Skip to main content
Close
Tips & News

The new global benchmark for luxury: Velas Resorts redefines excellence in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide

By: Velas Meetings / 23 Mar 2026
Grand Velas Los Cabos

In the universe of ultra-luxury tourism, Forbes Travel Guide Stars are the most coveted accolade—a seal that certifies flawless execution. However, at Velas Resorts, these distinctions are not the finish line; they are the starting point. Here, hospitality is translated into an "invisible language": the ability to transform a rigorous service standard into pure emotional luxury.

Today, the compass of world-class hospitality no longer points to Europe or the UAE, but to Mexico.

Grand Velas Los Cabos: A category of one

Photo by Grand Velas Los Cabos

 

Grand Velas Los Cabos has just redefined global luxury by obtaining 5 Stars from 

Forbes Travel Guide, positioning itself as the only All-Inclusive resort in the world to simultaneously hold the industry's three highest distinctions:

  1. 5 Stars by Forbes Travel Guide
  2. AAA 5 Diamonds
  3. A Michelin Star (at our flagship restaurant, Cocina de Autor).

For meeting planners and executive travelers, this recognition validates an exceptional service model. It confirms that every interaction—from the precise temperature of your morning coffee to the intuitive organization of your workspace—meets an impeccable, internationally validated standard.

Mastery in wellness and consistency: Our award-winning collection

Photo by Grand Velas Riviera Maya

 

While Los Cabos makes history, the rest of the Velas Resorts properties continues to set the bar for excellence across Mexico's most exclusive destinations:

  • SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: For the fifth consecutive year, it stands as the only Spa in the entire Mexican Pacific Tourist Corridor—spanning from Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta to Costalegre—to achieve the Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rating.
  • Grand Velas Riviera Maya: A dual triumph. Its SE Spa reaffirms its mastery in the art of wellness by being awarded 5 Stars by Forbes for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, the property has been recognized as the "Instagram Favorite Hotel of the Year," celebrating its iconic architecture and breathtaking Caribbean vistas.
  • Casa Velas: Demonstrating flawless consistency, our boutique adults-only oasis in Puerto Vallarta has earned a Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star rating for the ninth year in a row.
 

Photo by Casa Velas

 

The language of hospitality: Beyond the stars

To earn these recognitions, every detail undergoes surgical scrutiny by "incognito guests" measuring over 900 objective standards. But the true differentiator lies in intuitive anticipation.

"This achievement reflects our unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards... As a family-owned company, we take immense pride in showcasing the authenticity of Mexican hospitality while delivering world-class service."Juan Vela Ruiz, CEO of Velas Resorts.

 

The art of ‘reading the mind'

At Velas Resorts, luxury is about understanding how you inhabit a space. If you leave a book on the nightstand, our staff places an official bookmark inside. If your devices are cluttered, you will find your cables neatly organized with elegant ties.

Material luxury—the marble and high-thread-count linens—is merely the stage. Our team members, trained in high emotional intelligence, are the ones who bring the performance to life. They identify if a guest needs a seamless, fast check-in after a long flight or a festive, detailed ritual for a special celebration.

At the end of the day, true luxury is etched into the memory through those invisible gestures that make you feel like a guest of honor, rather than just a suite number.

Photo by Grand Velas Los Cabos


Ready to host your next event at a 5-Star global benchmark?

Contact our Velas Meetings specialists today!

Find more readings

WhatsApp Logo