Vacation Recap: Los Cabos, Mexico
After a pretty successful trip, I would highly recommend a Cabo Christmas if you’re giving experiences instead of gifts! We spent 9 days in a tiny Mitsubishi Mirage G4 from Mex Rent-A-Car (it barely fit our two golf bags!) driving between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It didn’t seem like there were many “rules of the road,” which made me quite anxious, so I got to be a passenger princess all week. We stayed at two very different resorts, ate at several outstanding restaurants, golfed at two beautiful golf courses, and explored as much as we could. Check out my field notes below!
San José del Cabo
Where We Stayed: Acre Resort & Restaurant
Nestled on a lush 25-acre property just outside San José del Cabo, up a very bumpy dirt road, Acre Resort blends boutique luxury with immersive, natural design. Guests can stay in elevated treehouse accommodations tucked among the palms, offering private outdoor spaces, open-air showers, and a sense of total seclusion. After working at Under Canvas, I’m very familiar with these types of stays, however, this was a much louder experience. There were birds squawking, dogs barking, roosters crowing all night. For a treehouse, the rate is about $300+ per night with parking, breakfast, and morning yoga included. There are also 2-3 bedroom villas and 2-4 bedroom haciendas. Beyond the rooms, the resort features a working organic farm, winding paths for walking and biking, a relaxed Jungle Pool, and a wide range of activities from creative workshops at the Acre Academy to pickleball, hiking, and horseback riding. Wellness is central to the experience, with spa services designed to complement the tranquil setting, along with an on-site animal sanctuary that reflects Acre’s commitment to community and care. The property’s signature dining experience at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar allows guest to enjoy seasonal dishes and inventive cocktails in an open-air setting beneath the palms. Pro tip: Make a dinner reservation at Acre whether you’re a guest or not! You’ll love it. Altogether, Acre offers a soulful, experience-driven alternative to the traditional luxury resort in Los Cabos.
Favorite Meal: Flora’s Field Kitchen
A beloved Los Cabos institution, Flora Farms is a verdant working farm and dining destination that celebrates sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine in a rustic, garden-filled setting. The flagship restaurant, Flora’s Field Kitchen, offers seasonal menus rooted in fruits, vegetables, and pasture-raised meats from the farm and surrounding ranches, with wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and handcrafted cocktails among the highlights. We went for brunch (obligatory eggs benedict!) and it was delightful. Beyond dining, the property features artisan shops, farm tours, cooking classes, spa experiences, a fragrance studio, and beautifully tended grounds perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. It’s a favorite spot for visitors seeking a slower pace and a deeper connection to Los Cabos’ agricultural side.
Favorite Activity: Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club
Just minutes from San José del Cabo, Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club is a world-class golfing destination set amid sweeping desert landscapes and dramatic coastline views along the Sea of Cortez. The 27-hole facility features multiple championship layouts designed by golf legends Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, offering golfers a mix of oceanfront holes, rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Each course experience is enhanced by full-service and all-inclusive amenities including a welcoming clubhouse, pro shop, and culinary palapas scattered around the course that serve refreshing cocktails and made-to-order tacos (margaritas and steak tacos every four holes!). Whether you’re a seasoned competitor like my boyfriend or casual enthusiast like me, Puerto Los Cabos delivers a memorable golfing adventure in one of Mexico’s most scenic coastal settings.
Cabo San Lucas
Where We Stayed: Hacienda Del Mar Los Cabos
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, is a classic beachfront resort where traditional Mexican architectural charm meets relaxed Baja hospitality. Set along calm waters near Cabo del Sol and just a short drive from Cabo San Lucas, the resort invites travelers with beautifully landscaped gardens, multiple swimming pools, and a private stretch of beach perfect for lounging or sunset walks. We had the pleasure of using a friend’s timeshare and stayed in their Junior Suite at the Villas. The room had double beds and double vanities, a sitting room with a couch and a high-top dining table, a semi-stocked kitchen with a toaster, microwave, coffeemaker, blender, two-burner stovetop, and half-size fridge with a small freezer, as well as a balcony with an ocean view. We were perfectly located between the complimentary guest parking and the beach. The range of accommodations, from studios to multi-bedroom villas, suits couples and families alike. The property is very family-friendly with a kids club and virtually no child-free pool areas, which may not be ideal for couples seeking quiet relaxation. Guests can dine at seven on-site restaurants and lounges, indulge in spa treatments at Cactus Spa, enjoy water sports, and explore local attractions with ease, making Hacienda del Mar a comfortable home base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural experiences of Los Cabos.
Favorite Meal: Farol 16
Tucked into downtown Cabo San Lucas, Farol 16 (AKA 16 Lanterns) has quickly become a favorite among foodies seeking an elevated yet welcoming dining experience. Known for its creative international cuisine and warm hospitality, Farol 16 offers “a lo loco ocho tiempo degustacion” AKA a crazy 8-course tasting menu that highlights chef-driven flavors and imaginative presentations. Diners begin the evening with a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival and enjoy a relaxed, smart-casual ambiance that feels both intimate and celebratory. We sat at a private two-top table next to the open-concept kitchen. We watched the chef carefully assemble each course using fresh ingredients and their wood-fired pizza oven. With an excellent wine list, attentive service, and a focus on shareable, memorable dishes, Farol 16 stands out as one of Cabo’s most delightful dinner destinations. For only $200, I will be back!
Favorite Activity : Lover’s & Divorce Beach
At the iconic Land’s End rock formations near Cabo San Lucas, Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach sit side by side yet offer very different experiences. These beaches and El Arco are among the most photographed natural attractions in Los Cabos. Lover’s Beach is a sheltered cove on the Sea of Cortez, known for its striking views, gentle waters, and reputation as a romantic spot perfect for picnics, photos, or simply soaking in the scenery (if it’s not overrun by cruise ship guests!). Just a short walk around the rocky point is Divorce Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its powerful surf and dramatic waves. It’s not safe for swimming, but we did anyway. Both beaches are typically accessed by water taxi or boat from the marina. Pro tip: only pay one way at a time! We paid La Brujita $30 for a round-trip water taxi from Medano Beach, but they never picked us up and the phone number didn’t work. We waited an hour before paying another boat 200 pesos to bring us back.