Many people mistakenly use the terms “Los Cabos” and “Cabo San Lucas” as if they’re interchangeable, creating a bit of bewilderment for those visiting the area for the first time. To dispel this uncertainty, it’s essential to understand that Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are distinct cities that collectively make up the broader Los Cabos region, situated on Mexico’s picturesque Baja California Peninsula.
While Cabo San Lucas is a bustling hub featuring an array of vibrant restaurants and animated nightlife spots, its counterpart, San José del Cabo, offers a more tranquil experience, characterized by a flourishing arts community and upscale boutique shops. Both locales are enchanting in their unique ways, ensuring a captivating Mexican vacation replete with sublime beaches, cliff-hugging resorts, and idyllic ocean-view cabañas.
For those specifically seeking beaches suitable for swimming, Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is your go-to destination. Here, a plethora of dining establishments and recreational activities are just a stone’s throw from the shoreline. Regardless of where you choose to lodge in the Los Cabos area, expect to be pampered with high-end hotels featuring private plunge pools, accommodations boasting sweeping vistas of the sea, and lavish villas complete with personalized butler service.
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
Anticipate limitless vistas of the ocean at this luxurious beachside establishment, renowned for its unparalleled hospitality. Select from a diverse range of 157 rooms, suites, and villas, all designed to offer panoramic sights of Cabo San Lucas Bay and the iconic El Arco. Each accommodation features its own private veranda and is adorned with meticulous design elements like furnishings influenced by mid-20th-century Latin American style, complemented by sheets and linens woven from lustrous sateen.
Beyond the sanctuary of your living space, the hotel presents two magnificent swimming pools for your leisure. One is an infinity pool, equipped with a convenient swim-up bar, and the other is a unique saltwater pool chiseled into the cliffside, offering awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean. (Explore more of the most impressive hotel swimming pools.)
Once you’ve left the beach behind, elevate your evening at the hotel’s stylish rooftop lounge. Here, you can savor tequila-based cocktails next to an open fire, seated in a sunken communal area, all while enjoying a distant but clear view of El Arco.
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
Accommodations at Esperanza span from intimate casitas and elegant suites to beachfront villas and extravagant haciendas. For those aiming to elevate their Mexican sojourn, the haciendas epitomize sheer luxury. Complete with a specialized housekeeping crew, a private infinity pool, a hot tub, and an al fresco kitchen and dining space sprawling over 14,000 square feet, these four-bedroom estates offer an unmatched lodging experience.
Beyond the confines of your room, Esperanza extends its luxury offerings with a secluded beach that comes with attentive concierge services. The resort also boasts a cutting-edge fitness facility and another stunning infinity pool equipped with a swim-up bar. (Don’t forget to explore some of the other top-notch hotel fitness centers.)
Your culinary adventure is also well catered for at the resort. Make sure not to skip a meal at Cocina del Mar, an exquisite dining venue sculpted into the cliffside with ocean views. As the sound of crashing waves accompanies you and the scent of sea salt fills the air, indulge in a diverse menu that celebrates both traditional Mexican and Baja-inspired gastronomy.
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
If the allure of golfing in the scenic backdrop of Baja California captivates you, the exceptionally secluded and tranquil Chileno Bay should be your go-to destination. The breathtaking 18-hole golf course here, masterminded by famed architect Tom Fazio, seamlessly blends views of the ocean with sweeping landscapes of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains ascending in the distance.
Not particularly smitten by golf? Fear not, as Chileno Bay offers a rich array of alternative pursuits. These range from rejuvenating wellness therapies to an assortment of open-air adventures, which include everything from snorkeling and scuba diving to whale-watching expeditions around the Baja Peninsula.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Regarded as one of the premier resorts in the Los Cabos area, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delivers an unparalleled Mexican retreat. A standout accommodation is the Estrella Suite—an embodiment of lavish comfort set within this tropical paradise. Situated on the resort’s top floor, the Estrella Suite features an expansive terrace equipped with a fire pit, a personal infinity pool, a seamlessly integrated indoor-outdoor living space, a regal king-sized master suite, a rainfall shower, a sumptuous soaking tub, and a fully loaded refrigerator.
Beyond the sumptuous confines of the suite, the resort also houses a comprehensive spa facility, complete with a sauna, an array of massage therapies, and inviting hot tubs for a luxurious soak.
When it comes to culinary delights, guests are spoilt for choice with various dining establishments on the property. Don Manuel’s Bar offers an exquisite selection of rare spirits, including tequila and mezcal, curated from diverse Mexican regions. Crudo tempts with its ultra-fresh ceviche, complemented by limitless oceanic vistas. The beach club, offering panoramic sights of both the Pacific Ocean and the ascending Pedregal Mountain, specializes in traditional Mexican fare like tacos and quesadillas. Last but not least, El Farallon offers a sea-to-table dining experience in a cliff-hanging setting, often hailed as one of the most visually stunning restaurants in the entire region.
Montage Los Cabos
Located a mere two miles from the sought-after swimming locale of Medano Beach, Montage Los Cabos epitomizes five-star hospitality complete with top-notch accommodations. While you’ll encounter all the quintessential features of a high-end beach resort—ranging from a well-equipped fitness center and swimming pools to beachside cabañas, a deluxe spa, and an array of dining venues—the resort distinguishes itself through its specialized aquatic sports hub, Compass. This center provides a plethora of water activities, from jet skiing and sailing to snorkeling and scuba diving.
