Let’s be honest. When it comes to family travel, most of us don’t allow ourselves the brain space to imagine five-star accommodations with equally stellar dining options. Grand Velas Los Cabo, located just 20 minutes north of the destination beach town of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico has set out to change all of that. The luxury all-inclusive resort’s best feature? Their attention to detail—especially when it comes to those with kids (whether they are newborns or teenagers). Scroll through for all their amazing amenities and don’t blame us if you never look at travel the same way again.
A Grand Welcome
Andie Huber
There's good reason that most of Cabo's visitors are from California. If you haven't ever been, imagine just a 2-hour flight from Los Angeles and then a 30-minute drive from the airport that sets you up for the easiest, most paradise-esque vacation you can imagine—all without worrying about a single dollar or peso.
The welcoming site of the open-air lobby at Grand Velas Los Cabo is, without a doubt, a spectacular one. As you walk through the breezy atrium, you are greeted by the super friendly hotel staff, invited to sit on the balcony to take in the resort and the stunning ocean view. And if that's not enough, you are handed a cold, fruit-y flavored drink in a cold Moscow Mule mug and are given a mini head and shoulder massage compliments of the spa. Talk about starting off on the right foot!
Grand Ocean Views
Andie Huber
The resort was built and designed so that every single room gets an ocean view. That's right—you won't ever book a room here and get stuck in the back or face the highway. Every morning you'll be greeted by the rising sun (if you don't pull the shades) and every evening you be treated to a stunning sunset. Not to mention, a relaxing soundtrack of crashing waves every time you step outside your room.
Insider Tip:Two-bedroom family suites are available and include stuffed animals and mini-robes for the kids.
Teen's Turf
Andie Huber
Oh to be a teenager! Or better yet, have your teen appreciate the hotel as much as you do! The resort's Teen Club is an exclusive space (must be between the ages of 13 and 18) where they have access to so many entertainment options, you may only see them at bedtime or breakfast. The ocean-view space has X- Box Kinect, pool table, air hockey, ping-pong, foosball, a karaoke set with illuminated dance floor to name a few. There are also clever individual cubicles with video game systems (so cozy!) that are a gamer's dream come true. The lounge offers mocktails, drinks and snacks to enjoy while hanging-out with world-class street art that was created just for this resort.
Grand Moments
Andie Huber
Quiet little moments like these are found all over the resort that are appreciated by everyone no matter what their age.
Breakfast Buffet
Andie Huber
While you can order breakfast in bed, take a stroll to Azul restaurant where they offer a breakfast buffet that will please even the pickiest of eaters. For the kids, there are donuts, pastries, cereals, fruit, smoothies, yogurt and more to choose from while the adults can mix up their own Bloody Marys, customize their omelettes or start the day off with fresh-pressed juices.
The interior has a casual, laid-back, beach-y feel with decorative ropes sprinkled throughout but we recommend trying to snag a seat outside where you can watch the waves crash. Also keep an eye out for migrating dolphins and whales making their way through the Pacific! A grassy area just off the patio gives kids the space to run and play while you take in the view.
Say Spa
Andie Huber
Check those kids into the kid's club and head to the spa, located on the ground level near the gym, where a variety of massages and services (everything from a barber shop to meditative flower arranging) can be arranged. The real scene-stealer though is the lead-up to the signature Agave massage. In case you didn't know, the Agave plant is responsible for all that lovely Tequila that gets produced in Mexico. A truly beautiful plant indeed.
Before the massage begins, you have the opportunity to explore the ceremonial water room where a large pool with a series of jets in varying intensities to work out those knots in your back, shoulders and neck. Stay as little or as long as you like at each water feature. At the end, there is a cold plunge pool to wake up your senses (not mandatory). After you are finished, wrap up in a towel and grab a lounger. The stage is set for ultimate relaxation.
Post massage, you are taken into another series of rooms where you rotate through seven more water features like a eucalyptus-scented steam room, an aromatherapy sensory shower, again, all at your own pace.
To the Infinity Pools!
Andie Huber
The property has a series of three pools. One is designated just for adults while the other two are open for kid play all day long. The ocean, BTW, is strictly off-limits due to incredibly strong rip tides and waves (you'll understand once you see it) but honestly, who needs to deal with all that sticky sand when you can chill at the pool and just look out and appreciate the Pacific from a safe, sand-free distance?
