LUXURY RESORT
Grand Velas, Los Cabos
The flight from Vancouver to Los Cabos was nothing short of entertaining. Yes, the aerial views were stunning, but they paled in comparison to the joyous energy of the passengers. A spectacle of high fives, cocktails and laughter surrounded me as I watched the incredible transformation of cold Vancouverites becoming Mexico-bound vacationers. The flight attendant informed us that someone was getting married (massive round of applause) and two others were celebrating milestone anniversaries. I couldn’t help but imagine myself on a flying school bus destined for paradise, which I’ve now discovered exists at Grand Velas Los Cabos. It was the perfect setting for a girls’ trip with my friend, Heidi.
Situated just outside the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas, Grand Velas Los Cabos is a luxury all-inclusive beachfront resort with a 5-diamond rating. Impressive, given that my stay overlapped its first birthday. The reception area framed the ocean view like a painting and was lined with a curated collection of art, including pieces by acclaimed Mexican artist, Sergio Bustamante. Check-in was enhanced by an aromatherapy shoulder massage, and at that point I knew this would be an elevated experience.
The all-inclusive option is a highly popular pillar of the hotel industry, and for good reason. Coordinating details, day trips and meals is much easier on-site and, in our case, with access to a 3:1 staff to guest ratio. The Grand Velas brand is synonymous with Mexican luxury resorts, and their Los Cabos property is the crown jewel of accommodations along the Baja coastline. Set on the edge of a flowering desert that meets the union of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, I found myself in awe of every last detail, beginning with the food.
Never have I experienced allinclusive dining quite like Cocina de Autor, helmed by two-time Michelin Star chef Sidney Schutte. From the glowing LED menus to the multi-course tastings paired with fine wines, we were completely spoiled with service (and live saxophone). Other dining options took us on a journey around the world – Lucca (Italian, boasting a wine cellar of 3200 bottles), Piaf (French, decorated with roses) and Frida (contemporary Mexican) are equally excellent, but if you’re short on time, pop in just to experience the innovative restaurant designs. We left dinner each night wondering how to import our loved ones and live in our expansive suite forever, or as long as the L’occitane bath products and in-room tequila would last.
Practicing self-care while on vacation looks different for everyone and I always applaud resorts that incorporate a holistic, mind-body wellness angle. Grand Velas sets the bar with their extensive list of services, including a custom wellness suite for those who want to go the extra mile. After a hands-on Ayurvedic body scrub workshop, we headed underground for a seven-step hydrotherapy journey – a unique offering that felt like an energetic reset button.
Of all my Mexican adventures, this was the shortest, but it felt so indulgent. As I walked back to our suite along the lush pathways, the colors of the sunset shimmered in the cascading infinity pools. Grand Velas Los Cabos is quite literally surreal, which is reason enough to keep coming back for more.