The Vibe
First opened in the 1980s, Mar del Cabo is one of the few remaining original properties in the Los Cabos area. After several changes in ownership over the decades (and multiple revamps), it reopened in December 2018 as a breezy boutique hotel.
The small property is now managed by Velas Resorts, the same brand that owns the neighbouring all-inclusive Grand Velas Los Cabos. WIth less than 50 rooms, Mar del Cabo looks to offer a more intimate alternative to its sister property next door.
With whitewashed buildings and grounds lined with palm trees and bougainvillea, Mar del Cabo’s vibe is Mexico-meets-the-Greek-islands. The relaxed ambiance and low-rise buildings set Mar del Cabo apart from Los Cabos’s cookie-cutter resorts.
The Rooms
Rooms are simple and beachy, decorated with flourishes of primary colour that contrast against the white flooring and walls. Touches of Mexican artwork, including textile wall hangings and Talavera-inspired tiles, add a sense of place.
Every room features a king or two queen-size beds and a sitting area with sofa bed (which means even the basic rooms can accommodate up to 4 people). They also come with kitchenettes with coffeemakers for your early morning pick-me-up, as well as mini-fridges and microwaves (key for storing and snacking on the inevitable leftovers). While the rooms keep the decor minimalist overall, bathrooms bring a hint of luxury with their walk-in rain showers.
All rooms have terraces -- furnished with tables and chairs or a hammock -- offering pretty garden views or coveted beach views. Light sleepers might want to avoid rooms that back onto the street.
The Features
The resort sits on a nice stretch of beach on the Sea of Cortez -- it’s not swimmable, but there’s a small outdoor pool if you’re keen to go for a dip.
The lobby includes a welcoming little bar area, but the views are better down at Encanto Restaurant, which overlooks the water. Encanto offers good-quality Baja-influenced dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Keep in mind that rates aren’t all-inclusive, so you’ll need to pay for meals here.
The Location
Mar del Cabo is set midway between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the two main towns in Los Cabos, so it’s a convenient base if you’re looking to explore both destinations.
Although the hotel is set on the beach, swimming isn’t recommended here (one of the closest options for swimming is Playa el Chileno, a 10-minute drive away).
As is the case for most hotels in this part of the Baja Peninsula, you’ll need a car to get around (or rely on taxis), since it’s about a 20-minute drive to both towns and 30 minutes to the airport.
Rooms start at $323 per night
Carretera Transpeninsular, Corredor Turístico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, mardelcabo.com
