A big thank you to Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos for hosting our stay so we could provide this detailed review.
While all-inclusive isn’t often equated with luxury or culinary excellence, this brand-new boutique property in Los Cabos will definitely change the perception. If you are familiar with the Velas brand, you may recognize them as the “Four Seasons” of all-inclusive. Grand Velas Boutique is Velas Resorts’ third property in Los Cabos and offers the unique distinction of being adults-only while providing the same excellence that recently earned Grand Velas Los Cabos (the larger family-friendly property next door) the Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious five-star rating.
Get away from it all with a trip to Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos and relish in this sanctuary. It’s private by design, offers the ultimate in service, and maintains an air of exclusivity. And it really does feel like having your own personal space among a community of like-minded people.
Upon arrival, your heart may skip a beat stepping into this modern streamlined Shangri-La – with sweeping ceilings and ocean views from the lobby that are accented with variegated white and purple bougainvillea hanging from balconies hugging the entire property. Get out of the travel funk with a welcome drink and warm hand towel in the lounge before being whisked to a luxurious Zen suite donned in cool, muted, relaxing shades.
The beachfront property offers 79 modern suites. Most are ocean-facing and a few offer garden privacy for the quietest experience. Some rooms come with fire pits and unheated plunge pools while other rooms have heated hot tubs on the terrace. Enjoy a room with an ocean view, embrace the crashing waves, and quickly saunter out to the large infinity pool that appears to melt into the ocean. Relax in the reflecting water with a Mezcalita in hand, and watch whales cruise by all day in the winter season as many show their presence with a massive spout spray or surfacing breach.
Each suite is a welcoming oasis, with Grand Velas’ own private label Mezcal complementing the unlimited water, soda, snacks, wine, and coffee from the Nespresso bar with specialty options – all restocked daily. The pillow menu, high-end Dyson hair dryer (plus Dyson hair straightener on request), and a choice of aromatherapy scents placed in the bedside diffuser each night during turn-down service with daily surprise treats were welcome amenities. Appreciate the large bathroom with double sinks, heated floors near the toilet, and the walk-in shower with rainfall shower head and shower wand. The butler is super attentive and available by text, app, or call with any questions or wishes that might arise during the stay. Take advantage of the first two pieces of clothing pressed complimentary on the first night of arrival.
Wander to the pool to relax and snack on guacamole or the freshest of shrimp and fish tacos, while sipping exceptionally handcrafted mezcal and tequila cocktails. From the pool, admire the rugged rock formation jutting from the sea in the distance. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach, while lounging on plush cushions under stylish umbrellas.
Mix up the relaxation with a jacuzzi soak, a beach walk, and more satisfying Baja lunches at Roca, the poolside restaurant and bar serving uber-fresh flavor bursting seafood like local chocolate clams prepared ceviche-style (a favorite menu item), tuna tostadas, seabass ceviche, and short rib or Baja fish tacos. The Octopus Tacos accompanied with bone marrow are a must-try delight. Every dish is presented like a colorful piece of art.
A two-star Michelin consulting chef is responsible for the creative dining experiences and the wine selection inspired by Cabo’s proximity to Mexico’s wine regions. Did you know that nine states in Mexico produce wine?
Gourmands will love the complimentary culinary experiences like a Mexican Wine and Cheese Pairing at Agave, a modern stylish space decked out like someone’s chic living room bar lounge. A master sommelier takes you through fun mouth exercises on how to sample and appreciate Mexican wines from Central Mexico and Valle paired with artisanal soft cheeses from varying states of Mexico like Chihuahua, Oaxaca, and Michoacán. Highlights included the hebra maduro cheese, complemented by the Casa Madero Shiraz from Coahuila; Cotija Cheese and Tres Raices Rose from Guanajuato; and Quesillo fresco cheese, accompanied by a Sierra Blanca Sauvignon Blanc from Valle de Guadalupe. The Mexican Chocolate Tasting is another fun journey, where 12 flavors of Mexican designer chocolates are sampled, ranging from a fiery Tabasco-origin chocolate with chipotle honey and almond praline to a white chocolate infused with Valle de Guadalupe zinfandel reduction and pink pepper.
