Two Resorts, One Stay: Why Vista Encantada Is Cabo’s Best-Kept Secret

At the very tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur is colorful Cabo San Lucas, a resort city known for El Arco, the arched rock formation where everyone snags boat photos; Playa del Amor, a romantic beach which you can only get to by water; and nonstop nightlife in the marina.

Because Cabo San Lucas has a cruise port, you’ll find the marina area always bustling with activity, and bars and restaurants in this area are always buzzing. For many, this is what Cabo is all about: the shopping, tropical cocktails at dockside bars, and quick and easy boat rides around the coastline.

But for me, I enjoy getting away from the cruise ships and the hordes of people, while still enjoying beautiful Cabo views. One of my favorite recent stays that allowed me to do just this? Vista Encantada Resort & Residences, a 10-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas.

At Vista Encantada, there are only 36 suites, meaning you’re at a boutique property that feels approachable rather than intimidating like other mega resorts in the area. It’s a refreshing alternative and feels much more intimate and low-key compared to larger resorts. And even though you’re away from the cruise port, you still have sweeping ocean views from not only your private balcony, but the rooftop pool and restaurants, too. While the resort is family friendly, it really has a relaxed vibe and is suitable for couples, friend groups, and those looking for the quieter side of Cabo.

While you can have a full vacation without leaving Vista Encantada, one of my favorite perks here is that you’ll have access to Vista’s neighboring sister property, Hacienda Encantada, where you’ll find even more pools, amenities, and restaurants in a larger resort system. I loved the restaurants at Vista Encantada, but I found myself venturing over to Hacienda each morning to have an alfresco breakfast at Las Marias, where I sipped café de olla while listening to the waves and eating chilaquiles. It’s always nice to pool hop as well and find a quieter spot in the resort’s network of water.

Aside from resort pools, Vista Encantada also offers an array of activities, from the on-site spa and temazcal therapy to horseback riding, tennis, and more. Again, some of these amenities are on the Hacienda side, but you’ll find that everything is a quick walk. And when you’d like to venture into downtown Cabo, the resort offers a complimentary shuttle that picks you up and drops you off. In downtown, you’ll find the Golden Zone restaurants, which you also have access to as a Vista Encantada guest.

Across Vista Encantada’s room categories, you’ll find beautiful ocean views, sprawling rooms and bathrooms, plunge pools, private balconies and terraces, vibrant linens and beautiful Mexican décor, soaking tubs, and full kitchens. There’s even personalized butler service where you can text your butler with requests, and 24-hour room and concierge service.

Couples and smaller families often book the one- and two-bedroom suites, which offer private terraces and ocean views. Some have grilling areas and swimming pools. Three- and four-bedroom penthouse suites can sleep up to 8 and 10 guests and have larger living areas for families to gather. Villas also have gorgeous ocean views and can sleep up to 8 people, with a laundry room, terrace, and plenty of space to spread out. In fact, space is never an issue with any room at Vista Encantada. My one-bedroom suite gave me plenty of room in the kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, and terrace for my entire trip and I never felt confined or heard any neighbors.

Residences come in three- and four-bedroom configurations, and sleep anywhere from 10 to 12 people. Here, find third and fourth bathrooms, large walk-in closets, terraces and private balconies, private pools, jetted tubs, and large outdoor spaces for entertaining.

Dining across Vista Encantada is impressive, and with access to the restaurants at Hacienda Encantada without an additional access fee, you really have a wide variety of options to choose from. Within Vista Encantada, there’s Mestizo del Mar, which is open for breakfast and dinner. The contemporary dining space serves Mexican fare, plus seafood and specialty cocktails. It was another great breakfast spot I enjoyed, and dinners of crab-crusted seabass and shrimp and lobster risotto were delicious.

Fresco Juice bar serves lighter options, and Ático Rooftop Bar is the rooftop poolside option for burgers, salads, tacos, and easy options. On the Hacienda Encantada side, there’s Barolo Cucina Italiana where you can get your pasta fix; Il Forno, the popular poolside pizza oven; La Trajinera for Mexican dishes such as tacos arrachera and shrimp and steak with mole. For date night, try Los Riscos Mesquite Grill, where alfresco tables give you incredible ocean views alongside grilled steaks.

You also have access to the marina’s Golden Zone restaurants, and the complimentary shuttle will get you there. Here, find Jack’s Steak House, Baja Lobster Company, Los Deseos Mexican Restaurant and Bar, Presto Italian Restaurant, and Golden Legends Sports Bar.

If you need some social interaction away from your private villa plunge pool, the rooftop infinity pool at Vista Encantada is one of my favorite spots to lounge, as it has panoramic ocean views and private plunge pools in select suites. Ático is also right there for poolside drink service and snacks. You can also hop over to Hacienda Encantada and enjoy their multiple pools, which include family pools, an adults-only pool, and numerous swim-up bars.

Vista Encantada is located on a stretch of rocky beach, so swimming isn’t available here. However, the resort will shuttle you to downtown and Medano Beach, which is just a short drive away.

Don’t miss some time at Vista’s Milagro Spa, where massages, body treatments, facials, and more are available. The indoor/outdoor spa pool is stunning, allowing you to relax on its edge while looking out at the sea below. The Sky Gym next to the rooftop pool is a beautiful space for those looking to stick to their workout routine while vacationing, and Hacienda Encantada offers tennis, basketball, volleyball courts, and pickleball.

Hacienda also has a traditional Mexican temazcal (sweat lodge) available for use. Here, partake in an ancient Mesoamerican ceremony, where guides lead you through a purifying ritual that cleanses your body and soul. The heated dome makes you pour sweat as you breathe in medicinal herbs.

Outside of the spa, pools, and sports activities, guests can also schedule horseback riding, culinary experiences such as guided tequila tastings, and more. The concierge team can help coordinate off-site adventures, such as a sail around El Arco and the Sea of Cortez, snorkel trips, fishing, golf, ATV rides, beach e-biking, and more. These are offered at an additional cost and are subject to availability.

The resort’s complimentary shuttle can take you to Medano Beach and downtown Cabo and the marina area, where you’ll find restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. Aside from Medano Beach, there’s Playa del Amor, which is across the bay from Medano Beach and accessible by boat, and just north of Vista Encantada is Santa Maria Beach, a swimmable beach popular with snorkelers.

Vista Encantada gives you a boutique property feel while allowing access to a larger resort, if that’s what you want. We love that you have room to roam at Vista Encantada and solitude, but more restaurants, pools, and things to do are just a short walk away at neighboring Hacienda Encantada.

All-inclusive packages are available, and in order to maximize restaurant experiences, we recommend doing the all-inclusive dining package here. This way, you can hop around not only Vista, but Hacienda Encantada and even in downtown Cabo for so many meal options.

For rates, current promotional pricing starts at $335 per night for a One Bedroom Suite Ocean Vista on the room-only plan, excluding taxes and fees. The All-In Gourmet Indulgence Plan (all inclusive) for the same suite currently starts at $541 per night, excluding taxes and fees.