I am planning on a trip to Cabo--have a trade in June. I'm now getting emails about their all inclusive meal plans and culinary "experiences." I am a bit of a foodie, well actually a lot--I seem to remember what I ate more than what I did on trips. Anyways--the emails mostly ads, no real information.
Anyone do the AI--what about cost, value, quality of food (not a drinker)? And, do they have cooking classes? Any real info would be appreciated.
I hope this reaches you in time to help with your decision. There is a lot to unpack so bear with me. I am an owner at Grand Solmar Lands End. I have stayed at both Lands End and Pacific Dunes on several occasions. People have their own opinions and sometimes their bias may mislead you in making a decision, I will try to stick with the facts as best as I can.
Grand Solmar does not have and all inclusive, they have a "Meal Plan". The meal plan can be purchased for a minimum of 3 days to a maximum of 7 days. If you are staying longer you can purchase more days. The price of the meal plan depends on the time of year. The price tends to be cheaper in the spring and summer months and a little bit higher during the fall and winter. Confirm the pricing with resort for the time that you are attending.
The meal plan includes your food and beverages during the specified time of the package you purchased. The more days you purchase, the more benefits you get. For example if you buy the 3 day package the deli at Lands End may not be included, if you purchase 5 days it may be included as well as wine tasting, mixology classes, and or cooking classes. Check the benefits of each package and ask them to spell out the differences. What I may find beneficial may not be to your liking and vice versa, they may also substitute a class or benefit for you when you are discussing the plan.
The meal plan in my opinion is about convenience. I am not a foodie, big drinker, or a glutton. I do however enjoy being on vacation. When I go I usually take family members with me. I own a 2 bedroom Presidential which sleeps up to 8 people. Everyone assigned to the room has to have the meal plan if one is purchased. There is no splitting. The convenience for me is realized when we are at the pool, or if someone is at the sports bar and they can order food and drinks at any time. At Lands End we are close to the Marina and it is within walking distance. The food and experience down there is great but if I am being lazy (guilty) I don't want to have to keep leaving the property to get something to eat.
You can buy your food at the resort but it gets very expensive very quickly. Lands End has 5 restaurants to purchase food including the deli and poolside service. Pacific Dunes has 3 plus poolside service. With the meal plan you can have dinner at the sister resort main restaurant as long as you make a reservation.
As I mentioned before, I am not a foodie or a big drinker. I take solace that I can get a good steak or lobster or anything on the menu without feeling like I am getting ripped off. When I pay for it out of pocket I tend to think that it is overpriced, but with the meal plan I always feel that I got my money's worth by the end of the week. Top shelf liquor may be excluded but they provide you with a list of wines and liquors that are and aren't included. You can request this ahead of time to aid in making your decision.
If you are looking for groundbreaking food experience with Michelin rated French Chefs the meal plan ain't it. If you are wanting to order whatever you want from the menu all day long while relaxing at the resort then I believe it is well worth it. As I have said, I am an owner and I have stayed there a number of times. Our 1st stay we did the 3 day meal plan with the intention of eating at the "authentic" restaurants in the area. Our subsequent trips we have always done the 6 day meal plan and it has worked perfectly for me and our guests.
If you have any specific questions please feel free to reach out and I will try and answer you if I can
