominican Republic's best — calm, wide, beautiful, and not shared with ten other neighboring resorts fighting for the same stretch
- Bungalow liquor bar means top-shelf spirits are stocked in your room — no bar queues for drinks from your private plunge pool
- Humpback whale watching is accessible from Samaná Bay between January and March — one of the only resort destinations in the Caribbean where this is a realistic excursion
Cons
- The buffet (Le Marche) is consistently the weakest element — guests staying longer than four nights find the rotation limited; plan your stays to use the three à la carte restaurants regularly
- Some guest reviews report the in-room safe costs extra — confirm at check-in to avoid surprise charges
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, while Viva Wyndham V Samaná, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive Resort offers more activities.