Disclosure: I was invited to collaborate with and stay at Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos. All the opinions in this blog post are my own. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Planning the perfect vacation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for an affordable luxury destination in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. At Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, a Bonvoy Autograph Collection resort, you’ll find everything you need to unwind and rejuvenate at a reasonable price, including the renowned Cactus Spa, known for its transformative treatments and serene ambiance.
I spent four nights and five days relaxing at Hacienda del Mar. During my stay, I tried most of the restaurants, indulged at the full-service Cactus Spa, and relaxed by the pool. One of my favorite parts of the resort was the gorgeous scenery. Watching the palm trees sway against the backdrop of the colorful resort, blooming fuchsia bougainvillea, and the aquamarine sea crashing on the shore is a landscape I won’t forget.
Where is Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos?
Set in the exclusive Cabo del Sol community, Hacienda del Mar is conveniently located between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The hotel is about thirty-five minutes from Cabos San Lucas International Airport and approximately twenty minutes from well-known places on Playa el Medano, like The Office on the Beach and the Mango Deck, and the marina, where several boat charters depart for snorkeling and fishing adventures.
The Cabo del Sol 1,800-acre community is also home to the Four Seasons, a world-class golf course, and luxury villas. The Park Hyatt Residences and the Soho Beach Club are also in the works.
Indulge at the Hacienda del Mar Resort
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos is a sprawling property overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Set on eleven acres, the recently updated hotel features 270 rooms and suites, each with private terraces, including some with expansive views of the sea. The 19th-century Hacienda-inspired resort, combined with the meticulously manicured landscaping and the glistening Sea of Cortez, sets the scene for a fun-filled and relaxing vacation.
There is no shortage of restaurants or things to do at Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos. With numerous restaurant options, five bars, five swimming pools, the full-service Cactus Spa, a well-equipped 27/7 fitness center, a kids club, and a packed activities calendar, guests have everything they need for a relaxing vacation at a reasonable price.
What are the accommodation options at Hacienda del Mar?
The hotel underwent major renovations in 2024 with upgrades to the main building, guest room furniture, bedding, and the conversion of bathtub/shower combinations to walk-in rain showers. The large, updated rooms are a good value based on the cost of a stay.
With 270 rooms, there are plenty of room options. From garden, sea, and pool views, you will find the room that is right for you. Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos even has two presidential suites: the Patron and Patrona suites.
I stayed in a partial sea view king room overlooking Tahona Taquería. One of the benefits of my room was seeing the colors of the property against the deep hues of the sea in the morning, while the sound of the waves lulled me to sleep at night.
While I did have a few issues with the shower pressure and temperature, these issues did not detract from my overall stay.
Hacienda del Mar Club
Hacienda del Mar is comprised of two separate but interconnected resorts. There is the hotel, which is a part of Marriott’s Bonvoy Autograph Collection, and the Hacienda del Mar timeshare villas.
While each property has its own lobbies, amenities, and restaurants, every guest, regardless of where you are staying, is welcome to use the amenities of both properties.
Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind at the Cactus Spa
The celebrated Catus Spa is known for the lasting tranquility of the body, mind, and soul. One-of-a-kind treatments draw from ancient Mexican wellness traditions to provide an unforgettable journey of inner peace.
The Catus Spa houses ten treatment rooms, most of which have showers for guests to use after luxuriating in special treatments like the chocolate wrap. With two rooms designed for couples massages, the spa can accommodate up to 12 guests at a time.
If you prefer the utmost privacy, guests can opt for an in-room massage or book the Patrona Suite for a spa event like a bridal party.
Cactus Spa Offerings
The full-service spa also includes a beauty salon, nail care, and waxing services. Spa packages that combine hair, make-up, and a massage are popular for wedding parties.
Spa Amenities
Before your treatment, I recommend you give yourself fifty minutes to an hour to enjoy the steam room, sauna, and three plunge pools (cold [57ºF], warm [91ºF], and hot [104ºF]).
Before my treatment, I sat in the sauna and steam room to warm my body and then headed outside to the co-ed plunge pool area.
