This Mexico resort elevates ‘all-inclusive’ to new levels of indulgence

The hotel

Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, Mexico

Check-in

Poolside and seaside.

A pioneer of all-inclusive luxury hotels in Mexico, Velas Resorts’ latest offering is the adults-only Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, a 79-suite beachfront property overlooking the Gulf of California that’s halfway between the tourist hubs of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It’s a quieter, more intimate alternative to the sprawling, family-friendly Grand Velas Los Cabos resort next door, which opened in 2016. Both offer a similar all-inclusive experience, meaning all meals, drinks and minibar products are included, plus there’s a host of complimentary activities across the two resorts, from cooking classes and tequila tastings to yoga, croquet and volleyball. The best bit? Guests at the Grand Velas Boutique can use all the facilities at the larger resort, then retreat to their kid-free haven when they need a respite.

The look

The exterior doesn’t quite match what lies within.

On approach, the property has a rather brutal, shopping-centre-like exterior, a theme that continues in the cavernous tiled lobby, which is sparsely decorated with designer furnishings and Zen-like water features. Things improve in the ocean-facing accommodation blocks, two attractive tiered buildings that overlook a large mosaic-tiled infinity pool and a slither of white-sand beach. Between the two buildings is a small but delightful palm-filled garden, while blooms of vibrant pink bougainvillea brighten every balcony and terrace. Other facilities include a well-equipped gym, a tasting room and an impressive spa with a magnesium pool, sauna and steam and ice rooms.

The room

The suite life.

My Grand Class suite is a vast, two-room affair. The living area contains a kitchenette, dining table and lounge area, while the separate bedroom has a huge marble-effect bathroom and another sofa in case you get overwhelmed and need a lie-down. The decor is clean, contemporary and inoffensive; more high-end apartment than character-filled hacienda. Most impressive is the private ocean-view terrace with jacuzzi, fire pit and yet another daybed (resort life can be exhausting). As you’d expect, the amenities are top-notch: Dyson hairdryer, bedside aromatherapy diffuser, Molton Brown toiletries and a vitamin C-infused shower (good for skin and hair health, apparently).

Food + drink

Octopus tacos.

You’d need a week to do justice to the two resorts’ culinary offerings. Grand Velas Boutique has four restaurants and bars: Del Mar, a delightful alfresco breakfast venue; Roca, a casual beachside eatery specialising in ceviche; 51 Bar, a cocktail lounge and grab-and-go snack outlet; and Loto, a high-end robata grill developed by two-Michelin-starred Dutch chef Sidney Schutte. Head next door and you’ve got another seven upscale venues to choose from, the standout being another Schutte project, Cocina de Autor, which was awarded a Michelin star in May.

Out + about

There’s no shortage of activities in the surrounding area, from snorkelling and diving to camel safaris and ATV tours – all of which can be organised via a WhatsApp message to your personal concierge. I can personally recommend High Tide’s kayak and snorkel tour to The Arch, a distinctive three-storey granite archway at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.

The verdict

A resort that elevates “all-inclusive” to a sophisticated new level of indulgence. As the staff member who shows me to my room puts it – “we are here to spoil you”.

The essentials

Rooms from $US1482 ($2190) a night, all inclusive. One accessible suite. Carr. Transpeninsular Km 17.3, Tourist Corridor, 23405 San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. See loscabosboutique.grandvelas.com

Our score out of five

★★★★½

HIGHLIGHT
The in-room welcome gift of a bottle of mezcal with orange slices and tajin, a traditional Mexican spice mix.

LOWLIGHT
Having to trudge next door to get a barista-made coffee, a surprising omission in a resort of this calibre.

The writer was a guest of Velas Resorts, Delta Air Lines (delta.com) and the Los Cabos Tourism Board (visitloscabos.travel).