Whereas there are dozens and dozens of resorts in Los Cabos, frequent guests could be jealous to listen to that you just’re staying at Grand Velas Los Cabos, a very luxurious all-inclusive resort that’s thought-about by many to be the head of Mexico’s all-inclusive choices.
Velas Resorts — sister properties that dot standard seashores throughout Mexico — have lengthy been well-known for his or her really scrumptious and upscale eating places and bars, unparalleled service and hospitality, architecturally gorgeous buildings and holidays which might be genuinely unforgettable. However that does include an unforgettable price ticket, particularly when in comparison with the bottom-of-the-barrel all-inclusive charges that typically appear too good to be true.
Having stayed at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, I knew firsthand that the model had already bucked the preconceptions of all-inclusive resorts (assume: bland meals, watered-down drinks, cheesy rooms and compelled enjoyable by exercise leaders working round). And on a latest lodge fact-finding mission to Cabo, I lastly bought the possibility to see if the Cabo outpost actually lived as much as its phenomenal hype.
Let me say out of the gate, it did — after which some. Here is every thing it is advisable to learn about staying at Grand Velas Los Cabos, and why it made one of many prime spots on TPG’s listing of finest all-inclusive resorts on the earth.
What’s Grand Velas Los Cabos?
Grand Velas Los Cabos is an opulent, family-friendly all-inclusive resort about 20 minutes from the marina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and half-hour from Los Cabos Worldwide Airport (SJD). It is positioned on a wonderful stretch of sand, however like most seashores within the space, it is not protected to swim within the water. Nonetheless, the resort has a surprising sequence of swimming pools for friends to take pleasure in, together with an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the seashore.
Whereas lots of the all-inclusive resorts dotting the shore of the Cabo space are a part of a series, just like the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, Velas Resorts is a small, family-owned firm that solely operates a handful of resorts completely in Mexico. Whereas that could be a bummer for factors and miles fans, the small variety of resorts signifies that essential consideration to element is anticipated throughout all of its properties.
It additionally presents a a lot increased high quality of the all-inclusive expertise, particularly in relation to meals, however extra on that later.
guide Grand Velas Los Cabos
Earlier than leaping into the assorted methods you’ll be able to guide a keep at Grand Velas Los Cabos, let me reiterate that it is a luxurious resort, and it comes with luxurious costs. Charges for double occupancy on this all-suite resort begin at $1,295 per night time and fluctuate all year long, at occasions exceeding $2,000 an evening. However that price covers mainly your whole meals and drinks (together with premium liquor), minibar objects and tons of actions. It doesn’t embody spa companies, sure meal add-ons (like a particular wine pairing menu), excursions and the like.
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The resort is not related to a conventional loyalty program like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, however that does not imply you’ll be able to’t nonetheless get perks by means of the best way you guide a keep right here. In case you resolve to not guide direct, contemplate reserving your room by means of American Categorical High-quality Accommodations + Resorts for those who carry The Platinum Card® from American Categorical. This can assist you obtain elitelike parks, together with midday check-in (when out there), a possible room improve, a $100 spa credit score and assured late checkout.
The resort additionally participates in Most popular Accommodations & Resorts’ just lately revamped I Want Resort Rewards program.
The resort is a stunner
You do not have to be an architectural connoisseur to understand absolutely the fantastic thing about the resort. From the freeway, you’ll be able to’t actually see previous the walled entrances to many properties, however as quickly as you enter the resort’s driveway, it is clear that this place is someplace particular.
Grand Velas will get its identify from a Spanish phrase for sail, and that motif is felt in full drive within the dramatic, dual-toned, geometric foyer that appears out on to the ocean. It is one majestic entrance, setting the usual for the remainder of my keep. The check-in course of was fast and simple, with workers coming to me whereas I relaxed slightly than having to attend in line at a check-in desk, giving me extra time to soak up my environment.
