You’ve seen the photos. That massive, iconic arch-shaped building framing the Sea of Cortez like a literal picture frame. It looks expensive because it is. Honestly, when people talk about Grand Velas Los Cabos all inclusive vacations, the conversation usually starts with a sharp intake of breath at the nightly rate. But here’s the thing about Cabo: you can get "luxury" anywhere along the corridor, but most of it feels like a very nice Marriott with better tequila.
Grand Velas is different.
It’s one of the few places that manages to be a AAA Five Diamond resort without feeling like you’re trapped in a stuffy museum where you're afraid to get sand on the carpet. Most people assume all-inclusive means mediocre buffets and watered-down margaritas. At this property, they’ve basically flipped that script. We’re talking about a place where the "standard" suite is over 1,000 square feet and the minibar is stocked with full-sized bottles of wine and premium snacks that actually get replenished twice a day.
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It’s a lot. In a good way.
The Reality of the "All-Inclusive" Label Here
Usually, "all-inclusive" is a warning sign for foodies. You expect steam tables and mystery meat. At Grand Velas Los Cabos, the dining isn't just "good for a resort"—it’s legitimately world-class. Take Cocina de Autor, for example. It’s led by Two-Michelin-star chef Sidney Schutte. This isn't a buffet. It's an eight-to-ten-course tasting menu that would easily cost you $300 a head in New York or San Francisco. And it’s included.
Think about that for a second.
You can walk in, have a meal that pushes the boundaries of molecular gastronomy, and walk out without signing a check. It feels like stealing, even though you paid for it upfront.
The variety is actually a bit overwhelming. You have Frida for high-end Mexican, Piaf for French, and Lucca for Italian. Most resorts have one "good" restaurant and three "okay" ones. Here, the quality is consistent across the board. The steakhouse, Velas 10, serves cuts of meat that aren't just high-grade; they’re prepared with a level of precision you rarely see when a kitchen is cooking for hundreds of guests.
But it’s not just the dinner.
The poolside food is where most resorts fail. They give you soggy nachos. Here, the ceviche is fresh-caught, and the fish tacos are made with tortillas pressed five minutes before they hit your plate. They even have a dedicated "Tequila and Mezcal" sommelier wandering around.
Why the Water Situation Matters (And What People Miss)
One thing people get wrong about Cabo is the beach. You see that beautiful blue water and want to jump in. Don't. Most of the coast in Los Cabos is notorious for "rogue waves" and undertows that will literally pull a grown man out to sea. Grand Velas is located on the Corridor, and like 90% of the resorts there, the beach is non-swimmable.
This is a dealbreaker for some.
However, they compensate for it with the pools. There are three tiers of infinity pools, all temperature-controlled. They keep one warmer, one cooler, and one just right. It sounds like Goldilocks, but when the Cabo sun is hitting 90 degrees, that temperature difference is everything.
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The service at the pool is almost telepathic. You don't have to wave a flag or hunt down a server. They bring you chilled towels, sunglass cleaning kits, and little shots of fruit smoothies throughout the day. It’s these tiny, granular details that separate a $400-a-night resort from a $1,500-a-night one.
The SE Spa: More Than Just a Massage
If you’re going to spend the money on a Grand Velas Los Cabos all inclusive trip, you have to do the hydrotherapy ritual. It’s a seven-step process. You go through a sauna, a chromotherapy steam room, an ice room (which feels incredible when you’re sunburnt), and various pressure showers before ending up in a massive lounge pool with "bubble beds."
It takes an hour before your actual treatment even starts.
Most hotel spas feel like an afterthought in the basement. This one is 35,000 square feet. It’s a cathedral of relaxation. The therapists here are trained in "Blue Aesthetics," focusing on the sounds and rhythms of the ocean. Is it a bit "woo-woo"? Maybe. Does it work? Absolutely.
Traveling With Kids Without Losing Your Mind
Cabo has a reputation for being a party town. Cabo Wabo, El Squid Roe, all that. But Grand Velas has mastered the art of being a family resort that doesn't feel like a daycare.
The Kids' Club is legit.
They have storytelling, sandcastle building, and even "glamping" setups. But the real winner is the Teens' Club. It’s got gaming stations, a non-alcoholic bar, and a dance floor. It gives teenagers a place to be "cool" away from their parents, which, let’s be honest, is the greatest gift a resort can give a family.
And for parents with infants? They have a "Baby Concierge." You can request cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, and even organic baby food. You don't have to pack half your house just to go on vacation.
The Suite Life (Literally)
Every single room is a suite. Every single one faces the ocean.
You wake up, hit a button to open the motorized curtains, and the Sea of Cortez is just there. The terraces are massive—big enough to have a full breakfast on or just lounge while watching whales breach in the distance (if you’re there between December and April).
The bathrooms are basically personal spas. Deep soaking tubs, L'Occitane or Molton Brown toiletries, and rain showers that actually have decent water pressure. It’s easy to get cynical about luxury travel, but it’s hard to stay grumpy when you’re sitting in a robe that feels like a cloud, eating 24-hour room service that actually tastes fresh.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Cost
Is it expensive? Yes.
But when you calculate the "true cost" of a Cabo trip, the math starts to shift. In a standard luxury hotel in Cabo—say, the Rosewood or the One&Only—you’re paying $1,200 for the room. Then you’re paying $35 for a margarita, $60 for lunch, and $250 for dinner. By the end of the day, you’ve spent another $500 per person.
At Grand Velas, that’s all gone.
You can have three lobster tails for dinner if you want. You can order a second bottle of high-end wine. You can let your kids order as many smoothies as they can drink without flinching at the bill. There is a psychological freedom in knowing the price is the price.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're actually going to pull the trigger on this, don't just wing it.
- Book Cocina de Autor the moment you confirm your room. It fills up fast, and you don’t want to miss the flagship experience.
- Whale watching from your balcony is real. Bring a decent pair of binoculars if you're visiting in the winter. You'll see them without even leaving your room.
- Use the concierge via WhatsApp. They are incredibly responsive. Whether you need a pillow menu or a specific type of tequila in your room, just text them.
- Don't skip the airport transfer. Cabo’s airport can be a gauntlet of timeshare salespeople. Having a pre-arranged Grand Velas driver waiting for you makes the transition from "stressed traveler" to "relaxed guest" happen much faster.
- Check the "Velas Resorts" app. It has the daily schedules for everything from yoga on the beach to tequila tastings.
The Grand Velas Los Cabos all inclusive experience isn't for everyone. If you’re the type who wants to be in the middle of the action at the Cabo San Lucas marina every night, the 20-minute drive might annoy you. But if you want a place where you can truly disconnect, eat like a king, and be pampered to the point of absurdity, it’s hard to find a better spot in Mexico.
The "luxury" here isn't just in the marble floors or the expensive art; it's in the fact that you never have to say "no" to yourself. That's what you're really paying for.