Hacienda Encantada: A Superb Los Cabos Hideaway

Nestled within a cove and perched on a hilltop overlooking the stunning Sea of Cortez, Hacienda Encantada is a resort well suited for the quintessential Baja getaway. The staff at the the resort is so friendly and gracious, that it almost feels like a home away from home. With a multitude of restaurants, swimming pools and on-site activities, you may never want to leave the property. However, if you do, everything from fishing, golf, water sports, ATV adventures and more await just a short drive or shuttle ride away.

I was first introduced to Hacienda Encantada during an assignment for Travelocity. I had such a wonderful time in Los Cabos, and stay at the Hacienda Encantada, that when my buddy asked me if I could suggest a good location for a guys getaway not far from Phoenix, I told him we needed to head to the tip of the Baja.

Los Cabos is just a short 2-hour non-stop flight from Phoenix. To the Hacienda Encantada, it’s just another 30 minutes to the property via a taxi or private shuttle from the Los Cabos airport.

As soon as we approached the massive guarded-gate arched entryway, I could see the excitement build in the eyes of my two buddies. From the gate, it must be at least a half a mile drive through the expansive property before reaching the resort itself. Along the way are private residences and space for future expansion.

After getting checked in, we hopped on a large golf cart that took us right to our rooms. The property is large and hilly, so if you get tired of walking, you can always call the reception desk and they will send a cart to take you to any part of the property. Our three rooms were next to one another, and it seemed that we all simultaneously headed to our respective balconies, where I heard my buddies talking over the pony wall that separate the units. I chimed in and said, “So, what do you guys think?” “Fantastic!” they both replied. I knew they would be impressed.

Since I had the lay of the land (the resort), staying there just a month prior, my buddies let me lead the way. First thing on our agenda was to change into our swim trunks and head to the poolside restaurant and bar for some lunch and cocktails. We opted for the all-inclusive package, which allowed us to indulge in trying a few differing dishes and fruity concoctions. The view from the main oasis of pools is absolutely what you would imagine from a seaside resort—beautiful brilliant blue negative-edge pools, terraced down the cliffside with a swim-up bar and massage spa treatment hut overlooking the ocean. The scene of waves crashing up on the beach over massive rock formations that littered the coastline was the decorative frosting on the cake.

After lunch and some relaxing time in the pools, I showed my buddies a few other areas of resort, including the location of a couple additional restaurants, which included
La Trajinera, one of the fine-dining restaurants that we would visit that evening.

The cocktails we had earlier, along with the sun seemed to beckon a siesta, so we each returned to our rooms to cool off and relax a while before dinner. A few hours later we were freshly showered and dressed up for a wonderful meal at La Trajinera. Situated at one of the higher spots of the resort, this restaurant serves local Baja cuisine, which includes lots of fresh seafood. We sat in plush armchairs and scooted up to a beautiful wooden table while listening to some soft 70s music being performed on a grand piano. The three of us tried to guess the songs being played as if it were a game of Name that Tune. I had not dined at this restaurant on my previous visit, so I was scanning the space to take in the beautiful and colorful decor, which seemed to be inspired from a Colonial era.

The next day my buddy Jeff and I headed to Puerto Los Cabos to play a round of golf, while our other friend stayed behind to soak in more sun by one of the pools. That evening we took advantage of the shuttle service the resort offers to head into town. Just 20 minutes away is downtown Cabo San Lucas. Not only does Hacienda Encantada offer this shuttle service in to town every two hours, but they also have a sister property near the marina, along with several sister restaurants in which all-inclusive guests can take advantage. This is a very unique value proposition and is quite a nice feature for guests staying at the resort for a longer period of time. With so many restaurant choices, guests can stay for more than a week and not eat at the same place twice. During our visit we ate at Los Deseos, which was an escape from ordinary Mexican food where tasty seafood dishes are simmered in savory sauces and the patio views take in the beautiful boats in the marina. On another evening, we dined at Jack’s Steakhouse. Both restaurants are great and located just a few doors down from one another.

Downtown Cabo has a lot to offer visitors and is the hub for many tour activities and other recreational opportunities. The sandy beach is quite a nice place to relax or rent a jet ski. On my previous visit I went on a sunset sailing dinner cruise which was fantastic, made more so by the fact that the Manta Rays were migrating and could be seen flying through the air by the thousands. Of course, there is also the famed Cabo Wabo, which is a marvelous venue for live music and tequila tasting.

The rest of our time at the Hacienda Encantada was spent relaxing by the various pools, trying all the different on-site restaurants and just getting caught up on each other’s lives. It was a so nice to just spend some quality time with good friends and escape the pressures of everyday life.

The expansive property at Hacienda Encantada continues to grow to meet the needs of its guests, offering an array of accommodation levels, locations and services. In just a month since I had last been to the resort they had already started building a new accommodations phase. They also have a lovely spa, and while I did not get an opportunity to partake on this current trip, I did do so on my previous one. One of the treatments, or rather experiences they offer, is called Temazcal, a traditional Aztec spiritual ritual. Temazcal combines the elements of earth, fire, wind and water to cleanse the physical and spiritual being. Temazcal, which means house of steam, gives you a sense of soulful renewal. This is one of the most unique Los Cabos spa treatments you’ll encounter.

While it was a fairly short trip, we all had a wonderful and rejuvenating time. I look forward to returning again one day soon. If you’ve ever stayed at the Hacienda Encantada in Los Cabos, Mexico, please leave a comment below and share your experience, and/or favorite things to do.

Hacienda Encantada Information:

Address: Carretera Transpeninsular km 7.3, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur 23410
Phone: Toll free from U.S. 1-855-484-4790 | Local: +52-624-163-5550
Email: reservations@haciendaencantada.com
Website: http://www.HaciendaEncantada.com
Rates: Vary greatly depending on type of accommodations, season and if you choose all-inclusive