Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen
Velas Resorts vs Wyndham Alltra — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 307 | 287 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Wyndham Alltra 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 | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 12 |
| Included | 11 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 3 |
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
Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen
Pros
- Walking distance to Fifth Avenue means dinner or drinks outside the resort is a genuine option — not a 20-minute taxi ride
- Green Globe Certification is credible third-party sustainability accreditation for travelers who factor environmental commitments into accommodation choices
- Purpose-built 2022 property means consistent contemporary room finishes without the room-condition lottery that older properties carry
Cons
- The beach is rocky and subject to sargassum seaweed seasonally — the pools are the more reliable swimming option and should factor into booking expectations
- Street-side rooms pick up Fifth Avenue nighttime noise — request a sea-facing room at check-in if you are a light sleeper
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 Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.