Are you looking for an upscale hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico that is both family-friendly and romantic? Hacienda del Mar in Los Cabos is now a Marriott Bonvoy hotel. With Sea of Cortez views, Hacienda del Mar is a Los Cabos, Mexico resort, near Cabo del Sol golf course. Previously a Sheraton property, I’m already seeing the upgrades being made to the oceanside Mexican resort.
Located between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Hacienda del Mar is situated on the southern edge of Baja California Sur in Mexico. Often referred to as “mas tranquilo” this part of Mexico is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California. As I’ve reviewed numerous all inclusive Los Cabos luxury resorts, I’d like to point out that Hacienda del Mar is not an all-inclusive Mexico hotel. Rather, guests may opt for the meal plan or simply be a hotel guest of Hacienda del Mar.
Mexican colonial style at Hacienda del Mar
With 270 hotel rooms at Hacienda del Mar, the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection hotel is in the process of painting and remodeling the hacienda-style resort. Built in 1995, the property is divided into two sections; the hotel side and vacation villas, also know as timeshare properties. A Mexican Colonial resort with 19th century architectural touches, the hotel features the original hacienda wood doors, plenty of fountains, colorful Mexican tiles and many interesting pieces of art.
Each of the 14 hotel buildings is named after a flower or tree. I stayed in the Yucca building, #30. Like touring Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it will take a minute to get your bearings on the multi-acre, oceanfront property. However, the bellman will take you on a brief property tour, via golfcart, pointing out the restaurants, pools and Cactus Spa, before showing you to your hotel room.
Rooms range from regular haciendas with garden views, to Cabos ocean view rooms, Baja oceanfront suites and several luxury penthouse suites. If this Los Cabos, Mexico trip is a special celebration, you’ll want to reserve the Padron suite with a private hot tub on the balcony, facing the Sea of Cortez.
I stayed in room 3043 on the fourth floor with a garden view. My room was next to one of five swimming pools and had a swim up bar. During low season (May to October) my Hacienda room rented for $300, plus tax. High season, this garden room with a king bed and small balcony would rent for $350. As always, check the website for current pricing and specials.
Hacienda del Mar dining options
On my first night, I dined at Pitahayas, Hacienda del Mar’s signature restaurant. As a hotel review expert, my inside tip is to make dinner reservations as soon as you check in. Reservations were not needed for breakfast and lunch during my stay.
I confess that I dined at Pitahayas restaurant 3 times during my 5 night stay. The first night I ordered rack of lamb. I consider myself an authority when it comes to lamb dishes. Trust me when I say the rack of lamb was excellent and cooked perfectly. The sommelier on staff oversees all fine dining establishments and has a wide selection of international, USA and Mexico-based wines.
My next inside tip for dining at Hacienda del Mar, arrange for a private dinner in the downstairs wine cellar or on the Palapa with Sea of Cortez views. You can thank me later.
Buffet breakfast is available at Tomates with indoor and oceanside dining. My first breakfast I dined on the patio and was rewarded with a show of humpback whales breaching and spouting throughout my meal. If you are a fan of breakfast buffets, Tomates will impress. Some of my friends enjoyed daily mimosas, while I preferred the fresh banana bread, homemade tortillas with grilled cheese (corn and flour tortillas) and yogurt with fresh fruit. The staff at all restaurants were accommodating and friendly.
On the southeast corner of the resort sits De Cortez Grillhouse. From grilled octopus or scallops to filet mignon, you’ll be well fed at De Cortez restaurant. Try the burrata bread, too. This is also a good place to belly up to the bar and enjoy a tropical drink or tequila while taking in the Seas of Cortez views.
Have lunch at Sirenas or El Burro Cansado with Sea of Cortez as a backdrop. I ordered the tinga de pollo tacos with a side of guacamole and chips. Again, the humpback whales graced me with their presence and endless whale spouts. If you like tequila or mezcal, head to La Suerta for endless selections of this Mexican agave spirit. If you really want a deep tequila dive, sign up for a tequila tasting.
Cactus Spa and other activities
What’s a Mexican vacation without a trip to the spa after a day at the pool? With 11 treatment rooms, Cactus Spa features an outdoor hot tub and indoor sauna. I opted for the 50 minute massage. Couples massages are available, as well as facials, manicure and pedicure treatments and hair styling.
Additionally, there is a fitness center on property, as well as a kid’s club. My children are now adults, so I stay away from children’s centers, for now.
I did join in on a water aerobics class offered by the activity center. There’s also Mexican bingo, yoga on the lawn and other daily activities. I’m not one to lounge around the pool, but I did make friends with a local iguana.
If you have the opportunity to visit during Dia de los Muertos in early November, I highly recommend this experience. Hacienda del Mar did a fantastic job of immersing hotel guests in this magical evening. It was a meaningful cultural experience for young and old to enjoy. As a white woman from Oregon, I recommend you watch the Pixar movie Coco on your flight to Mexico. It will give you a little background on the Land of the Dead and its rich Mexican culture.
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Marriott Bonvoy hotel review and all photography by Pacific Northwest travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Hacienda del Mar for review purposes.