If your idea of Mexico stops at Cancun beaches, Acapulco nightlife, or a Tijuana day trip, it’s worth taking a fresh look at what this paradise really offers. Part of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is a remarkable picture-perfect wellness-focused escape. The natural beauty of white, sandy beaches and turquoise waves acts as an oasis for the very real, very unforgettable Grand Velas Los Cabos.
Set Your Sights on Wellness, your Way, at Grand Velas Los Cabos
Open since 2016, the luxurious resort positions itself as a destination. You can absolutely enjoy your entire holiday here without leaving the resort. It’s sprawling, yet easy to navigate with pathways that lead to ocean views. To say it’s all-inclusive would be limiting. Grand Velas Los Cabos does, of course, include all food, alcohol and activities. The food here, though, includes a Michelin-rated restaurant, 24-hour room service, and six other prime eateries that are easy to access. The food is universally excellent.
A Bountiful Spread is Always in Style
Even the buffet, Azul, is shockingly good. The attention to detail is unreal, and any “dietary restrictions” don’t feel restrictive at all here. There is a distinct wellness inclusion in the food program, but it’s not shoved down your throat, either. Poolside burgers? Yes. Rib Eye Tataki? Of course. While I flocked to the fresh juice station every morning, it may have included a mimosa here and there, too. No judgment!
Tasting Menus – Including Plant-Based Versions at Cocina de Autor
The invitation to embrace the bon vivant lifestyle starts as soon as you arrive. Check-in includes a champagne cart ceremony, overlooking the majestic Sea of Cortez. Top-tier premium bar offerings are on offer throughout. There are several bars to enjoy, and many restaurants boast lounges to set the mood. (Read my profile on the Michelin Star Cocina de Autor here).
Other standouts include Velas 10 for tableside Tomahawks, Frida for authentic Mexican and Lucca for gourmet Italian fare. The food is unbelievable. You feel nourished, but also perhaps even challenged, by some advanced techniques and ingredients, like Mexican Caviar (larvae) or chapulines (grasshoppers). Both are delicious, don’t miss out.
The Suite Life Awaits ☀️ Grand Velas Los Cabos
Food lovers will feel genuinely spoiled for choice. Oh, and did we mention the
24-hour concierge service? Their main task is to book all your reservations, spa treatments, curate your day and ensure your room is stocked with your favourites.
Each room is over 1,100 sq. ft., with ocean views and private terraces that feel like an invitation to the sea. Doors fold wide open to breezy living spaces that feature a living wall of bougainvillaea blooms. Each suite is beautiful and carefully appointed.
Ambassador Suites make sprawling out no issue. Multiple seating areas make it feel like home. Functional spaces, including a desk and couch area, extend the room beyond just a bed. Our double room was ample enough to share with a bestie, or even suitable for an entire small family.
A massive bathroom with a separate toilet room allows for privacy. A deep soaking tub and freestanding shower make this a wet room more than a washroom.
Grand Class Suites include your very own plunge pool, adding a decadent touch and another reason to stay in your room. Suites continue to grow in size, with many larger two-bedroom suites adding more space.
Room Service is 24 hours a Day, and Includes Wellness-Themed Menus
The Pools ⚓ The Beach and What’s in Between ⚓
Once you finally leave your room, one thing that particularly stood out was the ratio of people to pool chairs. There is no need to race out at 7 am and leave your flip-flops and People magazine on a chair to claim your spot. There are countless loungers, tables, and cabanas to enjoy. Umbrellas are everywhere, and poolside service is swift and attentive.
It’s Always Magic Hour with this View
There is a children’s and toddlers’ pool to keep things tidy and plenty of entertainment in all the pools to keep you buzzing all day. A raft of frozen margaritas was a welcome sight. I’m sure kids also enjoy the inflatable walk-on-water ball, too. The vibe is chill, the pools are pristine, and the towels are endless.
Start your day in the world-class gym, facing the ocean with air conditioning and open sliding doors. Gym enthusiasts will embrace the variety of both free weights and strength training machines. Cardio machines are all here. Fitness fans will love the rotation of fitness experts that shake up their usual routines. Al fresco athletes will be tempted to try rooftop mat Pilates.
Pools are Infinite and Perfectly Situated
I loved the big group spinning classes in a conference centre. Beach workouts and private personal training are also available daily. For less physical endeavours, there is an outside games room for ping pong and billiards. An indoor arcade provides shade and a dose of digital fun.
Wellness is on more than One Menu
A core component of the wellness offerings belongs to the holistic onsite spa, SE Spa by Grand Velas. Forbes magazine may have called it an aquatic paradise, but I prefer to address it as a tranquil pool of reflection and reawakening. The spa is organic and soothing, with several pools and calming waters to rest and reset. It’s a full circuit, from room after room of water therapies to a chamber of pools that boasts jets, plunges, and more hydromassage moments. I spent an hour in this cycle, bliss!
Photo courtesy Grand Velas Los Cabos Resort
Floating in the pools, immersed with my eyes closed, SE Spa by Grand Velas then introduced a floating soundbath. It was the definition of calming and a mental souvenir I savour, six months later.
Cocooning in this comfort, a signature custom facial is a logical next step. You leave the spa actually transformed, an act of kindness for your physical as well as emotional well-being.
Star Gazing, Cooking Classes + Curious Minds ✨
After three days of restful resort life, we tucked into a few activities to create lasting memories. A Mexican Cooking Class proved popular, as did Stargazing with a guide. Both are included and merely require a reservation. The Mixology Class was worth taking notes to bring home on. Add-on charges for activities like the SE Spa, a Yacht Tour or golf are extra.
Los Cabos is known for golf, of which there are many stunning courses nearby. Nautical adventures, like boating to see El Arco (The Arch), are also top excursions.
Grand Velas Los Cabos- What Else to Know
The View from Grand Velas Boutique Hotel
🌊 You cannot swim in the ocean at Grand Velas. There are rip tides and currents, plus granite rock faces aren’t soft for landing! The beach is accessible, but be cautious during low tide.
💰 We tipped our servers and concierge; the service throughout the resort is exceptional and intuitive, so we wanted to pay a little extra for the special attention.
💸 The trip is not cheap, but going during the off-season can make it more budget-friendly.
🛎️ Adults-Only Grand Velas Boutique Hotel is right next door. They filmed Bravo’s Love Hotel here and at the SE Spa.
🧴 The sun is extra strong here; beware of sunburns and be aware of high UV levels.
The Grand Velas Boutique Hotel, where Love Hotel was filmed.
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All images, unless otherwise noted, are by Libby Roach.
Thank you for the hospitality, Grand Velas Los Cabos.