Exterior the foyer, positioned on an elevated ground, I used to be lastly in a position to get a glimpse of the constructing itself, which is actually a sight to behold. The constructing is curved across the richly landscaped pool areas, fronting the ocean, and the geometric balcony dividers and flora make it really feel like a murals. What makes it really particular is that once you’re in any of the swimming pools, you’ll be able to look down towards the ocean or up on the constructing for equally stunning views.
From there, I discovered that each restaurant, each bar and each public house was equally as design-forward, and it was clear to me how a lot thought and energy went into making each nook and cranny really feel like essentially the most particular place within the resort.
The suites are made with consolation in thoughts
Grand Velas Los Cabos is an all-suite resort, and each single lodging measures over 1,000 sq. ft, so there’s loads of room to unfold out.
For my two-night keep, I used to be in a Grand Class Suite on the very finish of the constructing, that means my balcony provided stunning views of the rocky ocean beneath and alongside the shoreline slightly than straight down over the manicured swimming pools (although the room on the opposite aspect of my balcony wall should have regarded out over the swimming pools).
Measuring 1,608 sq. ft, this suite had a king-size mattress with goose-down pillows and a quilt, a sofa with a chaise lounge, a 65-inch TV, a wall of glass doorways that would totally open to take away the wall completely and an enormous balcony with a personal plunge pool and a lounge chair.
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The mattress’s headboard was constructed up in opposition to a classy divider with a desk working parallel on the other aspect, together with a chair in case you want an area to get work completed.
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The aspect of the room featured a shelving unit with espresso desk books and, apart from the minibar space, did not serve a lot of a goal however was nice to have a look at.
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Within the minibar, which was restocked regularly, I discovered sodas, Tecate beers, wine, juices, chilly water, chocolate and strawberry milk, and creamer for the espresso. Above the fridge was a Nespresso espresso maker with varied pods to get your caffeine repair.
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The larger-than-life lavatory was separated from the dwelling space with a sliding door, although the bathroom and bathe had been in their very own enclosed areas. The toilet had a huge two-person Jacuzzi tub, a twin sink self-importance and a separate decrease self-importance with a chair, excellent for placing on make-up. The bathe provided many alternative showerheads, together with a rainfall choice, and Molton Brown tub merchandise.
There was additionally a big closet with loads of house for me and my mother to share, plus a protected to lock up any valuables.
General, the room was near-perfect. My solely gripe was that the TV did not supply any kind of streaming choices like Chromecast or Apple TV so I may watch exhibits that I would downloaded on my cellphone.
However actually, with a personal plunge pool and people unbelievable views, who must be watching TV, anyway?
The service is next-level
From the second we arrived, I discovered the workers to be really engaged, enjoyable and pleasant. It doesn’t matter what sort of room you guide, all friends have entry to a 24-hour private concierge who can assist prepare every thing from spa therapies to dinner reservations, in addition to present details about tour alternatives and easily reply questions concerning the space.
Having been in Cabo just a few days earlier than we checked into this explicit resort, my mother and I went deep-sea fishing and had a really fortunate day, catching a 9-foot striped marlin that we had packaged so my mother may take it again along with her to Texas. The one conundrum was that we would have liked to have the flash-frozen fish refrigerated till we left for the airport. We chatted by means of WhatsApp with our concierge, and he or she was in a position to prepare that for us, and not using a price. It was delivered to our automobile after we left for the airport.
At each restaurant, the workers was heat and pleasant, too, guiding us by means of the menu highlights and making certain our drinks had been all the time topped off.
Wandering across the resort, workers regularly stopped to speak, asking if I used to be on the lookout for something and curious how my keep was. In truth, one such staffer stopped me on a stroll to the lavatory from the pool to let me know {that a} hat adorning expertise was about to occur and helped declare a seat for me and my mother earlier than they had been all taken.
You possibly can eat an experiential tasting menu designed by a famend chef
Whereas I will contact extra on the general meals and beverage choices beneath, the spotlight of Grand Velas Los Cabos’ eating experiences is the multicourse tasting menu on the adults-only restaurant, Cocina de Autor.