I am a cold plunge enthusiast, so I took advantage of the opportunity to take the plunge before my massage. Even though the temperature was 57ºF, the water felt much colder. My feet and hands took some time to get used to the frigid water. After about three and a half minutes, I had my fill and was ready to relax before my massage.
Pro Tip: Since the plunge pools and sitting areas are co-ed, remember to bring your bathing suit.
Catus Spa Signature Treatment at the Hacienda del Mar Spa
I had the 80-minute Catus Spa Signature Massage. Inspired by Mexican and Indigenous rituals and the resort’s natural surroundings, the massage incorporates several elements designed to pamper the guest. The massage started with a unique house blend of oil infused with tequila to promote hydration through the natural healing properties of tequila. Then, a blanket was placed over my body to create warmth, which I appreciated after the cold plunge.
I began to relax as my therapist used predominantly Swedish massage techniques to release the tension built up in my back and shoulders. Hot stones were a nice treat and worked to seal in that relaxing feeling. The massage concluded with the sounds of a rain stick.
After the massage, I enjoyed a complimentary cup of hot tea and a light, healthy snack.
Popular Catus Spa Treatments
The Cactus Spa offers several one-of-a-kind treatments and experiences. In addition to the Signature Treatment mentioned above, the Cactus Spa also provides unique massages and facials that are popular with guests.
Candle Massage: A Mexican wax that, when heated, turns into a warm oil that the technician uses to massage your body.
Honeymoon/Couples Massage: The Honeymoon/Couples Massage is also popular.
Antioxidant Facial: This treatment is designed to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating blood flow to create a fresh look.
Fully Equipped Gym
The hotel offers a spacious gym that is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The fitness center houses numerous types of cardio equipment, weight machines, and a workout room where you can use a large variety of free-weight equipment designed for individual workouts. Personal training services are available.
I started each morning at the gym. I was impressed by the number of cardio machines and the number of guests using the gym. This space was well-outfitted with a plethora of fitness gear from TechnoGym, like a balance dome, a variety of wellness balls, medicine balls, box jumps, bands, step equipment, dumbells, mats, slam balls, and foam rollers.
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Restaurants
Dining at Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos is a journey through flavors that delight the palate and showcase the richness of Mexican and international cuisine. With several on-site restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience, food lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice. Hacienda del Mar is keenly aware that guests may have dining restrictions and always asks if you have allergies.
In addition, the bartenders are constantly mixing up new mocktails and cocktails for guests to enjoy. I had several while visiting, but my favorite was the refreshing cucumber limeade.
While currently on the European a la carte dining plan, Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos is scheduled to transition to an all-inclusive hotel during the summer of 2025. As an up-and-coming all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos, it is bound to become even more popular.
Pitahayas Restaurant
Opening in 1995, Pitahayas existed far before Hacienda del Mar was built. The menu blends Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean influences into an innovative fusion of dishes. The open-air setting is a stunning place for sunsets and sea views.
I tried several dishes during my stay. While many dishes were tasty, not all of them were a home run. But my favorite dish was the “Snacks,” which was a tasty sampler of appetizers. Some of the “Snacks” were also part of the Chef’s tasting menu.
Wine Cellar at Pitahayas
I attended a specialty-created Chef’s tasting menu served in the wine cellar below Pitahayas. The chef’s dinner was by far my favorite meal while staying at the resort.
Inspired by Santiago Compostela of Spain, the modern yet medieval space is complete with a table reminiscent of the Knights of the Round Table. Hanging from a stone ceiling is a wrought iron chandelier to complete the look. Interestingly, the first rock used to build the hotel is under the wine cellar.
The dinner table is surrounded by wine cages built into the rocks, creating a natural dark and cool wine storage space. Each wine cage houses a different genre of wine and can be closed with an intricately wrought iron gate.
