Every once in a while, a destination grabs hold of me. When that happens, I feel drawn there, am sad to leave, and can’t wait to return. While I typically like to visit many different destinations in my travels, I’m usually eager to return when captivated by a place.
That is exactly how I felt when I first arrived at the Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences in Cabo San Lucas. This clifftop resort offers stunning views, authentic decor, delicious food, friendly people, beautiful rooms, and much more.
Considering a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, the Hacienda Encantada Resort is a beautiful spot for a family vacation. Continue reading to learn more about the resort, including the food, rooms, and amenities.
Disclosure: My trip to the Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences was complimentary. All opinions are my own.
Review of the Stunning Hacienda Encantada Resort in Cabo San Lucas
The family-owned Mexico Grand Hotels group owns and operates the Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences. Despite being a large and sprawling resort, it feels quaint and homey.
While the walking distance between the various buildings isn’t too far, you can always call for a golf cart to pick you up and bring you anywhere on the property. This can be especially helpful when it’s hot outside or when visiting any of the clifftop areas, like Los Riscos or Las Marias restaurants.
Location of the Hacienda Encantada Resort
The Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences is located in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, about 15 minutes from the lively marina. A shuttle is available to take guests to the Marina Fiesta sister property, and from there, you can walk anywhere in the marina area.
The resort is 40 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo. Transfers to and from the airport can be arranged for an additional fee, and I highly recommend it. A pre-scheduled transfer can help with any travel stress, and you’ll be ready to go to the resort once you arrive.
Booking the Resort
When you book the Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences, you’ll have the option of either a room-only booking or an all-inclusive option. In my opinion, the all-inclusive option is best. You won’t have to worry about purchasing drinks (including bottled water) or meals, and the food at the resort is delicious. But, if you are considering traveling around town during the day, it may be better to do a room-only booking.
The all-inclusive option includes the in-room mini-bar (mine included water, beer, and soda) and the pool bars. It doesn’t include room service, lobster and premium steaks, or the on-site coffee shop.
There are two all-inclusive packages: the Dine Out All Inclusive Gourmet Plan, which is the standard plan, and the All In Gourmet Indulgence Plan, which is a premium plan and includes the restaurants at the adjacent Vista Encantada. Both packages include restaurants at the Marina Fiesta Resort at the marina.
Rooms at the Resort
The Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences offers several different room options, including suites, hotel rooms, and residences.
The hotel rooms are located in the El Encanto Tower. They offer beautiful views and include one king or two queen beds. The building also includes larger suites if you need or want more space.
The Hacienda and Vista suites include lots of space, including a separate bedroom, a kitchenette, a huge balcony, one or two bathrooms, and a living area. I had this type of room, and I loved having this much room. I spent much of my free time sitting on my balcony, reading while I enjoyed the beautiful views of the Sea of Cortez. This would be a great amount of space for a family visiting the resort.
There are also thirty-six residences. These luxurious villas are available in two, three, and four-bedroom private residences. They include a full kitchen, balcony, terrace, and laundry facilities. They would be perfect for a larger family or group.
If your suite doesn’t have laundry facilities, there is a separate laundry room that you can use. It takes quarters, available in the on-site tienda (which sells souvenirs, snacks, toiletries, and other essentials).
Food at the Hacienda Encantada Resort
The food at Hacienda Encantada was especially flavorful and delicious. The all-inclusive package includes a variety of different locations and cuisines, and I had the opportunity to enjoy a few locations during my stay.
Los Riscos Mesquite Grill & Bar: This clifftop dinner restaurant is a must-visit. Reservations are required, and I’d recommend visiting during one of the beautiful Cabo sunsets.
Las Marias Restaurant & Bar: Offering an authentic Mexican buffet breakfast, Las Marias is a great place to start the morning. I especially enjoyed the Bistec and fresh fruit.
La Pergola Restaurant & Pool Bar: This poolside restaurant also offers a sushi menu. I loved my first meal here so much that I returned on the second day. My favorite item here was the sashimi.
El Patio Snack & Pool Bar: Located by the adult-only section, El Patio offers ceviche, salads, and other delicious food. My favorite item is the shrimp salad, served in a half pineapple, but I also really enjoyed the ceviche.
Barolo Cucina Italiana: This Italian restaurant is located in front of the Encanto tower. It offers Italian specialties for dinner – I enjoyed the Burrata salad.
Mestizo Del Mar: In the adjacent Vista Encantada boutique hotel, Mestizo Del Mar offers a rooftop view of Cabo. I went there for breakfast one morning and loved both the food and the views.
We also had the opportunity to dine at Los Deseos, a Mexican restaurant in the Marina Golden Zone by the Marina Fiesta restaurant. This restaurant is elegant and beautiful, and the food is delicious. I enjoyed the tuna carnitas entree.
Other great restaurant options at the Hacienda Encantada include El Eden Tequila Bar (which looked really delicious; my room overlooked it) and the Il Forno Snack & Pool Bar (which offers pizzas). In addition, the Golden Zone Marina has several other great options.
Amenities at the Hacienda Encantada Resort
There’s so much to enjoy at the resort, and much of it is included in your stay.
Kids’ club: The kids’ club is available to kids aged 4-12 and offers some indoor space and a splash pad. It’s located right by two of the pool areas.
Pools: There are three large pools, including one adult-only pool. These stunning pools include swim-up bars and light food.
Milagro Wellness Spa: Located in the adjacent Vista Encantada boutique hotel, the Milagro Spa is a full-featured spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, salon services, and the signature Temazcal Wellness Experience (offered once a week on Friday afternoons).
I was treated to a Swedish massage during my visit and spent the preceding hour in the open-air spa pool and Hydrotherapy area. It was so relaxing, and I recommend including a spa visit to your stay at the Hacienda Encantada.
Gym: Want to stay active during your vacation? The resort offers a full gym with cardio and weight equipment. There’s also a personal trainer on-site and a daily exercise class at 9 a.m. (including yoga and Pilates).
Activities: The resort offers an activities team and many planned activities, including poolside games and trivia, bands, bike rides, and horseback riding. Special events, including tequila tasting at the onsite Tequila Museum area, are held several times weekly (some of these are for an extra fee).
Sports: If you’d prefer to stay active in a more organized way, there are several sports areas on property. These include tennis/pickleball courts, volleyball, cornhole, and a putting green.
Chapel: The resort offers a gorgeous clifftop Catholic chapel. It’s used for Catholic wedding ceremonies on the property and weekly mass services.
Getting Around
If you prefer not to walk while on the property, you can request a ride from a golf cart. If you plan to explore beyond the property, there are several options.
Some guests choose to rent a car upon arriving at the airport. This provides the most flexibility. If you only want the car for a day, a better option may be to rent a car at the resort’s onsite car rental desk. Cabs are also available at the resort, and the concierge desk can help you arrange excursions.
If you’d like to go to the marina, a complimentary resort shuttle travels between the Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences and the Marina Fiesta Resort at the marina.
Are you considering a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico? You can find more information and book your stay at Hacienda Encantada here.
