Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Paradisus Los Cabos
Pros
One of Los Cabos' only swimmable beaches — the protected cove is a genuine differentiator, not marketing language.
Gastro Bar by Martín Berasategui brings legitimate culinary credentials to the property (surcharge applies).
Destination Inclusive programming — tequila tastings, cooking workshops, dance classes — is substantive, not filler.
Reserve tier delivers real service improvements: private pool, concierge, restaurant access, butler, spa hydrotherapy.
Seasonal turtle releases (June-November) are a memorable experience unavailable at most Cabo properties.
Pet-friendly and LGBTQ+-welcoming policies are explicitly maintained.
Cons
Room condition lags behind pricing — guests at this rate expect no chipped paint or worn upholstery.
Food quality across included restaurants is inconsistent; some evenings are strong, others disappointing.
King bed allocation is reportedly unreliable at the standard junior suite tier without explicit written confirmation.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Paradisus Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Paradisus Los Cabos offers more activities.
