As far as I'm concerned, the only way to improve on an already fantastic all-inclusive resort is to make it adults-only. A kids-free environment just makes a resort feel even more romantic and chic.
Case in point: The Grand Velas Los Cabos is, in my opinion, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos since it opened in 2016. But the smaller, luxurious, child-free Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, which opened right next door in December, takes it up a notch with its 79 suites and seaside perch overlooking the point where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean.
I loved this hotel from the minute I checked in. The design taps into the elegance of Los Cabos, with soaring ceilings and expansive views out to the turquoise water. The open-air lobby has a row of cozy couches clustered around fire pits, perfect for those crisp, humidity-free Cabo evenings. Looking out over the pool deck below, you can see heaping bunches of magenta bougainvillea blossoms draped from terraces and windows, a nice complement to the muted cream and neutral color palette of the resort.
Sunrise Suites have beautiful views out over the Sea of Cortez, as well as outdoor jacuzzis and fire pits. Photo Credit: Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
Fit for a King
I checked into a Sunrise King Suite. These spacious, two-room units have ocean-facing beds and spacious terraces with an outdoor Jacuzzi and a remote-controlled electric fire pit. In-room amenities include a minibar that is restocked daily, welcome bottles of wine and mezcal, a pillow menu, Molton Brown amenities and an aromatherapy diffuser. But my favorite in-room amenities were the Dyson hairdryer and straightener -- available in every room -- as well as the vial of Vitamin C infused into the showers for a dose of skin and hair revitalization.
Three restaurants are available at the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, but the beauty of the resort is that it operates like a hotel within a hotel. Guests of the boutique property can access the restaurants at the Grand Velas Los Cabos, in addition to the two directly on property. The Grand Velas Boutique has Loto Robata Grill, an izakaya-style Japanese grill restaurant open for dinner, as well as the casual lunch and pool bar Roca and the breakfast restaurant Del Mar.
One of the perks of the resort is the Agave Tasting Room, an intimate bar area on the ground floor that hosts tequila tastings, chocolate tastings, and Mexican wine & cheese pairings, all part of the all-inclusive rate.
Guests can also walk just a few steps next door to indulge in the multiple restaurants at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Favorites are Velas 10 for fabulous steaks and seafood; Lucca for handmade pasta and regional Italian cuisine; and Cocina de Autor, a multicourse tasting menu helmed by Sidney Schutte, owner of two Michelin stars. For those who want to keep the child-free ambience going, both Cocina de Autor and French restaurant Piaf are adults-only.
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos' signature restaurant Loto serves izakaya-style grilled meat and seafood. Photo Credit: Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
Lazy day. Cozy night.
By day, I lounged on the tiered pool deck, where an infinity pool overlooks the white-sand beach. The multicolored tiles of the pool give a playful, funky atmosphere, while casting an iridescent glow on the surface of the water. Pool waiters come by periodically with plates of tasty finger food, or guests can order a full lunch from Roca, the pool bar -- I recommend the shrimp tacos. By night, I snuggled up to the fire pits to catch the sunset at 51 Bar.
The Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos has its own SE Spa, smaller than the one at its neighbor property but home to a hydrotherapy experience and four treatment rooms. The hydrotherapy experience includes sauna, steam, and ice rooms, as well as the Tunnel of Emotion -- a string of sensory rain showers that shock the system and help to improve circulation.
After the hydrotherapy experience and before the massage, guests can get into the proper mindset with a 20-minute meditation. These audio therapies are designed to reduce stress, encourage relaxation or stimulate creativity inspiration. For massages, I recommend the Fire & Ice treatment, which uses hot and cold stones. Guests also have access to the 24-hour fitness center, which has an impressive amount of weights and equipment for a hotel this size.
Back in the guestrooms, the cloud-like beds are dreamy, and guests won't want to take off the soft robes the resort provides -- unless, of course, they are going for a dip in their balcony plunge pool. Add to that an included minibar and room service, not to mention plush chairs by a private fire, and it's easy to see why couples would prefer to stay in their luxurious hideaways.
Yes, the Grand Velas experience has been one of the most memorable in Los Cabos since I first visited their original resort nearly two years ago. But the adults-only concept has truly taken it to the next level -- one that is perfect for couples looking for a quiet and romantic all-inclusive resort experience in Cabo.