TRAVEL CONFESSION: I've never stayed at an all-inclusive resort. I know, it's crazy, especially for a so-called travel expert like myself. However, I've just always been a little put off by the rules and restrictions and confusing credits situation that accompany most all-inclusive resorts.
Yet there's absolutely none of that at Grand Velas Los Cabos, a luxury spin on the all-inclusive resort concept. Your giant ocean-facing suite includes everything from meals to drinks and snacks, minibar amenities, and even the kids club.
A few elements of the stay cost extra; for instance, if you want to go to the spa, or if you need airport transfers or want to do tours and activities off-resort, and whatever you buy from the shops. But for the most part, you won't have to worry about racking up too many additional charges beyond the room rate and taxes.
One place where this is especially heavenly? At the swim-up bar. Parents can order dranks, kids can order smoothies, and no one has to sign a bill. If the smoothie or margarita gets dropped or spilled, no worries. Swim back over and order a new one.
There's much to spotlight on this resort so let's get right into it. If you can't read all of the descriptions, just make sure to read the TL; DR part at the top of each section. Come on guys, you know what TL; DR means, right?
SUITES
TL; DR: So. Much. Space.
As we mentioned, every room has an ocean view. But every room is also a suite, over 1,100-sq.ft with also has a large balcony, a separate seating area, a massive bathroom with a deep soaking tub and a rainshower, a vanity set-up, a mini-bar with complimentary bottles wine and mezcal, and in case you need to work, a desk. Every guest also gets an adorable straw tote to use during their stay.
We stayed in the Ambassador Family Suite which had two queen beds instead of one king bed but it was connected to another Ambassador Suite with a king bed. This allowed us to split up kids and adults and gave us some time alone at night. (About 20 minutes before we too, passed out from all the sun and fun.)
The only complaint I have about the suites is that certain lights will only turn on when the key card is placed in the master key slot next to the inside of the door. And the light switches aren't well-labeled. I would go crazy for about five minutes trying to find the right lights to turn on, especially in the bathroom, only to realize the key card wasn't in the slot. Then I couldn't find the keycard. #firstworldhotelproblems
Every room, er, sorry, suite also comes with a personal concierge who greets you at check-in (along with some Veuve) and shows you to your room. This person works hard to make sure you have everything you need during your stay. He or she will handle dinner reservations, babysitting services, taxis, etc. For scatter-brained parents like me, having a coordinator like this concierge was a very helpful perk.
FOOD AND DRINKS
TL; DR: Totally exceeded our expectations. The food was far better than what we've had at other luxury Cabo resorts, with only One & Only Palmilla beating it out.
In typical all-inclusive resort fashion, Grand Velas has several restaurants on property: Lucca, an Italian restaurant; Piaf, a French adults-only restaurant; Cocina de Autor, another adults-only spot with a dress code and elevated gastronomy; Frida, a gourmet Mexican restaurant; Azul, the all-day, buffet-style restaurant; and Velas 10, a steakhouse overlooking the beach. Another casual ceviche spot named Cabrilla is next to the pool, which also has its own food service. Another good spot for quick bites is the Amat Cafe in the lobby where you can get a fresh juice or coffee. And there's also room service which is included in your room rate too.
Yet unlike other all-inclusive resorts, these spaces are beautifully designed (serious #decorgoals abound) and almost all have ocean views.
Also in typical all-inclusive fashion, it's recommended that you make reservations for dinner in advance. However, we stayed during a not-as-busy time and since we were dining on the earlier side at 5 and 5:30pm, we only made reservations for two of the four nights we stayed.
POOL AND BEACH SCENE
TL; DR: One of these days we will get to swim in the adult pool again. But there's a swim-up bar in the family pool which everyone loves.
Grand Velas has three pools in a tiered layout with the top two pools for families and the bottom pool called Serenity overlooking the beach for adults only. The first family pool has a swim-up bar, which everyone loves, while the second one has a large shaded hot tub. We didn't get a chance to hang out by the Serenity Pool but maybe one day.
There's also a kids pool, just steps down from the Velas Kids Club. This pool is great for young ones as it has about three different levels—shallow, very shallow and super shallow, akin to how much water you'd put in their baths. It also has a fountain splashpad area where kids can run around without actually being in the pool and an turfed and shaded playground area. As always, you need to keep an eye on the young ones, even in the shallow pool. Our little Beefcake got a little overenthusiastic with jumping up and down a few times but luckily I was there to right him up again.
One tip: bring your own pool floaties or toys. The shop sells them too in case you forget but the kids will want to play with something while swimming.
Like most resorts in Cabo, there's a beach but it's not very swimmable. During our stay, a black flag was up indicating that the ocean conditions were “fatal.” However, Grand Velas does set up beach loungers and has a server on duty. The only problem is the beach gets very hot and so you have to walk back up to the pool to take a dip.
ACTIVITIES
TL; DR: Make good use of the free activities offered at the resort each day.
Each night at turndown service, a copy of the following day's activities will be placed on your desk. Be sure to read it! There are some great activities offered such as pilates class, aquaerobics, dance classes, beach walks and more. The sheet also details what the schedule is for the Kids Club and since the club allows your kids to be dropped off and picked up throughout the day, you can see which activities they might want to do. (More on the club below.)
You'll also see whatever special dining events are coming up, although chances are your concierge will have already told you about this when you arrive. During our stay, the resort hosted a Mexican fiesta with dinner and live entertainment. A mariachi band, who provided the music for the cultural dances, came around to each table taking requests. (Your mom chose “Despacito”. #losientonosiento)
KIDS CLUB
TL; DR: One of the best kids club we've ever seen.
Right before we headed to Grand Velas, we rounded up 10 stand-out kids clubs. Had we known what was in store at Grand Velas, this surely would have been on the list. First off, let's start with the hours. The kids club is open from 9am to 11pm. Yes, 11pm. Your kids can stay for lunch and dinner at Azul and it does not cost extra.
Second, there are activities almost every hour. Most of the time, the kids are in the little clubhouse doing crafts, playing video games, watching TV, or participating in Spanish lessons or another education activity like a botany tour. There is some time for swimming, although it's at the kids pool which for our 6 and 8-year-olds felt like a baby pool. After the first day, they decided to spend the morning swimming with us, then head up to kids club just before lunch so they could play before being escorted to the buffet. #livingtheirbestlives
Third, the resort has a club for teenagers for ages 13-17 and which is only open in the afternoons until 11pm. It pretty much feels like a nightclub with a karaoke setup, gaming pods, pool table, ping pong and a bar that serves mocktails.
BOTTOM LINE
TL; DR: It's not cheap but it's more affordable than the usual luxury resorts.
Remember, Grand Velas is luxury and we stayed over Easter which meant the room rates were a tad higher than normal ($600-$831 a night.) However, your meals and drinks and minibar snacks are all included.
We talked to several families during our stay and they all agreed that Grand Velas was a better value compared to other luxury resorts which had similar room rates but where the cost of food and drinks, plus the taxes on the food and drinks, made the final bill astronomical. We've also spoken to other families who've stayed at this Grand Velas and their other resorts in Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya and they had nothing but great things to say about their vacations.
And booking through a Virtuoso travel agent like myself will also get guests complimentary one-way airport transfer, a welcome amenity, and a $50 spa credit. #ifyoudontknownowyouknow
Have any other questions about what it's lke to stay at Grand Velas? Do let me know. And of course, I'd be happy to book your stay!
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