For those of us on the west coast, Cabo San Lucas is one of those destinations we are all familiar with. Either a friend had a destination wedding there or you spent spring break there partying on the beach.
For others, it’s a yearly tradition, which is why vacation ownership in Cabo is one of the most desired places to own in this part of the world. For my trip, I was looking forward to the food, the beach, and, of course, the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
And what I was most looking forward to avoiding were the massive beach parties and crowds, that’s why I chose to head down in late fall, when things are still busy, but party season isn’t in effect.
Since my trip would mostly be focused on luxury resorts and spas, I didn’t want to spoil myself alone, so I enlisted fellow INTO travel writer, Miles, to endure a torturous week of hotel suites, massages, and cabanas.
At the start of the trip, I’m pretty sure he was convinced that he would somehow get me off property more than once, you know…to go and explore the town or do something adventurous. His initial efforts failed and by day two, he wasn’t even asking anymore.
When you’re staying at some of the best resorts in Cabo that have everything and anything you need, why would you ever leave? In all seriousness though, there are great things to see and do outside of the resorts, but for the sake of factual reporting, I decided that we needed to stay put, outside of a quick private boat trip to the arch one morning. Below are the properties that played host to our time down south.
Hacienda Beach Club & Residences
After landing, the drive is about an hour to Cabo San Lucas, and I couldn’t wait to arrive at Hacienda, as the property only has “residences” which come in one to four bedroom layouts, as well as four bedroom villas.
Our one bedroom ocean view residence was extra large and included a full kitchen, dining area, and living space. The bathroom came with an impressive tub for two and a hidden washer & dryer, which is always my favorite comfort in a hotel.
The spa at Hacienda is quaint, in a good way. The services were just as described and the attendants were experienced and accommodating. Next door, the fitness and movement rooms, where Miles spent his time, are equipped with up to date equipment and offer complimentary fitness classes.
We also happened to be in town during the Los Cabos International Film Festival and since one of the main parties was held on property, as guests, we were allowed to attend. The evening of the big party, the resort was transformed and by midnight, it was the place to be and be seen.
We decided to go because although we were looking to avoid the parties, this one was in another league, and we spent time there looking for celebrities (our radars failed us) while guzzling mezcal cocktails, which conveniently became the liquor of choice for the trip.
Esperanza
One of two Auberge Resorts in Cabo, Esperanza was our second stop and boy, did they step it up for us. The arrival to the open-air lobby (in all fairness, all the properties we visited have open-air lobbies) left us breathless.
I walked out of the private car and after being handed my welcome drink, I shut out the world around me and just walked towards the edge of the property, where I took in the view of the ocean below us. We were then informed that our suite wasn’t ready just yet, so we were escorted to a poolside cabana where we indulged in mezcal and guacamole because…Mexico.
Once our suite was ready, much to our surprise, we were led to the Penthouse Suite, a 2,000 sq. foot indoor/outdoor space with private elevator, infinity edge hot tub, 180-degree panoramic ocean views, as well as butler service. In our minds, at the moment, we were in heaven.
That is…until we went to the spa.
We each had separate treatments but spent time together pre and post massage in the incredible outdoor relaxation space. Before leaving, we jumped in the hot tub with our fresh fruit smoothies and compared notes about our services.
The only thing we could think of to do afterwards was to continue the hot tub party on the penthouse balcony, so we did. We were escorted back to our suite by our butler who then popped a bottle open and set up a lovely experience for us to enjoy before our late-night dinner.
Chileno Bay
Next up was the second Auberge Resort, and also Cabo’s newest resort. The vibe here was definitely different from Esperanza, where things were very private and relaxing.
At Chileno Bay, the music was turned up and TnT (tacos and tequila), the poolside bar, was anxious to keep everyone happy with their incredible menu of food and drinks. It also happened to be our first stop after checking in.
The infinity pools at this property seemed endless as there were layered, one above another. The guest rooms were large in size and modern in design. Minimalistic but with everything one would need, each with a private terrace and sliding glass doors that opened up the space beautifully.
Not to be outdone by its sister property, the spa at Chileno Bay was also remarkable. The outdoor space included a pool and tranquil relaxing area. If those tacos at TnT weren’t so good, I’d have spent more time enjoying the facilities, but alas, my stomach led me back to the tacos.
And speaking of food, COMAL, the resort’s signature restaurant had me in a food coma after my experience there. I’d best describe it as overportioned Latin American comfort food, hands down, the best meal of the trip.
The Resort at Pedregal
Another extremely private property, we were thrilled upon arriving but a little disheartened, only because it was the last stop of our luxury tour of Cabo. We may not have seen any celebrities at the film festival party, but we just barely missed one at The Resort at Pedregal.
An A-list celebrity, once married to another top gun A-lister, who was in town to receive an award, had just checked out hours before, and we were going to be staying in the same suite!
The three bedroom ocean view suite was large enough to accommodate a massive family, yet it was all ours. The living room led out to a balcony with a barbeque, dining table for six, and private hot tub and plunge pool, which overlooked the resort.
The highlight of this place was the afternoon delivery of complementary guacamole, chips, and beer each day, something we looked forward to each day. There are two incredible restaurants to choose from, Don Manuel’s and El Farallon, the latter being built into the famous cliffs that make up the property.
The local catch is displayed each night for guests to select from, which helps make it one of the best sea-to-table experiences in Cabo.
Luna y Mar Spa offers 10 private treatment rooms, some which open up to a private swimming pool for spa guests.
Beginning with a foot washing ritual in a circular room, the spa experience here is one that you wish would never end, and it doesn’t have to, as the relaxation area comes with an array of areas to enjoy afterwards, including restaurant service (sans alcohol), which encourages guests to stay longer.
Everyone I know who loves Cabo has a different tale and experience to tell. There are the regulars who enjoy their vacation ownerships, massages in palapas on the beach, and dining out in various local restaurants.
Others love to party it up in crowded clubs or rooftops. And then there are those who only sleep in Cabo while spending the rest of their time venturing out beyond city limits to see more of nature and local culture. Then of course, there are travelers like myself, who want to be pampered in luxury resorts, never having to leave them.
No matter which way appeals to you most, Cabo San Lucas is one of those places that everyone should experience and discover for themselves. I’d personally recommend the luxury route, but to each their own.
If anything, at least pop by for some spa time.
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