There, the menu is overseen by Dutch chef Sidney Schutte, who has two Michelin stars beneath his belt and involves Mexico seasonally to replace the menu. Mexican chef Francisco Sixtos runs the precise kitchen.
The meal, which is included within the all-inclusive packaging, begins with drinks and the primary course in a wonderful lounge space, adopted by the set menu within the eating room.
Over the course of almost two hours, we had been awed by dishes that, to be frank, had been over my head however completely scrumptious. This multicourse feast included corn veloute with pecans, morel mushroom and jicama; a beef fillet with celery root, onion and truffle; tuna with nori seaweed; and piquillo pepper and oyster with inexperienced apple, arbequina and cilantro.
Pair that with a tasty wine menu and unbelievable service (particularly contemplating every dish wanted to be defined to us like we had been 4-year-olds), and we left too full, past blissful and in disbelief that this dinner was a part of the all-inclusive expertise.
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I’ve had equally extravagant tasting menus and know that this meal in New York and even in Nashville would simply have value upward of $1,000 for 2 individuals. In truth, this restaurant is open to non-guests and prices, in response to the menu, $4,500 pesos (or about $255) per particular person.
The opposite eating choices are phenomenal
Although Cocina de Autor will be the shining gem of the resort’s restaurant assortment, you’ll be able to anticipate top-tier meals and repair at every of the property’s seven eating places and a number of bars.
Different eating places embody Velas 10, an oceanfront steakhouse; Frida, for gourmand Mexican; French-focused Piaf; Lucca, an upscale however family-friendly Italian spot; Cabrilla, the place recent seafood and ceviches are on the menu; and Azul, a very high-end buffet.
Sadly, throughout my two-night keep, there wasn’t sufficient time (or abdomen) to strive all of them, however I did even have the chance to have dinner at Velas 10, lunch at Azul and an Instagram-friendly in-room eating second, all highlighted beneath.
Velas 10
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For our farewell dinner, we ate on the oceanfront patio of the Velas 10 steakhouse, which incorporates a surf-and-turf menu starting from a tomahawk to octopus and every thing in between. The meal began with freshly baked bread and completely different butters like bone marrow in a bone alongside a smoked guava cocktail offered in a smoke-filled glass dome that placed on a present when it was introduced out to the desk.
Different highlights included a hearty wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese dressing, recent uncooked tuna that was totally mouthwatering, sauteed mushrooms, grilled shrimp and an enormous steak.
For dessert, make sure you order a flaming espresso for a tableside expertise that appears like a scene straight out of “Harry Potter.”
Azul
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Buffets are an indicator expertise at all-inclusive resorts, however few do it fairly like Grand Velas Los Cabos. We stopped in for lunch (it is also open for breakfast), and I used to be really overwhelmed by the choices, which ranged from recent sushi and ceviches to numerous meats and seafood objects that may be cooked proper in entrance of you to your liking, alongside loads of veggies, salads and even a devoted space for kid-friendly choices.
My favourite half was the fresh-made quesadilla counter, the place I bought a wealthy and barely spicy chorizo quesadilla, in addition to grilled peppers, recent shrimp and a extremely cute dessert taco with a tangy, lemony filling. It was all scrumptious, however I do know I will be dreaming about that quesadilla for the remainder of my life.
In-room eating
The resort additionally presents in-room eating 24 hours a day, with an intensive menu that includes every thing from wings and a basic membership sandwich to sushi, ricotta cheese and spinach ravioli, and huevos rancheros. There are even kid-friendly menus and particular choices for infants and toddlers, like purees and finger meals.
Or, for a extremely particular expertise, chat together with your concierge about having a floating breakfast tray that features a bottle of Champagne and small bites like Belgian-style waffles with purple fruit compote and caramelized seeds, avocado toast and loads of lovely pastries. Sadly, this expertise is just out there to friends staying in Governor, Grand Class, Grand Class Nook, Presidential, Royal or Imperial Suites.
The adults-only infinity pool was the place to be
At Grand Velas Los Cabos, there are three swimming pools: The primary two swimming pools descending down from the resort towards the seashore are family-friendly, whereas the infinity pool on the backside is only for adults — and that is the place I spent the vast majority of my time on the resort.