Our tasting menu included:
- freshly made bread with whipped jocoque cheese (one of my new favorite dips)
- grilled oysters with Parmesan and pesto
- heirloom tomato salad
- seared duck breast served on a gordita with Oaxacan black mole
- shrimp tempura served with tamarind and ginger sauce
- sea bass with a chili and ginger crust, sherry eggplant puree, sautéed spinach, and smoked dashi
- a tray of expertly prepared mini desserts, including coconut passion fruit entremet, creamy chocolate, strawberry pie, and corn cake
You basically had to roll me back to my room. I ate so many delicious dishes.
De Cortez Grillhouse
Perfect for a romantic dinner, De Cortez specializes in breakfast and premium cuts of meat and fresh seafood for dinner. Set against the backdrop of the Sea of Cortez, the ambiance is as memorable as the food.
Breakfast at De Cortez Grillhouse
For breakfast, I preferred eating at De Cortez over the buffet at Tomatoes. I ate breakfast at De Cortez Grill most mornings and enjoyed the Green Toast, Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, and the Yogurt Bowl.
One morning, while eating breakfast, I was able to spot a pod of whales playing and breaching the sea’s surface.
Dinner at De Cortez Grillhouse
Dinner at De Cortez Grill was a bit more hit-and-miss for me. While I enjoyed the Caesar salad and the steak with chimichurri sauce, I didn’t love the fresh catch.
Tomatoes Restaurant
This casual dining option overlooks the Sea of Cortez. The breakfast buffet is expansive, offering both Mexican and American breakfast and lunch dishes. There were tables and tables of food options and multiple food stations where you could order freshly cooked eggs or hand-made tortillas with several protein and vegetable options. While Tomatoes offers a massive number of food options, I prefer the made-to-order breakfast dishes at De Cortez Grillhouse.
For dinner, the restaurant is transformed into a trattoria. If you are a meat eater, opt for the Butcher’s Block appetizer, which is a massive amount of cured meats.
Las Sirenas Pool Bar & Restaurant
Located poolside, Las Sirenas is the go-to spot for refreshing cocktails, light bites, and classic Baja favorites like tacos, hamburgers, and, my favorite, chips and guacamole.
La Terraza Del Santo (Sushi Bar)
If you are looking for a quick snack, stop at the outdoor lobby sushi bar with views of the sea. I tried all four sushi options, including three rolls (spicy tuna, California, and salmon) and the spicy sushi sashimi. I liked the California roll topped with crab the best.
Sports Bar
For sports lovers, opt for the Sports Bar, which combines sea views with entertainment. Enjoy craft beers, pub-style fare, and big-screen TVs showing the latest games.
Tahona Taquería
Tucked behind the concierge desk is a small outdoor taco bar specializing in beef and pork tacos. Tahona is a terrific option for a drink and an afternoon snack or dinner. The Mexican tacos are flavorful and filling, and the staff was warm and friendly.
Cevicheria Tortugas
Sit beachside while you enjoy the sea view and dine on ceviche. Feel the warm sea breeze as you listen to and see the waves crashing on the shore in front of Cevichería Tortugas.
While I was there, Cevichería Tortugas was undergoing renovations, but guests could still access the menu while eating at the sushi bar.
Relax by the Pools
Hacienda del Mar has so many pools that you could pick a different pool to relax at each day of your vacation. With five different pools, there is always a place for you. My favorite pool is the infinity pool with a sea view. Delfines, aka “the secret pool,” with a swim-up bar, is also popular.
There are multiple hot tubs on the property. However, they are set at varying temperatures, so they might not be as hot as you might expect.
The views of the pool, flowers, and the sea in the background are spectacular. Sitting by the pool was my favorite spot on the resort’s grounds.
De Cortez Beach
Hacienda del Mar is a beachfront resort with direct access to the beach. Guests can be seen lounging on the beach and walking hand-in-hand on a romantic walk along the coastline.
However, there is always a black flag warning alerting guests that the sea is not swimmable. It is dangerous, and guests are not permitted to swim in the sea.
I was on a walk along the beach and didn’t think I was close to the water’s edge, but the lifeguard on duty was extremely concerned. Apparently, the waves are unpredictable and can slam on shore and pull you out to sea.