Stop in at 51 Bar for a private mezcal tasting and education. Skilled bartenders concoct meticulously crafted spirits, refreshing cocktails, and cappuccinos, alongside freshly baked bread and grab-and-go delights. Ask Jose, the master craftsman, to introduce you to new flavors and products like Tapaxta (a type of agave), agave gin, 1921 tequila cream with spices, and rose´ tequila. Get excited with new sips like umami-flavored Mole Mio made with Espadin Mezcal, traditional Mexican Mole, and agave nectar. Try a few new mezcals and enjoy the journey!
Breakfast can be taken in-room, but be delighted in sitting on the terrace at Del Mar Restaurant, to select from an endless array of choices at the over-the-top buffet or from made-to-order options. Don’t miss the breakfast made to your liking – like Chilaquiles and tacos loaded with pulled pork, eggs, and cheese – donned with an assortment of toppings. A plethora of local ingredients are offered – from salad options, fruit, various yogurts, local cheeses, French toast, waffles, breads/pastries, and Mexican delicacies.
A Technogym fitness center with the latest line of equipment is available at any time, to help stick with fitness goals or get an air-conditioned workout on a hot afternoon. The all-glass room facing palm fronds and gardens is an inspiring place to exercise, as it is light-filled and bright. The equipment is high-quality and covers all major muscle groups. Free weights, benches, balls, and mats complete the experience. Ample towel and water service ensure a seamless workout.
A spa is opening soon and if you know the Velas brand’s spa experience, it will be unparalleled – and similar to neighboring Grand Velas’ signature seven-step Water Ceremony Circuit featuring a eucalyptus-scented steam room with chromotherapy, ice and aloe room, polar pool, aromatherapy sensory shower, sauna, Jacuzzi and multi-sensory pool filled with countless water pressure sprays and temperatures to massage each part of your body. Ease the tension in your neck and back or relax on a bubble bed, where jets set underneath the surface of the water make you feel almost like you are in a bubbly champagne glass. A spa valet will help guide you and ensure the ultimate pampering with heated loungers and warm neck pillows, cool scented towels, and cucumbers on the eyes. Somehow, Velas always makes the whole experience feel super special.
If the water ceremony isn’t enough to catapult you into a blissful state, continue on with a Tequila Massage – not with a shot of agave but mindful intention setting with a smoke purification and herbal scent spritz. Choose your scent, like rosemary, to enhance the deep tissue energizing massage and deep stretching with rebozas; and end with a vigorous cool tequila shake to relax the muscles. Velas’s new boutique spa aims to offer treatments inspired by Mexican culture with an emphasis on sound therapy, incorporating relaxing sounds of ocean waves and desert nights into treatments to achieve a deeper level of relaxation.
While there really is no reason to leave this all-inclusive, you can mix up the dining experience by walking next door to one of Grand Velas’ five gourmet dinner restaurants led by top chefs. Some are adults-only and all are included in your stay. Velas 10 impresses with a mighty tomahawk steak dripping with bone marrow and a flaming tableside Mexican coffee show after dinner. Covina de Autor’s fine dining 8-course tasting menu paired with wine is a full-on wow experience where kampachi arrives like a rose, tuna in seaweed is birthed from rocks, and beef tenderloin with beetroot and mushrooms arrives like abstract art.
In the evening, watch the sky melt pink and aqua hues across the ocean into the pool and realize it’s easy to be absolutely content at Grand Velas Boutique, a little slice of Cabo bliss. With a two-hour direct flight from Los Angeles and a 30-minute drive from the airport, Grand Velas Boutique in Los Cabos makes an easy getaway for the luxury traveler.
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