The pools are, in a nutshell, divine and there is always something cool to explore whether it's the see-through glass section on one of the pools or hopping on some fun floaties.
This is the part where for those that don't know the beauty of the all-inclusive need to pay attention. You don't have to worry about ordering a drink and not liking it and force yourself to drink it because #vacationdollars. You don't have to worry about that lunch your child insisted he would eat and decided he didn't want anymore cause he won't get out of the pool. One of the biggest stressors of vacation is that moment where to eat, what to do with all the food that is leftover, how are you going to stretch your dollar for lunch so you can have a nice dinner. At Grand Velas Los Cabo, not only is that concern removed, some of the freshest, most innovative food is available. And there's a mini-fridge in your room that is a perfect spot for leftovers (if you have any).
Grand Pop-Ups
The resort is always bringing out something new during the day. Shaved ice, guacamole stations were just two of the additional fun activations we saw and then at night, got to experience a star-gazing event with a NASA-certified astronomer.
Of course they can also arrange anything in your imagination including sand castle building, Spanish lessons, piñata making, kickball tournaments, animal shows, cooking and baking classes, drive-in movies, eco-cycling tours and more.
Kid's Club
Andie Huber
For younger children set (ages 4-12), the Kids’ Club is 1,000 square feet of fun and creativity. There are designated reading nooks, arts and crafts tables, videogame and movie theatre spaces are all offered here while the adjacent outdoor space has soccer and treasure hunts.
Inside Tip: Take advantage of the later hours (kids can stay here until 11 p.m.) so you can enjoy dinner while your kids play their hearts out.
Grand Play
Outside the kid's club, splash pad and wading pool that is designed for the toddler crowd, there are three jungle gym sets with the same ocean views the rest of the resort enjoys. How awesome is that as parents, we get to be a part of the action without being relegated off to the side of the resort, never to be seen again?
Grand Views All Around
Andie Huber
Even during the walk back to your room, you are treated to amazing views of the coastline.
Grand Libations and Eats
Unlike other all-inclusive, this Los Cabos all inclusive resort has made fine dining and drinking an experience unto itself. There are so many places to choose from (from casual open-air to fancy Mexican at Frida known for a 25K Taco!) but the option to take a moment and enjoy a meal that your may not get to have any where else in the world is what sets this resort apart.
Dutch native and two-star-Michelin Chef Sidney Schutte heads up Cocina de Autor a groovy vibe restaurant that offers a 10-course tasting menu with wine pairing that will have you thinking about the meaning of parenthood (kidding not kidding—the kids are having fun in the club house so it's okay to pretend you and your partner are single and fancy-free). Each course delivered on taste, was decadent and visually stunning.
The wine offerings are world-renown, the education about Tequila and the tastings available are mind-blowing (we recommend the reposado) along with creative cocktails that will have you asking for the recipes so you can replicate when you get home.
The kids will love Lucca for the Italian, Frida for the Mexican, and Azul for the grilled selections.
The end of the vacation will leave you relaxed, happy, closer to your family than when you came and wanting to return as soon as possible.
Insider Tip: The resort runs some pretty spectacular discounts during the summer...so if you couldn't get your kid into that tech camp like you planned, may we suggest Camp Grand Velas Los Cabo instead?
Getting There: Most major airlines fly into Cabo San Lucas International Airport and pre-arranged airport transportation with the hotel. Typical fare to the hotel is $175 each way.
Cost: Up to two kids (ages 4 to 12) are free and teens are 50% off when staying in the same suite as the adults from now – Oct. 31, 2018. Rates for adults start at $582 at Grand Velas Los Cabos per adult, per night, based on double occupancy. Teen rates are $100 (with 50% discount applied) and goes up depending on the length of stay and type of room or suite. There are no additional costs for the kids club, teen club or for requesting cribs and pack ‘n plays.
No Cost Extras: Everything from cribs, Mexican toys, baby floats, and baby clothes to gentle bath and shampoo gels are available and can be reserved prior to arrival complimentary from the Baby Concierge, including specially prepared organic foods and beverages on request for babies.
