Grand Velas Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico

The all-inclusive Grand Velas Los Cabos arrived just in time for last Christmas. The “package,” designed by Guadalajara-based architect Ricardo Elias, is a 304-room structure wrapping gracefully around a multilayered infinity pool and beachfront. Goodies inside include many of the attributes found at its sister properties in Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya, from a 3:1 staff to visitor ratio to plush suites outfitted with rain showers, delicious bedding, L’Occitane bath goods and all-you-can enjoy drinks and snacks in the room.

Outdoor Yoga Class. Photo: Mypix | Dreamstime

The wellness program will be a big selling point for busy parents, with 35,000 square feet encompassing a fitness center with Life Fitness machines, a vitamin C sprinkler, fresh juice bar, crudite mini bar and a terrace for outdoor yoga classes, floor Pilates and meditation sessions. The spa is also beautiful, with its airy reception area, water-inspired light fixtures, well-stocked locker area and 16 treatment rooms. However, the crown jewel is its hydrotherapy facility complimentary to guests who purchase a treatment of longer than 50 minutes.

Although there’s no question Grand Velas Los Cabos addresses the desires of well-traveled adults, it boasts separate programs for children and teens designed with an aesthetic that captures the fun and flavor of the region. Between 9 a.m. and 11:00 p.m, the Kids’ Club offers revelers ages 4 to 12 the wonders of Baja under the supervision of a trained staff. While age-appropriate Wii and Xbox are available, kids have the opportunity to unplug and make piñatas, jewelry, masks and kites, and enjoy stories told by energetic staffers. There is also easy access to outdoor fun at a splash area, wading pool and covered playground.

The middle and high school crowd, meanwhile, has at its disposal a laid-back Teens’ Club, open daily from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. This space balances supervision with a DJ spinning current dance hits and a space where older kids can do their own thing, Baja-style. The cool crash pad includes a stylish bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, a pool table, ping-pong table, karaoke and gaming pods.

Group of tourists snorkeling. Photo: David Glover | Dreamstime

As family together time is an essential part of the experience, Grand Velas Los Cabos

offers a variety of excursions and on-property experiences that show there’s more to Cabo than its old reputation as a college party destination. These include snorkeling tours at Los Arcos and Cabo Pulmo, and an inland Camel Safari with nature walks, wildlife sightings, seasonal whale watching (when in season) and eco-adventure activities.

All Grand Velas resorts are noted for four branded restaurants, three open to the entire family. Azul has a fantastic buffet breakfast (with quesadillas to order and two kinds of chilaquiles), Frida (contemporary Mexican) and Lucca (Italian). Cabrilla, exclusive to this property, showcases local fish and seafood. Young gourmands older than 12 are allowed to partake in elegant feasts offered at signature French restaurant Piaf and steakhouse venue Velas 10. Cocina de Autor, specializing in multicourse degustation menus with a modern Dutch sensibility, is only open to diners 16 and older. However, babysitting services as well as the Kids’ and Teens’ clubs will help out when parents want to enjoy a date night.

Individual suites ranging in size from 1,180 to 3,412 square feet, devised by interior designer Melin Castro, are fashioned in a calming sea foam and cream color palate that harmonizes with the ocean vistas and sprawling infinity pool. These are readily enjoyed on a generous terrace outfitted with more mid-century furnishings, including a decadent daybed.