The sea is pretty to look at, though not swimable.
Unique Features of Hacienda del Mar
The Chapel
The hotel owners have gone to great lengths to provide guests with the opportunity to experience Mexican culture and history. The property includes a consecrated chapel with wood doors that were part of the first mission in Lorado, Mexico. Both guests and the local community are invited to attend Sunday mass. The chapel is also popular for weddings and baptisms.
As a fun gift, I received the mouthwatering chocolate “keys” to the chapel.
The Mark
As an Autograph Collection hotel, Hacienda del Mar has adopted the patron saint of St. Anthony of Padua as its Mark. St. Anthony of Padua is known in Mexico for creating miracles of love.
The saint is always shown upside down. The idea is that if he creates a love miracle for you, in return, you will turn him right side up.
St. Anthony of Padua is scheduled to play a larger role throughout the hotel in fun, inventive ways. Be on the lookout for candles, drinks, and entrées inspired by St. Anthony of Padua.
Museum
In addition, there is a small museum in the lobby showcasing megalodon fossils. I’m just happy these are fossils and can no longer be found in our seas because these creatures have massive teeth!
There are also mosaics, paintings, and statues placed throughout the property for guests to enjoy.
Activities at Hacienda Del Mar
Check out the action-packed activities calendar while staying at the resort. There are numerous daily activities. Several activities sounded intriguing, like outdoor yoga, cooking and mixology demonstrations, and tequila tasting. There are also several shops on the grounds in case you forget a bathing suit, want a souvenir, or need items from a convenience store.
Hacienda del Mar also offers a kids club.
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas
Adventures beyond the resort are easy to come by when visiting Hacienda del Mar. Its location makes it a convenient home base for exploring. Activities in Los Cabos range from snorkeling and surfing to kayaking along the iconic arch to experiencing the thrill of whale watching; there’s no shortage of activities for every kind of traveler in Cabo San Lucas. During my visit in December, we were able to see whales from the hotel pool area. In January, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale shark.
Food tours, bar hopping, and watersports are popular activities in Cabo San Lucas. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to a championship course with stunning sea views within the Cabo del Sol community.
Weddings and Events
Hacienda Del Mar, with its stunning views, is an ideal place for a wedding, party, or corporate event. The property has several venue options, including one of the largest conference centers in Cabo San Lucas that can hold up to 800 guests. Smaller venues also exist throughout the property.
The hotel also hosts holiday-themed events, like a Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas brunch, and a New Year’s Eve party.
Your Next Vacation Awaits
Hacienda del Mar is one of the best affordable luxury resorts in Cabo San Lucas. It is ideal for a romantic getaway that won’t break the bank. Book your stay now and give yourself the gift of indulgence at the Cactus Spa—because you deserve the very best.
If you are looking for other Mexico destinations, check out my blog posts about where to stay and things to do in Punta Mita. For surfers, you might enjoy my posts about surfing in Fiji and Nosara, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Los Cabos?
The best time to visit Los Cabos is generally from December through March during the dry season. Cabo San Lucas is a popular spot for winter holiday travelers.
Cabo San Lucas Tours created the helpful weather chart below:
Is Hacienda del Mar an all-inclusive Resort?
Hacienda del Mar is not currently an all-inclusive resort, but it will be around July 2025. In the meantime, meal plans are available for wedding parties and corporate events.
Cabo San Lucas all-inclusive hotels are becoming increasingly popular.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
At the time of writing, Cabo San Lucas is not on the U.S. State Department’s Do Not Travel list. But, before visiting, you may want to check the U.S. State Department’s website, just like you would before traveling to any other country.
Where is Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas is on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula in the State of Baja California Sur. This coastal city is set between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.
Can I fly to Cabo San Lucas?
With more than 500 flights a week, flights to Cabo San Lucas are easy to find. The flight from Los Angeles to the Los Cabos International Airport was about two and a half hours. Clearing customs was quick and efficient with the new technology Mexico implemented.
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