While most visitors to the Baja California Peninsula, which separates the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California, extending from Mexicali in Baja California south to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, head to Los Cabos, there are some great resorts throughout the peninsula. In fact, if you’re looking for a more authentic cultural experienced mixed with a few luxuries, the resorts outside of Los Cabos should definitely be considered. Of course, if Cabo is what you’re after, we’ve thrown a few fabulous resorts in this list of the best of the best as well.
Casa Tara Retreat, El Sargento
Casa Tara offers a fabulous, secluded retreat along the shores of La Ventana Bay in the El Sargento/La Ventana area, about a 40-minute drive from La Paz. Here visitors enjoy stunning views of the bay and the Sea of Cortez, the Sierra Mountains and Isla Cerralvo, also referred to as Jacques Cousteau Island due to the many visits the famed oceanographer made here. Cousteau called this area the “world’s aquarium” for its remarkable abundance of marine life and it’s simply breathtaking just to gaze out at with the stark contrast of the arid desert landscape against the intense blue of the water. Guests can take part in a host of activities too, from yoga, hiking and mountain biking to kite surfing, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding and even swimming with whale sharks.
CostaBaja Resort & Spa, La Paz
CostaBaja Resort & Spa is a sprawling resort overlooking the Sea of Cortez, located just 10 minutes from the cosmopolitan city of La Paz. The resort features a marina and provides easy access to whale watching, snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, fishing and swimming with whale sharks as well as a variety of other excursions. Of course, guests can also just enjoy relaxing on the beach or lounging around the infinity pool and sipping drinks at the swim-up bar. Each guest room includes a private balcony with beautiful views, and there are multiple onsite eateries, including favorites like La Barcaccia and Steinbeck’s as well as a spa with a variety of treatments options, a lap pool, steam room, fitness center and complimentary tea bar.
Estero Beach Hotel & Resort, Ensenada
Ensenada is a popular, budget-friendly destination for those who live in the San Diego area as it can be reached with only about a two-hour drive. There’s lots of great food and drink, souvenir shops and a waterfront promenade where visitors watch the dancing fountains and local shows. Estero Beach Hotel can be found on the city’s top beach in a secluded location that offers activities like jet skiing, kayaking, horseback riding and tennis. Guests also have access to two restaurants, a swimming pool and a children’s playground. The best rooms include kitchenettes and are just steps from the sand, with sliding glass doors leading to private patios.
El Cielo Winery & Resort
Located in the heart of Baja’s Wine Country about 45 minutes northeast of Ensenada, El Cielo Winery & Resort is surrounded by mountains, vineyards and olive trees. Accommodations are in large villas that include a patio or balcony facing a lake and are all equipped with air conditioning, Nespresso machines, L’Occitane bathroom products, incredibly comfy beds an much more. It’s the perfect spot for a wine vacation, with many other wineries nearby, like Finca La Carrodilla, Montefiori, Hilo Negro, Vena Cava and La Lomita.
Hotel Rancho Las Cruces, La Paz
Historic Rancho Las Cruces is an exclusive Baja beach resort that sits across an over 10,000-acre natural sanctuary with seven miles of private, unspoiled coastline and pristine white sandy beaches along the Sea of Cortez. Boats are available to guests for fishing, snorkeling and exploring the Island of Cerralvo and hidden beaches, as well as snorkeling, guided horseback riding tours, tennis, golf, shuffleboard, croquet, skeet shooting, volleyball and more. Dining includes a wide range of Mexican dishes prepared fresh daily with locally-sourced organic ingredients, including from the property’s own gardens, nearby farms and the sea. Choose from rooms, suites and villas, surrounded by terraces, desert and tropical gardens with water views.
Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas
Auberge is known for its extravagant amenities and Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas is no exception, with its stunning oceanfront infinity pool, sunrise yoga classes and spa offering a variety of treatments and decadent massage therapies. Once all that stress has melted away, look forward to dining at Cocina del Mar, which serves fresh seafood prepared in a variety of styles, or enjoy more casual eats at one of the other on-site restaurants. The spacious casitas, suites and villages all include private terraces overlooking the sea, luxe bath products, flat-screen TVs and personal concierge service.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, San Jose del Cabo
Often ranked among Mexico’s very best hotels, Las Ventanas al Paraiso offers the ultimate in pampering, from a private butler who will greet you with a margarita and escort you to the spa for a massage to the incredible swim-up bar in one of seven infinity pools that overlook the ocean. And, you never know, you just might spot a Hollywood star sipping a cocktail, with several celebrities known to be regular guests here. Each one of the standard junior suites includes a private patio with a telescope and a garden or ocean view, along with an adobe fireplace. When it’s time to dine, there are five fantastic onsite eateries and bars.
The Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas
The Resort at Pedregal is set across 24 acres along a beautiful stretch of golden sands at the base of rugged mountains in a cliff-side setting where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, providing some of the most magnificent views around. A luxurious “secret” tucked away from the crowds, the secluded property features 113 rooms, suites and multi-bedroom residential-style villas that include fire pits, and private plunge-pool terraces. Its restaurant, El Farallon, has an especially impressive vista overlooking Cabo’s iconic Lands End and The Arch rock formations. Guests also appreciate the personal concierge service, infinity pools that overlook the beach, organic spa, and multiple water-based activities available right onsite.
