Hacienda Encantada Resort, Cabo San Lucas Review

One of three infinity pools at the resort. 

Morning light at the Hacienda Encantada Resort

Hacienda Encantada Resort Review

Day 1: Touring the Property + a Sunset Dinner

I had no idea what to expect when I showed up in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico last Tuesday. As we drove up to the Hacienda Encantada,  an all-inclusive resort in Cabo, I started to get a sense of just how grand this place actually is. I was given a tour around the property via golf cart on the way to my room. They have golf cart shuttles that stop at the buildings every 15 minutes to take guests around the property. The resort is family owned and operated. Everyone on the property is exceptionally nice and they take great care of their guests as if you are family.

My room had a gorgeous view of one of three pools on the property, the ocean, and the famous Los Arcos rocks in the distance. After settling in and unpacking, I headed out to tour the property on foot. It was a nice way to stretch my legs after the 2.5-hour flight from Los Angeles.

There was a little kiosk down by the beach with beautiful hand-painted bowls. It took me the longest time to decide which colors to get.  Finally, I decided on the large blue bowl and a smaller yellow one.  ($50USD for both) Only I would be in a new location or less than 6 hours and go shopping.

The first event of our press trip was dinner at one of the seven restaurants on the property, Los Riscos.  We sat at “La Mesa del Patron” the table of the boss perched on the side of a cliff with unobstructed views of the beautiful Cabo sunset. The sky literally turned a rosy pink as the sun began to set. We enjoyed a variety of dishes family style and margaritas.

The entryway to the Hacienda Residences

Day 2: Tequila Tasting + Making Guacamole at the Residences

The next morning I woke up bright and early to catch the morning light with Ramina. She’s a local wedding & family photographer who I found via Instagram. I shared with her my visions of the locations I’d scouted the day before and off we went shooting almost all of the content you see in this post

Afterward, the girls and I met for lunch in the Residences– a separate area of the resort with luxury 2-4 bedroom houses available for rent with their own pools, BBQs, kitchens. The Residences even have their own optional butlers and chefs! We got to experience a tequila tasting and learn about the different processes of tequila making including how some tequilas are held in charred oak barrels for up to 36 months to give them a more smokey flavor.

Next, we learned how to make authentic Mexican guacamole. We made it in a molcajete, a traditional Mexican version of the mortar and pestle stone tools, used for grinding various ingredients. It gives the guacamole an extra flavor as the minerals from the lava rock made molcajete are ground into the guacamole.  And finally, for lunch, we enjoyed sushi and BBQ from the Hacienda Encantada’s own executive chef. What a treat!

The afternoon was spent leisurely walking around the property and a Swedish massage at the resorts’ own spa. Dinner the second night was again at one of the Residences with a view overlooking the sunset. The chef prepared an incredible meal followed by an array of desserts that the girls and I didn’t hesitate to devour.

Entrance to the Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa

View of the pool from the second story at Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa

Day 3: Marina Fiesta Resort + Sailing

On day three we headed over to the Hacienda Encantada’s sister property, the Marina Fiesta Resort. It is located right on the water in the Marina Golden Zone and surrounded by plenty of restaurant options that are included in an all-inclusive package and lots of shopping.  I honestly did not like this part of town considering it’s much more crowded and all the shops and restaurants are catered to American tourists. When you walk along the marina, everyone is trying to sell you tours, food, and souvenirs every 5 seconds. I prefer a more quiet, more authentic experience when I travel.

Our group took a boat tour with Cabo Adventures where we got to see the famous Los Arcos rocks. Be ready to snap your photos because as soon as the boat’s photographer snaps their photos the boat speeds off to the next destination: Santa Marina Bay for quick snorkeling followed by an hour of sailing before heading back to the harbor. Make sure to pack lots of sunscreen, a hat that won’t fly off, and a sweater as it gets quite cool on the ride back.

Dinner outfit shot as the sun was setting over the marina.

We enjoyed a drink at the Sky Bar on the roof of the Marina Fiesta before heading to dinner. The highlight of visiting the marina was definitely an authentic Mexican dinner at Los Deseos. The ambiance, the food, and the service were impeccable. They have a quesadilla that is just a delight to watch them make as they pour fire from one bowl to another. I was surprised at how empty the restaurant was considering how great of an experience we had. I was told it’s due to it currently being the off-season for tourism in Cabo. If you are in the marina, definitely eat here!

It was sad to leave the Hacienda Encantada. I could have easily have stayed a few more days and spent a few more hours in the pool or by the beach. I will definitely be planning a trip back with family and friends for a stay at the Residences.

Shop all of my resort wear outfits here.

Xoxo,

Laura

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING CABO SAN LUCAS:

Weather:

• It can be very hot during the day and cool down exponentially at night. Bring a light jacket for your evening activities.
• The weather is also very dry as Cabo is a desert.  Make sure to drink plenty of water and bring good moisturizers with you!
• You can pay for almost everything with American Dollars. I brought lots of small bills ($1s and $5s) for shopping and tipping.
• Almost everyone speaks English, but it’s good to practice your Spanish with the locals!
• You do not need to bring outlet converters for (most) hotels. US plugins work just the same there.

SHOP MY LOOKS: CABO SAN LUCAS

I’ve rounded up links for all of my looks from Cabo San Lucas! You can read all about my Packing List for Cabo here.

This was a press trip with accommodations provided by the Hacienda Encantada Resort. All opinions expressed here are my own and honest opinion of the hotel + services. If I found anything to note about the property I’ve included it in this article.