Traditional Los Cabos Hospitality at Hacienda Encantada

There are many ways to visit Los Cabos, and the tip of Baja California is rich with glamorous resorts and interesting destinations. Global luxury brands are positioned along the gorgeous coastline amidst affordable and trustworthy alternatives. There is quite literally a hotel for every taste. We’ve visited here many times, and recently found an authentic Mexican resort in Los Cabos that we greatly enjoyed. Hacienda Encantada delivers all-inclusive, traditional Los Cabos hospitality in a luxurious environment.

Hacienda Encantada is designed to resemble Mexico’s traditional hacienda style in some of its finest forms. Because of this focus, this luxury resort is a more authentic experience closer to its Mexican roots. From design to cuisine to spa experiences, Hacienda Encantada reminds guests of this destination at every turn. The result is a uniquely comfortable and enjoyably authentic experience.

An Authentic Mexican Resort in Los Cabos

Hacienda Encantada is positioned oceanfront along the Los Cabos Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The resort is an approximately 40-minute drive from the Los Cabos airport when traffic is light. Thankfully, the airport experience and wait for our private transportation to the resort was the most stressful part of our entire visit. To be clear, we were not thankful for the airport stress. But it did make us appreciative that every experience following this was easy and peaceful at Hacienda Encantada.

The resort spans four separate buildings, offering a total of 222 rooms in various layouts. Our suite was enormous, encompassing 1,400 square feet. It included a spacious living room with sofa bed, dining area, full kitchen, two full bathrooms, and a separate large bedroom with sitting area. The balcony stretched across these spaces, overlooking the main pool and ocean beyond. There is something truly special about sipping an ice-cold margarita on your private balcony while watching the sunset.

Hacienda Encantada delivered all this and more – for a surprisingly affordable price of $262 per night. (Or $449 per night all-inclusive.)

Hacienda Chic, Mexican-Style

Paying homage to the architecture of traditional Mexican haciendas, the buildings and grounds at Hacienda Encantada include authentic design features. Haciendas played an important role in the history of Mexico, acting as centers for commerce during the Spanish Colonial period. They were rural estates, self-sufficient operations passed down by families through generations. Most original haciendas were ranches consisting of a grand main house occupied by the family, and several other buildings on the grounds. Cattle and other animals were raised onsite, and many crops were grown to sustain the family and community.

This style carries over nicely to a hospitality format. Hacienda Encantada feels smaller than it is, using this hacienda style to ensure guests feel like they are staying in someone’s historic home. Furnishings are more geared towards a residential theme. The decor inside and outside across the grounds is meant to feel like a historic ranch. Fountains, pottery, desert landscaping and colorful tile work add to the hacienda-chic vibe.

All-Inclusive Approach to Dining and More

One of the many pleasures of visiting Los Cabos – and other resort cities in Mexico – is the option of an all-inclusive stay. The idea of all meals and beverages being included in the price, including bar service, is very appealing. We love how it takes the worry out of deciding what entree to choose, how many drinks to order, or how much of a glutton you want to be.

There are nine restaurants and bars on property at Hacienda Encantada.

• Las Marias Restaurant & Bar – full service with breakfast buffet
• La Trajinera – Mexican gourmet
• Los Riscos – Mesquite grill and bar
• Barolo Cucina Italiana – Italian cuisine
• Il Forno – Pizza and pool bar
• La Pergola – Restaurant and pool bar
• El Patio – Restaurant and pool bar
• El Eden – Tequila and tacos
• Sr. Sushi – pool side

Ancient Detox Cleansing Ritual

An interesting nod to the indigenous traditions of this region before Mexico was Mexico, the resort includes a version of the ancient Temazcal ritual. Temazcal is a ceremonial steam bath that takes place inside an enclosed circular adobe hut with a center fire pit. It has roots in the Mayan. Toltec and Aztec civilizations.

The 90-minute experience allows participants to connect with all four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water. After a ritual smoke bath with incense and clay placed on your face by a Shaman, guests enter the Temazcal and the door is sealed shut. Super-heated volcanic stones are introduced into the fire pit, and the detoxification process begins.

The Shaman chants, beats a drum and pours water infused with aromatic medicinal herbs directly on the rocks, causing steam to fill the space. Repeating this process several times over the next 60 minutes or so, the Shaman guides participants through meditation exercises. At one point, fresh aloe vera is handed to each person with the instruction to rub the plant’s juices on the skin. This helps to replenish some of the important minerals that have been sweated out, and also provides a cooling relief from the intense heat.

Once the process is complete, participants leave the Temazcal and are doused with cool water to bring down the body’s temperature. An herbal drink and fresh fruit are offered to help revive the body. We found the experience to be fascinating and rejuvenating, and left feeling calm, relaxed and cleansed.

Hacienda Encantada Details

Hacienda Encantada is an authentic Mexican resort serving traditional Hacienda style and comfort.

Here are some specifics:

• 222 rooms plus 27 villas and residences
• All-inclusive package includes meals and beverages on property as well as at several restaurants in Cabo San Lucas; full bar service; free shuttle to downtown Cabo San Lucas; 24/7 concierge services; variety of activities and entertainment; free daily valet service; and more.
• European plan also available (meals and beverages not included)
• Room rates at Hacienda Encantada range according to season and day of the week, but start at a surprisingly reasonable $183/night for a 400 square-foot studio.