For an exceptionally memorable excursion, consider reserving the eight-hour Canyon Experience. This unique outing amalgamates terrestrial and maritime adventures. Participants have the opportunity to commandeer UTVs, take a dip in natural aquatic sanctuaries, trek along the San Dionisio River, and marvel at the awe-inspiring Sol de Mayo waterfall. (Intrigued by the prospect of additional thrill-seeking? Take a look at some more of the world’s top adventure resorts.)
One&Only Palmilla
This exquisite resort in Los Cabos prides itself on its enviable location “nestled between cerulean skies and the deep-blue sea.” Situated along the Baja California coastline with unobstructed vistas of the Sea of Cortez, this high-end haven offers something rare: immediate access to some of the few beaches in the Los Cabos area where swimming is permitted. Regardless of whether you opt for a suite, standard room, or villa, each accommodation features an oceanic backdrop and comes with private terraces or patios, outfitted with cozy day beds for ultimate relaxation.
For those seeking an extra layer of opulence, the Casita Suites provide the added luxuries of an attentive butler service and a secluded oceanfront infinity pool. Beyond the comfort of your room, the resort offers an abundant selection of marine and terrestrial activities. Yet, it’s particularly commendable for its immersive Mexican experiences. One&Only Palmilla excels at integrating guests into the rich tapestry of Mexico’s lively culture through offerings like Mexican culinary workshops, mezcal and tequila tasting sessions, and indigenous healing practices.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort
Situated at the intersection of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, Las Ventanas Rosewood is a unique confluence where the rugged Mexican desert scenery elegantly converges with the idyllic coastline. Not only does this resort welcome families, but it stands out as one of the rare establishments that also accommodates pets. (For more options, explore a list of the best pet-friendly hotels.)
At Las Ventanas, four-legged companions are treated to an exceptional standard of care. The resort provides mobile pet cabañas for their comfort, a gourmet ‘Canine Delights Menu’ crafted by an in-house chef, and a selection of pet accessories to ensure an equally luxurious stay for all members of your travel party.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Melding the distinctive Japanese aesthetics inherent to the Nobu brand with the vibrant character of the Los Cabos region, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos emerges as a five-star sanctuary and the brand’s inaugural property in the area. Guests can select from opulent rooms and spacious suites that are notably more budget-friendly compared to other high-end resorts in the vicinity. Each room features a minimalist Japanese decor complemented by earthy accents, exclusive Nobu bedding, and captivating vistas of either the ocean, verdant gardens, or the expansive Mexican desert.
During your stay, don’t miss out on a visit to the serene Esencia Wellness Spa. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive menu of treatments, ranging from hydrotherapy sessions to massages inspired by Asian techniques. The spa complex also houses saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis, alongside a fitness center offering an array of classes, including yoga, Pilates, and spinning.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nestled along the shoreline of San José del Cabo, this resort artfully fuses the natural splendor of the locale with the vivacious essence of Mexican culture. Guests have the option of selecting from a diverse range of over 100 rooms, suites, and villas, each meticulously curated with artwork, textiles, and handcrafts sourced from local Mexican artisans. Regardless of your choice of accommodation, you’ll experience a harmonious melding of terrestrial and marine elements. Features such as expansive sliding glass doors encourage the ocean’s gentle breeze to waft into your sleeping quarters, while private plunge pools and secluded terraces elevate your stay.
When you manage to step away from your lavish lodgings, the gastronomic experiences at Zadún are nothing short of extraordinary. Mirroring the rooms’ decor, the in-house dining venues pay homage to Mexico’s multifaceted culinary heritage, offering menus rich in traditional indigenous spices and time-honored recipes.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
The Four Seasons brand is globally synonymous with unparalleled excellence and top-tier service, yet its presence in Los Cabos adds an extra layer of allure. Located within a sprawling thousand-acre gated community on the East Cape of Baja California, the Five Seasons Los Cabos graces a two-mile stretch of beach featuring waters that are actually swimmable—a true rarity in this region. Positioned at a convenient proximity to Los Cabos International Airport and the bustling cities, this five-star sanctuary strikes the perfect balance for a sublime Mexican escape.
The accommodations, masterfully conceptualized by esteemed designer Todd-Avery Lenahan, boast private plunge pools and secluded terraces for an intimate experience. Culinary delights vary from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to a local Baja brasserie, offering a global palate with regional authenticity.
Beyond the sumptuous rooms and delectable dining options, the Four Seasons Los Cabos offers an extensive menu of adventurous terrestrial and aquatic activities. From exploring nearby cascading waterfalls and horseback rides along the scenic coast, to deep-sea fishing excursions in the Sea of Cortez and snorkeling in the UNESCO-recognized Cabo Pulmo, guests can even have the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside the ocean’s gentle giants—whale sharks.
Casa Natalia
Experiencing a stay at Casa Natalia is much like spending your vacation in a close friend’s inviting abode. Situated in the vibrant heart of San José del Cabo, this boutique haven attracts both locals and globetrotters, each welcomed with heartfelt hospitality from the attentive and gracious staff. Each of the hotel’s 18 vividly adorned suites showcases artwork and furnishings handcrafted by local artisans, complemented by secluded terraces—some of which even feature hot tubs—and hammocks for ultimate relaxation.
Guests have the option to unwind by the pool, indulge in in-room massage therapies, or savor farm-to-table, organic fare at either of Casa Natalia’s two exceptional eateries. This setting offers a cozy, intimate sanctuary, ideal for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience and a vacation that strays from the conventional tourist paths.