Travel To Do: Cabo, the All-Inclusive Way

Growing up in the Southwestern US, Los Cabos was our escape destination. Of course, during the lean college years, many of those trips were bare bones adventures involving cheap hotels, cheap alcohol, and sand, well, everywhere. There were tents on the beach, bonfires on the beach, and eventually La Policia on the beach. Not good.

Now grown up – both us and Los Cabos – the experience is all luxury. Whether staying in bustling Cabo San Lucas or up the beach in quieter San Jose del Cabo, there are plenty of upscale and luxury lodging options, including two new All-Inclusives we are keen to “research.” Not just good, very good!

This handy map from Caboland.com shows just how close Cabo can be.

For those who haven’t met Los Cabos – or just Cabo to friends – a bit of introduction. Los Cabos is the formal name of the municipality, which includes the several small towns and resort areas. When you look at a map of Mexico, there’s a long finger down the Pacific Coast separating the Sea of Cortez from the Pacific Ocean. Way down at the tip, where the land ends and two seas meet, you will find Cabo. And it’s been expecting you. After all, it’s one of Mexico’s top five tourist destinations, with warm sandy beaches, surfing, great diving and sport fishing. Once a collection of fishing towns, the economy is driven now by tourism, an industry built on the area’s golf courses, beaches, and deep sea fishing. And there are some pretty high profile tourists who come back every year: Gray whales make their winter home in the area’s warm waters. (You were expecting maybe Sammy Hagar?)

Whale watching is a major attraction throughout Baja from November through March.

Those whales know how to travel. Baja is their Cetacean all-inclusive destination, and there are two new resorts that could be yours: the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and Secrets Puerto Los Cabos. Both resorts are in the San Jose del Cabo area and are new entries into established brands.

Ziva is a new Hyatt brand, and the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos was the first hotel under their new banner. Their all-inclusive program includes meals, beverages (alcoholic and otherwise), basic Wi-Fi, and activities. Taxes and gratuities are also included in your room rate. There is a Club Premium Plan as well, which upgrades the drinks, includes a “VIP in-suite refreshment center,” personal concierge services, and a 20% discount on spa and salon services. Rooms included in the Club Premium Plan are in an exclusive Premium Level area and all come with ocean views; something only some of the non-Premium rooms offer. If you don’t mind sacrificing that ocean view, you can opt for a “swim up” room overlooking the pool and gardens.

Golf courses, swimming pools and luxurious rooms, all overlooking the Sea of Cortez at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.
Photos courtesy of Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Not far away, the adults-only Secrets Puerto Los Cabos celebrated their grand opening with Mexican President Enrico Pena Nieto at the ribbon cutting. The newest Secrets all-inclusive resort introduces the company’s new Unlimited Luxury concept, which includes limitless food and top-shelf alcohol at 13 restaurants, bars and lounges. Unlimited free Wi-Fi is included, as are phone calls, whether local or back to the US or Canada, via the Secrets Resorts smartphone app. As with the Hyatt Ziva, there is a premium level which unlocks premium drinks, free in-room Wi-Fi, concierge service, upgraded rooms, and more.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos offers balconies/terraces in every suite and three miles of Pacific coastline.
Photos courtesy of Secrets Puerto Los Cabos

Both resorts have a range of amenities and activities that are part of the “all-inclusive” program, including golf, excursions, and spa services. Water sports rental equipment is also not included. Both resorts are also fairly new still, and we’ve seen reports of ongoing renovations and signs of “working the kinks out.” We’ve also heard that, while quality is generally good, occupancy rates are relatively low, meaning you may be able to score a deal.

We’re looking forward to checking both resorts out on our next southern sojourn. We don’t have one planned, mind you, but that’s just a minor detail, right?

Have you been to the Hyatt Zima Los Cabos or Secrets Puerto Los Cabos? What are your favorite things to see and do in Cabo? Feel free to share your recommendations, thoughts or plans with a Comment below!

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