by Lydia Gregory
photos Courtesy Grand Velas Los Cabos

Expectations ran high when Velas Resorts—purveyors of award-winning luxury accommodations in México—opened their third Grand Velas property (fifth overall) in December 2016, this time in the Los Cabos Corridor. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say those expectations were not only met, but exceeded, because like its predecessors in the Riviera Maya and the Riviera Nayarit, the family friendly, all-inclusive Grand Velas Los Cabos is poised for Five-Diamond greatness and membership in The Leading Hotels of the World.

This newest high profile property in brothers Juan Vela and Eduardo Vela Ruiz’s portfolio sits poised at the edge of a dramatic stretch of beach. It’s a striking half-moon of contemporary architecture inspired by traditional Mexican design by Guadalajara architect Ricardo Elias, who also created the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit properties. Built with a nod to the sails of a ship (“velas” means “sails” in Spanish), the curve of the 150-million-dollar structure ensures its 304 suites have unobstructed views of Cabos’ brilliant scenery and the concrete “sails” between balconies assure each guest of their privacy.

Upping the ante on the destination’s already luxurious all-inclusive amenities and facilities, the Grand Velas includes five fine-dining restaurants; a gallery of contemporary art that extends the company’s commitment to sharing México’s art, fashion and culture with its guests; oversized designer suites; a Leading Spa of the World; 16,370-square-feet of exceptional meeting facilities; and a deep commitment to the environment, with green practices that began during the construction itself with the preservation of several hundred trees and cacti that were dug up and transplanted, a reverse-osmosis desalting plant to eliminate the need of relying on local resources, and more.

Arriving Here

Upon entering the stunning three-story open-air lobby that perfectly frames the ocean skyline, the weary traveler is greeted by a whimsical statue by Mexican Sergio Bustamante with the legend “The Magic Begins Here” in English and Spanish, and indeed, it does. It’s at this precise moment that “traveler” becomes “pampered guest” as Velas’ legendary hospitality and service (and the hotel’s 3:1 staff ratio) goes into high gear. Check-in is a quick, painless process, accompanied by a cool drink, a refreshing neck massage (a teaser of SE SPA’s amazing treatments), a short overview of the resort, and not a wristband in sight. Have a question, want to book an excursion or just need something for your mini-bar? Each suite comes with a 24-hour personalized butler concierge available to help.

Staying Here

No matter what category accommodation you booked, you’re in for a treat. Suites range from the 1,180 square-foot Ambassador Suites to the 5,000+ square-foot Presidential Suite, all stylishly designed with morning and evening housekeeping service. While amenities and services vary, all feature ocean views; private terrace with sitting area (Grand Class suites and above have a private plunge pool to boot); an expansive bathroom with Jacuzzi and separate shower; daily stocked premium mini bar (your choice of treats) with red and white wine from Ensenada and house tequila; a Nespresso coffeemaker; L’Occitane bath amenities; delicious bathrobes and soft slippers; hi-tech HD flat-screen and plenty of USB connectors for electronics; deliciously plush bedding and more.

Of note are the six Wellness Suites, with a split-level design and lofted ceilings, Life Fitness recline bikes, Vitamin C sprinklers, aromatherapy kits; in-suite massage; crudité minibar; spa concierge and more. All the Wellness Suites face the spa, with the fitness amenities all on the second level (including a juice bar with a fresh daily selection of juices and healthy beverages).

Dining Here

Velas Resort’s “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” motto shines brightly in its culinary offerings, which take gourmet dining to a new level. No dreary buffets or cookie-cutter restaurants here! The five fine-dining establishments—the signature Cocina de Autor for an 8- to 10-course tasting menu by two-star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte (it was already named among CNN’s Best New Restaurants for 2017), Frida for fine Mexican cuisine, Piaf for French specialties and Lucca for traditional Italian—could very well compete on their own in any big city with both their menus and their interior design. Be sure and ask the sommelier about the wines from Baja’s Wine Country – Valle de Guadalupe, a highlight of the hotel’s wine list. More casual dining is available at the open-air Azul; the ceviche is divine at Cabrilla (great for poolside snacking); Velas 10 has seafood and steak on tap; and the Amat Café has coffee, smoothies and snacks available until late at night. Of course, there’s 24-hour in-suite dining as well.

After Sunset Here

An evening in Cabo wouldn’t be complete without a great cocktail, and the Grand Velas obliges with four bars specializing in the art of mixology, each with its own charm and indoor/outdoor spaces. The lavish Koi Sports Bar is the perfect place for dancing with its dedicated dance floor and DJ; the SkyBar’s open terrace offers cocktails under the stars; the Miramar Bar lets you lounge right at the edge of the ocean (bonfires included); and tastings at the Mezcal & Tequila bar are a must (during the day it’s also a great spot to borrow an iPad and catch up on the latest news).

Pampering Here

At 35,000 square feet, the sublime SE SPA by Grand Velas is almost a destination until itself. Try a personalized hydrotherapy journey, a multi-sensory experience exclusive to the Grand Velas (also added in your visit when you book any 50-minute treatment) or choose from a menu of restorative ceremonies and rituals like the Blue Agave Candle Massage. You can also participate in a Spa Atelier class (great for kids, too!) or try a custom Dosha Exfoliation workshop. Don’t miss an oceanfront yoga class, or do your own thing at the full-service gym with state-of-the-art machines.

Playing Here

While swimming isn’t recommended on the beach due to the unpredictable currents—this is, after all, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet—the three-tiered infinity pool (each level with a different temperature) curves to offer every lounge chair a view. The swim-up bar serves premium cocktails (as do all bars in the resort) in the adults-only level, and pool valets are ready to serve your every need.

Kids (4-12) and teens (13-18) each have their clubs, open all day and into the night, giving parents plenty of time to reconnect with each other. Just as stylishly designed as the rest of the property, they have supervised staff, cutting-edge electronics and plenty of fun on tap—the Teen’s Club even has a dance-floor (open till midnight), a nightclub-worthy sounds system and a “bar” serving non-alcoholic drinks.