The infinity pool stretches throughout the size of the seashore and has a swim-up bar and a big deck space within the center with first-come, first-served lounge chairs.
At many all-inclusive resorts, snagging a pool chair could possibly be an Olympic sport that begins when the solar’s rays start to rise, however that wasn’t my expertise right here. That mentioned, the chairs in the midst of the pool did go quick, however most individuals appeared to remain within the water, drink in hand.
There is a ton to do for the entire household
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Certain, the infinity pool is only for adults, however youngsters and youngsters have loads of house for enjoyable, too.
For teenagers 12 and youthful, there is a youngsters membership open each day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. It hosts actions like pinata making, video games and storytelling and likewise has its personal splash pad for some protected enjoyable within the water.
I occurred to be heading to the buffet when the children membership was gathering there for lunch, and I watched as staffers helped youngsters resolve what to eat. Contemplating that a few of the eating places are off-limits to youngsters, it is nice to know you’ll be able to drop them off and go on a date night time — or just head to the spa.
Pictured above is the teenagers membership the place 13- to 18-year-olds can be a part of dance events, play video video games or seize a pool or pingpong desk for enjoyable with new buddies.
For everybody else, there’s fixed programming throughout the resort, like cooking lessons, wine tastings, mixology experiences, exercise and yoga classes and even hat portray, which my mother and I completely loved though neither of us has a creative bone in our physique.
If a yoga class is not your most popular exercise, there’s additionally a big health middle with tons of contemporary tools, together with weight machines, free weights and treadmills.
If you wish to get off the property, the resort may prepare actions like a time without work on a yacht, whale watching, off-roading on an all-terrain automobile or a camel safari on the seashore.
And for those who occur to be visiting throughout Christmas, you’ll be able to catch Santa arriving on the resort by way of helicopter to unfold vacation pleasure.
Do not miss the spa’s signature ‘Water Journey’
At many resort spas, you merely present up and have the chance to take pleasure in saunas or steam rooms by yourself earlier than heading in to your remedy. At Velas Resorts, friends can truly go on a guided “Water Journey” earlier than a remedy. The journey includes spa staffers escorting you thru a custom-made expertise that options time in a sauna, a steam room, an ice room, a sensory bathe, a polar pool and a thermal lounge.
For the uninitiated, it may be a little bit of a wild expertise as you drop into an ice room for 5 minutes earlier than being escorted to a state-of-the-art bathe you stroll by means of with varied temperatures and pressures, however belief me, you will really feel like a brand new particular person when it is all completed. And that is earlier than your therapies, which vary from basic massages and facials to extra tailor-made experiences, all for an extra price.
Accessibility
It is essential to recollect when visiting a international nation that accessibility legal guidelines for lodge lodging fluctuate significantly.
At Grand Velas Los Cabos, there are accessible rooms and enormous elevators and hallways to entry varied elements of the resort. To verify an accessible room and accessibility options on the resort (or any lodge, actually), I’ve discovered from private expertise it is best to name on the cellphone to debate room varieties and availability and share different private accessibility info.
Testing
After my two-night keep at Grand Velas Los Cabos, my coronary heart was as full as my abdomen — and that is saying one thing as a result of I ate like royalty, and I actually didn’t wish to depart.
The resort really did stay as much as the hype, and there is one thing so refreshing about staying someplace with unbelievable meals and top-shelf drinks with out having to fret for those who’ll have to refinance your private home once you get the ultimate invoice.
From the ultra-friendly service to the gorgeous constructing, manicured greenery and oceanfront infinity pool, Grand Velas Los Cabos checked all of the packing containers for what an all-inclusive resort could be.
Even higher, for those who’re intrigued by the concept of an all-inclusive resort however are nonetheless undecided concerning the typically larger-than-life dimension of them, know that Velas will quickly have another choice for you. The model is opening an adults-only, all-inclusive resort known as Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos proper subsequent door to Grand Velas Los Cabos in November 2023.
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