Pampering and relaxation in the sun
By Chris Miller
On Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, there’s an all-inclusive resort that’s anything but typical. Grand Velas Los Cabos is one of the top hotels in the country and one of the best all-inclusives anywhere, earning awards and rave reviews for everything from the setting to the service, dining and amenities. In fact, this beachfront property has a five-star rating on the Forbes Travel Guide as well as 5 Diamonds from the AAA.
From start to finish it is a five-star experience, and the start is certainly memorable in the very best of ways. Upon arrival, my partner and I were welcomed with champagne, caviar and a soothing neck massage, as we drank in the ocean view from the striking lobby.
Actually, the resort is striking in its entirety. Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo in the renowned Los Cabos region, where desert meets sea and the Sea of Cortés meets the Pacific Ocean, this waterfront oasis is a gem tucked into a world-class destination.
Open since November of 2016, it’s part of the Velas Resorts collection of prestigious properties in sought-after Mexico destinations. Having stayed at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an exceptional white-sand beach resort in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, our expectations were high on this trip, and we were not disappointed.
More compact and centrally located than its sprawling sister property, Grand Velas Los Cabos offers remarkable comforts along with white-glove service. Every one of its 307 oversized suites boast an ocean view plus at least 1,180 square feet of space.
There are five gourmet specialty restaurants, three infinity pools, an extensive fitness centre and a 35,000-square-foot spa described by Forbes as “an aquatic paradise.”
Everywhere you go, you experience extraordinary personal attention. Not only is there 24-hour personal concierge service and 24-hour in-suite service, there is pool and beach concierge service as well. It was one of the best service experiences I have had at a resort. And yes, you can get used to this. The tough part is remembering it’s all over once you get back on the plane.
In the meantime, enjoy the impeccable room service. Many days we used it for breakfast; it was decadent and relaxing.
The food was another memorable treat. At Cocina de Autor, we tucked into the multi-course epicurean tasting menu created by Two Michelin Star Chef Sidney Schutte, and at VELAS 10, a beautiful oceanfront dining room, we had our choice of seafood and steaks. French, Italian, Mediterranean, authentic Mexican and tasty international fare are served at the other restaurants. Our favourite haunt was Amat Café, a welcoming gourmet café where you could grab what you wanted at any time of day. Everything was wonderfully fresh and delicious.
If you’re due for some self-care, be sure to spend time at the resort’s SE Spa, voted best spa in Los Cabos. There is a wide range of rejuvenating rituals, treatments and services from which to choose and the TLC is—as it is everywhere on site—superb.
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s no shortage of adventures. The Los Cabos area offers plenty of attractions, from sailing and whale watching to ziplining, golfing, mountain biking and swimming with dolphins. At the resort itself, the activities are plentiful and appealing. Try a yoga class, a mixology class, an art workshop or a Mexican cooking class. Volleyball, ping pong, aquaerobics, croquet and wine and tequila tastings might also be on the schedule when you’re there. Paint & Wine is popular option involving fabulous views, artistic expression and premium wine. There’s nightly entertainment too. It’s all pretty irresistible, not to mention memorable. loscabos.grandvelas.com
