After the hectic times ahead, what could be better than to just chill by the pool in sunny Cabo San Lucas. Hacienda Del Mar Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa (now part of the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection) provides that pampering we all want.
A group of International Food Wine Travel Writers Association set out recently to indulge in the luxury of this resort.
Hacienda Del Mar offers an immersion in old world design and Mexican culture—just what I want when traveling to 
Mexico. Of course, I also want the comfort of modern amenities at the same time. This is the spot for both.
Talk about authentic architecture. As we check into our large and well-appointed rooms, along the terra cotta pathways, we see Mexican tiled fountains and tropical gardens. With a quick change into swimsuits, we wander the grounds to choose which of the five pools is the most inviting. The infinity pool offers an unparalleled view of the Sea of Cortez while the Delfines pool offers a smaller and peaceful environment.
Las Sirenas’s thatched roofed bar and open-air dining sits adjacent to the infinity pool. I catch a quick bite from Las Sirenas Pool Bar of sushi brought to me at my
lounge chair. The sushi shares the small table alongside a margarita. Perfection!
We all love our experience the first night of a tequila and mezcal tasting on the La Suerta deck. Our knowledgeable mixologist who has the prestigious certification of Maestro de Tequila, pairs a
variety of fruits and chocolates with the tequilas we taste. We try blanco, reposado, and anejo tequilas as well as mezcal. This is such an informative presentation not to be missed.
The setting for dinner was De Cortez Restaurant next to the De Cortez pool overlooking the beach. De Cortez’s menu is both traditional and fusion and is known for its steaks and seafood. Try the ceviche of seafoods in a large oyster shell and the grilled octopus, a highlight of the restaurant. I suggest for a main the Braised Beef Rib with a plantain puree and a mole sauce. For dessert, the Profiteroles filled with vanilla cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce provide sweet dreams for the night.
Golf carts zoom here and there with gracious drivers who ask if you want a ride anywhere. Jump on one to take you to the Cactus Spa. Massage therapists wait to add some soothing touches of your choice of a Swedish massage, hot stones, or a wide variety of other therapy. I chose the Swedish massage, perfect for alleviating those knots in my back.
I urge you to sign up for a Paint and Wine class that takes place outdoors next to Palapa Fiesta (a giant palapa overlooking the water). Sommelier Christopher provides some amazing wines from his cellar to sip and paint while being carefully guided with help from the Activities Director and staff. We laughed and sipped while on the lookout for migrating whales and enjoying the spectacular sunset.
Another highlight to add to your list at this resort is a dinner at Pitahayas Restaurant (Pitahayas is the word for dragon fruit). Be sure to ask for a tour of the wine cellar, a highlight of the restaurant. Christopher, the knowledgeable sommelier, will guide you through the five doors of his cellar where each small room focuses on a different region or country for wine.
Pitahayas Restaurant offers al fresco dining and a view of the Sea of Cortez set under a giant thatched roof. Sign up for a wine paired dinner planned by the sommelier and the chef.
A colorful plate of salad greens, palm heart, grilled baby corn, with a dressing of agave and poblano pepper dressing and topped with pumpkin seeds and blue cheese started our wine paired dinner. Next on the dinner menu, we were served a seabass with a chile crust and ginger. A fillet mignon with au jus sauce rounded out the main courses of the meal. Of course, each dish was paired perfectly with wine from the wine cellar. Duoro Valley Portuguese port followed everything and was paired with a rich and decadent dessert of creamy chocolate mousse with Mexican cacao nibs and Oaxaca ice cream.
We enjoyed the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos, a true highlight of the Mexican culture. Don’t miss this rich and spectacular celebration if you can possibly be at Hacienda del Mar during the beginning of November.
I can’t comment enough about the impeccable service in every part of this resort. Every need is met with a warm smile making us all feel so special.
With five restaurants, five bars, and five pools sprawling across a setting like a Mexican village, it’s impossible to take in all that awaits you as a guest.
The holidays promise to be a very special time at Hacienda del Mar with activities this year of a traditional Mexican Posada (a celebration with both traditional and religious elements of food and drinks with music and pinatas), a Black and White Dinner Party, and on January 1, a “cabito” (a lifeguard boat) with meals and cocktails meant to help with a hangover.
Even if you can’t make it to Hacienda del Mar until 2024, the new year is the perfect time to pack your bags and enjoy this authentic Cabo resort. The beginning of the new year in Cabo offers the perfect temperature and sun to relax and restore.
I have not yet visited Cabo San Lucas but I would love to go! Hacienda del Mar sounds like a wonderful resort, with plenty of choices for food, drink, and activities.