I used to think "all-inclusive" was just a polite way of saying "prepare for mediocre buffet eggs and watered-down margaritas." Then I actually spent time at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Honestly, it’s kinda frustrating. Once you’ve had a 24-hour personal butler handle your dinner reservations while you’re staring at the Sea of Cortez from a multi-tiered infinity pool, it’s hard to go back to reality. Most people assume every luxury resort in Cabo is the same, but they aren't. Not even close.
The property sits on the edge of the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. It’s a massive, white-sailed architectural beast that looks more like a modern art gallery than a hotel. But the real magic isn't just the design; it's the fact that they’ve managed to strip away the "cheapness" usually associated with the all-inclusive model. We're talking about $500 bottles of wine included in your stay and a 10-course tasting menu that rivals Michelin-starred spots in Paris.
The Michelin-Star Elephant in the Room
Let’s talk about Cocina de Autor. This is the big one. Most resorts have a "fancy" restaurant where you wear a collared shirt and eat a slightly better steak. Grand Velas Los Cabos went a different route by bringing in Sidney Schutte, a two-Michelin-star chef. It isn't just "good for a resort." It’s genuinely world-class. You aren't choosing between chicken or fish here. You're getting a sensory experience with ingredients you probably can't pronounce, served in a space that feels like a futuristic dream.
Wait, it gets weirder. Most people think they'll be nickel-and-dimed for the high-end stuff. Nope. While there are some ultra-premium bottles that cost extra, the standard inclusion list is legitimately impressive. You can sit at the bar and ask for a top-shelf tequila without the bartender giving you that "that’ll be an extra thirty bucks" look.
The food isn't just at the signature restaurant, either. Frida offers high-end Mexican cuisine that honors the culture without being a caricature. Velas 10 is where you go for the seafood. Piaf is French. It's a lot. Most guests don't even manage to hit every spot if they're only staying for a long weekend. You'd need a week just to do the culinary circuit justice.
Rooms That Are Basically Small Apartments
The smallest room here is over 1,000 square feet. Let that sink in for a second. That is larger than many two-bedroom apartments in New York or San Francisco. Every single suite faces the ocean. It’s a rule. No "garden views" that are actually views of the parking lot. You wake up, slide the massive glass doors open, and you're looking at the blue expanse of the Pacific meeting the Sea of Cortez.
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They call them "suites," but "sanctuaries" might be more accurate. The bathrooms are huge. We're talking walk-in showers and soaking tubs that feel like a private spa. Plus, the mini-bar isn't just a couple of sodas and a bag of stale peanuts. It’s stocked with full-sized snacks, premium beverages, and wine. And they replenish it daily. If you like a specific type of sparkling water, tell your butler. It’ll be there.
The "wellness suites" are a whole different beast. These are two-story rooms designed for people who actually want to leave their vacation feeling better than when they arrived. They come with exercise equipment, a specialized "wellness" minibar, and a massage right in your room. It's a bit over the top, but hey, that’s Cabo for you.
The SE Spa and the Water Ritual
If you go to Grand Velas Los Cabos and don't do the hydrotherapy ritual at the SE Spa, you've fundamentally failed your vacation. Seriously. It’s a seven-step process that involves various steam rooms, ice rooms, and pools. It sounds a bit gimmicky until you’re in the middle of it. By the time you get to the "sensory pool" with the overhead jets, you've forgotten that your phone even exists.
Forbes Travel Guide gave this place five stars for a reason. The spa isn't an afterthought tucked in a basement. It’s a massive 35,000-square-foot facility. One of the coolest parts is the "Spa Concierge" who guides you through the whole water journey. They don't just point you toward the sauna; they explain the temperature shifts and how they affect your circulation. It’s science-backed relaxation, or at least it feels like it.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Beach
Here is the "catch" that travel agents sometimes gloss over: you can't really swim in the ocean right in front of the resort. The currents in Los Cabos, especially along the corridor, are notoriously dangerous. The waves are huge and the undertow is powerful. If you’re looking for a resort where you can wade into the surf and snorkel from the shore, this isn't it.
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However, the resort compensates with three massive infinity pools that are temperature-controlled. Each tier has a different vibe. The bottom pool is where most of the action is, while the upper tiers are quieter. The service at the pool is almost telepathic. You don't have to hunt down a server for a refill. They’re just... there. With a fresh towel or a fruit skewer or a drink.
If you absolutely must swim in the ocean, you’ll need to take a quick cab ride to Chileno Beach or Santa Maria Bay. They’re nearby and much safer. But honestly? Once you’re settled into a poolside cabana with a view of the whales jumping in the distance (if you’re there between December and April), you won't even care about the salt water.
Families vs. Couples: The Great Divide
Usually, a "family-friendly" resort is a nightmare for couples looking for peace, and an "adults-only" resort feels a bit sterile. Grand Velas Los Cabos tries to do both. It’s technically a family resort, but the kids' club and teens' club are so well-run that you rarely see children running wild in the adult spaces.
The kids' club has its own pool and a full schedule of activities that aren't just "watch a movie in a dark room." They do cooking classes and treasure hunts. The teens' club is even cooler, with gaming stations, a non-alcoholic bar, and a dance floor. It keeps the younger crowd occupied so the adults can pretend they’re at an adults-only retreat.
The Sustainability Factor
In 2026, you can't really talk about luxury travel without mentioning the footprint. Cabo has a fragile ecosystem. Grand Velas has implemented some pretty serious tech to minimize their impact. They have a massive desalination plant so they aren't draining the local water supply. They also use solar preheating for the water used in the laundry and guest rooms. It’s not something you notice while you’re sipping a cocktail, but it’s a crucial part of how the resort operates in a desert climate.
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Pricing Realities: Is It Worth It?
Let's be blunt. This place is expensive. You're looking at anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per night depending on the season and the suite. People see that price tag and gasp. But you have to do the math.
If you go to a "European Plan" (room only) luxury hotel in Cabo, like the Rosewood or the Montage, you're paying $1,200 for the room. Then you're paying $30 for a margarita, $60 for lunch, and $300 for dinner. By the end of the day, you've spent more than you would at Grand Velas, where the "all-inclusive" tag actually covers the high-end stuff. It’s a different kind of value. It's the "I don't want to look at a single price tag for four days" value.
Planning Your Trip: Actionable Steps
If you're actually going to pull the trigger on a stay at Grand Velas Los Cabos, there are a few things you should do to get your money's worth.
- Book Cocina de Autor the moment you confirm your room. It fills up fast. Even though it's included, they have limited seating to keep the experience intimate.
- Download the Velas Resorts app before you arrive. You can use it to chat with your butler, book spa treatments, and see the daily menus. It saves a lot of back-and-forth.
- Time your visit for whale season. If you visit between January and March, you can literally sit on your balcony and watch Humpback whales breaching. It’s better than any TV show.
- Don't skip the "Coffee Shop." It’s in the lobby area and has some of the best pastries and Mexican coffee you'll find in the region. It's often overlooked because everyone is focused on the big restaurants.
- Check the "Special Pick" wine list. While the house wines are great, the sommeliers often have some incredible Mexican wines from the Valle de Guadalupe that are included. It’s a great way to learn about the local wine scene without the Napa price tag.
The reality of Grand Velas Los Cabos is that it’s a hyper-managed environment designed to remove any friction from your day. You don't carry a wallet. You don't sign checks. You just exist in this very expensive, very beautiful bubble. It’s not for everyone—some people prefer the grit of downtown San Lucas—but if you want to see how far the "all-inclusive" concept can be pushed, this is the benchmark. It’s a high bar that most other resorts simply aren't jumping over.