Grand Velas Los Cabos. Credit: Velas Resorts
Velas Resorts has become one of the darlings of the all-inclusive scene, offering superb dining, outstanding wellness amenities, kids activities and a true appreciation for the natural environment. Each of its five Mexico hotels is different and caters to a specific clientele, but the same quality echoes throughout.
The latest to join the collection is Grand Velas Los Cabos, which opened in December 2016.
Located in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the ultra-modern, multi-level terraced property overlooks the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean. Walking into the open three-story lobby, you become immersed in a setting that seems vast yet welcoming. The towering space is punctuated with surrealist art and a steady, refreshing ocean breeze that comes in waves as the sound of the sea pulses outside.
Here are four things we love about this new destination resort.
Grand Velas Los Cabos Suite, Photo Credit: Velas Resorts
The room design is relaxing
Every one of the 304 ocean-view suites was designed to reflect an ultra-modern, organic feel. The spacious rooms all measure more than 1,180 square feet with private terraces that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors — some even have their own personal plunge pools.
When you have a hankering for a midnight margarita and some munchies to go along with it, dial up the 24-hour personalized butler concierge service or in-suite dining.
Still, the most unusual accommodations are the six two-level Wellness Suites with Life Fitness bikes, a spa concierge, vitamin C sprinkler, crudité minibar, aromatherapy kit and in-suite massage options.
Cocina de Autor, Photo Credit: Velas Resorts
Grand Velas is for foodies
Forget everything you think you may know about dining at all-inclusive resorts. Grand Velas rewrites the script, offering four gourmet restaurants and four casual spots. The star of the culinary show is Cocina de Autor, helmed by famed Dutch chef Sidney Schutte. His fine-dining resort restaurant serves eight- to 10-course tasting menus along with optional wine pairings.
Throughout the course of your stay, also try modern Mexican at Frida, fine French fare at Piaf, seafood and steaks at Velas 10 and rich Italian at Lucca.
And for every dish, there is a well-paired vino, thanks to experts on staff like Master Sommelier Don Pedro Poncelis Brambila, who has curated a wine list of sparkling, white, rosé and red vintages from all over the world.
SE by Grand Velas Los Cabos’ Hydrotherapy Pool, Photo Credit: Velas Resorts
There’s an indulgent spa experience
Set aside two hours to enjoy the seven-step water journey at SE by Grand Velas Los Cabos — and that is before going for a treatment. Within the 35,000-square-foot aquatic paradise, there is a massive hydrotherapy area with three pools and various water experiences featuring immersed lounge chairs and jets that provide a variety of circulatory stimulation.
A spa valet provides direction throughout the experience and explains how to use the various hot and cold rooms and pools.
The spa has 16 treatment rooms yet still feels intimate and not overcrowded. Inside those spaces, you’ll find the latest technology and local, natural ingredients that are traditionally part of the Mexican culture. Signature treatments center around the blue agave plant native to Mexico and its pre-Columbian ancestral healing benefits.
To balance out all that good eating you’ll be doing at the resort, hit the Technogym Fitness Center for a personal training session or Pilates class, or just grab a machine for a self-guided workout.
If you’re in search of energy balance, check the daily report circulated to all guest rooms that lists the activities on offer, including morning yoga sessions.
Koi Bar, Photo Credit: Velas Resorts
Two bars keep the action going into the wee hours
While the resort will ultimately have four bars throughout the property (Mezcal & Tequila and Miramar Bar are slated to open soon), the Koi Bar and the Sky Bar are the current addresses for late-night fun.
Koi, which is adjacent to the lobby, features a dance floor and DJ setup, and provides the opportunity to mix and mingle, sing karaoke, listen to live music and imbibe on whatever cocktail your heart desires.
Sky Bar, on the other hand, is a cocktail lounge that overlooks the ocean while providing a mellow vibe. Indoor/outdoor seating is standard throughout to take advantage of the always-perfect weather.
