Returning to Hacienda del Mar for the first time in more than two years, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My first visit was for a busy convention, so I hadn’t experienced much of the property. More importantly, this upscale resort has undergone some important changes recently — transitioning to an all-inclusive format and relaunching in July 2025 as Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.
Clearly, this stay would be different. And it was — in all the best ways.
Since joining Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the hotel has refined its identity while still managing to preserve the distinctive character that makes it unique.
A Beautiful Setting
Upon arrival, I was pleased to find the hotel’s traditional Mexican hacienda aesthetic intact. The architecture is simply lovely, with arched corridors, antique furnishings, curated artwork and other elements that exude the ambience of an actual hacienda. But the property is decidedly 21st-century, with all the amenities and indulgences that travelers expect from a Los Cabos luxury resort.
Near the lobby, I was drawn to one particularly eye-catching detail: a sculpture of St. Anthony of Padua displayed upside-down. It’s a nod to a Latin American tradition in which followers “punish” the saint to encourage help with matters of the heart, and it’s the kind of culturally rich touch that gives the resort personality.
Beautiful landscaping also helps set the tone for a luxurious stay. I enjoyed wandering the winding pathways that connect various enclaves of the property, admiring the dramatic cacti and flowering plants, and stopping at picturesque small plazas and courtyards.
The indoor spaces are equally inviting. My guestroom was spacious and well-appointed, with an understated elegance and features including a large walk-in shower and an expansive balcony — which proved to be a perfect place for enjoying the sweeping views during the day and viewing live entertainment that unfolded on the plaza below in the evening.
De Cortez is among the restaurants offered by the hotel.
Credit: 2026 Hacienda del Mar Los CabosElevated Cuisine in an All-Inclusive Setting
The culinary offerings at Hacienda del Mar are a major selling point. While some premium venues and specialty dishes carry a supplemental charge, the resort’s range and quality of cuisine — even within the all-inclusive plan — are a big cut above many more standard offerings in this segment. Foodie travelers and those with sophisticated palates won’t be disappointed.
One thing to note before I go into further details: Time-share owners staying at Hacienda del Mar may opt out of the all-inclusive plan, and there are room-only rates, too — so guests shouldn’t be surprised to see prices on restaurant menus. I experienced the full all-inclusive format, and I was consistently impressed by the quality and diversity of the offerings.
Among the highlights were multiple lunches at Sirenas, an open-air eatery overlooking the beach and pool areas. My favorite dishes there included coconut shrimp, quesadillas and classic fish and chips.
Dinner experiences lean stylishly upscale, with impeccable service and gastronomy. I savored mouthwatering filet mignon at De Cortez, a venue with a beautiful beachfront setting that glistens after dark. On the second evening, Pitahayas Restaurant also delivered a memorable experience, with gourmet Mexican dishes served under the stars; on the following night, we descended into La Cava de Santiago, an intimate wine cellar space that offers a sense of exclusivity. Its atmospheric setting and privacy would be ideal for couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions.
The resort is also home to restaurants that specialize in Italian, Japanese and other dishes, and I also appreciated the generously diverse breakfast buffet every morning at Tomates, which showcases both international staples and local specialties such as chilaquiles.
Wellness, Activities and Celebrations
Hacienda del Mar balances relaxing spaces with lots of opportunities to stay active. During my stay, a morning yoga session on the beach proved especially memorable, thanks to the breaching whale that appeared in the distance offshore. It was a quintessential Los Cabos moment.
Guests can enjoy 50-minute Equilibrium massages at the Cactus Spa.
Credit: 2026 Hacienda del Mar Los CabosThroughout the day, guests can kick back at any of several pools or check out the resort’s extensive fitness schedule, which includes yoga, bootcamp sessions, pool boxing, jumping fitness, pool stretching and Zumba. I found the large, well-equipped gym perfect for independent workouts. An especially noteworthy feature at Hacienda del Mar is Cactus Spa, a serene sanctuary where I indulged in a 50-minute Equilibrium massage; it was one of the best I’ve experienced in recent months. I also enjoyed relaxing at the spa’s lovely outdoor relaxation and hydrotherapy area.
Advisors selling to the romance and wedding segments, meanwhile, should also highlight some of the resort’s unique event venues — most notably, the beautiful chapel. Entered through a thick, handsomely aged doorway, the chapel accommodates up to 80 guests and provides a dramatic yet intimate setting. Beach ceremonies are another photo-worthy option.
Elsewhere on the property are seven event rooms. Since I previously visited during a convention, I can personally attest to the quality of the meeting and event spaces, along with the thoughtfully presented catering menu for special events.
An additional plus for the hotel is its proximity to Anima Village, a new retail complex located within the same development. With upscale international shopping, dining and entertainment options, the venue allows guests to easily venture off property. But with so much on-site at Hacienda del Mar, of course, many guests will likely opt to stay put in paradise.
