Over the last five years, Los Cabos as tourist destination has experienced a dramatic growth boom. In the last few months alone, five luxury properties have opened on the bottom of the Baja Peninsula - with many more luxury resorts scheduled to open over the next few years.

Tourists from around the world are flocking to the Cabo area to indulge in its great weather, hopping nightlife, world class golf courses, serene beaches and foodie havens. So when one of my best friends decided to get married in San Jose de Cabo in November, I jumped at the chance to explore the area and see what all the hype was about for myself.

Spoiler alert - I was not disappointed.

Flying into SJD airport, the black desert mountains towering in the background immediately drew my attention. The beautiful Sierra range provides a picture perfect backdrop to the far away blue sea.

Unlike the eastern coast of Mexico, where resort regions like Cancun and Riviera Maya house gigantic resorts spread across acres of land, Cabo is more tightly compacted, with the main road cutting close to the sea, and gated communities of residences are intertwined with hotels, shops, public beaches, and small rocky desert hills.

With literally hundreds of accommodation options to choose from in Cabo (some 100,000+ room options in total!), it was impossible to see all the top hotels in one trip...but I quickly developed my own short list of a range of properties scattered across the area to better understand each resort's personality and highlights. Although all the properties I visited were phenomenal in their own ways, each had small, intentional details that differentiated the options from each other and ensured that there really is a right place for everyone somewhere in Cabo.

Of the 8 different properties I visited during my time in Cabo - below are some of my personal favorite highlights from each one:

Favorite Swimmable Beach: Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Unless you have been to Cabo before, most people don't realize that the rough cold waves of the Pacific make swimming in the ocean considerably dangerous on the majority of beaches in Cabo. There are a few exceptions though, so I made it a priority to find the best resorts where you can enjoy both swimming in pools and in the ocean.

Until recently, only 3 resorts in all of Cabo offered small beach areas for guests to swim. These options are usually only tiny enclaves sheltered by rocky outcrops or reefs, and are open to the public - so can get quite crowded. That is until last month when the Four Seasons came along.

Up in Costa Palmas, the Four Seasons Los Cabos Resort sits on a 2 mile sandy beach which is ALL swimmable, and completely private. With only 110 rooms on the property, this means there is a lot of beach for you to have to yourself.

The calmer waters also allows for great water activities right off the shores. Kayaks, paddle boards, water bikes, and a catamaran are all free to use for guests - with an incredible team of staff eager to help you enjoy the water.

With no vendors to bother you, or other tourists to fight out space with, to me this new entrant is a no brainer if you love to swim in the ocean.

Aman is scheduled to open a new property in 2021 down the beach, so this title will likely be shared in a few years, but for now Four Seasons will reign!

Beyond the great beach, the rooms at the Four Seasons are beautifully decorated and spacious, plus you can expect the flawless Four Seasons service and great food that they are renowned for.

Honorable mentions for swimmable beach resorts include: Montage Los Cabos - with great reefs right off the property, Chileno Bay - with a larger (but busier) beach cove, and One&Only Pamilla.

Favorite Place to Enjoy the Sunset: Esperanza

This Auberge Resort property, Esperanza, is a simply elegant resort. Sprawled over 17 acres, every impeccably designed room faces the ocean so you are guaranteed to have spectacular views over the Sea of Cortez right from your room - perfect for sunset views. Gorgeous views of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas from afar add to the incredible sunset landscape.

esperanza-cabo-auberge-hotel-view-sunset

With beautiful gardens, pools, beach, spa, public spaces, dining and more - no matter where you are on property you will be sure to enjoy spectacular sites all around.

Favorite Spa: Zandun

The latest Ritz Carlton Reserve - Zandun, that also just opened in November 2019, is beautifully designed throughout the property - but nothing shines more impressively than the gorgeous Spa Alkemia. A blissful pool serves as an oasis in the middle of the spa. Every detail throughout is intentional to provide an immersive, transformational experience. With plenty of space to relax inside and out, and with beautiful private treatment rooms - you won't leave this space without feeling a deep sense of peaceful zen. My personal favorite offering - try their signature sweat lodge for a ceremonial cleanse.

Other favorite aspects of Zandun include the beautiful architecture across the property and spacious new rooms - most with great private outdoor space, plunge pools and ocean views!

Favorite All-Inclusive: Grand Velas

Just like their Riviera Maya sister property, Grand Velas Los Cabos is filled with delicious food, drinks and activities that will make you question if you are actually staying at what you think of as an all-inclusive. Between this 5 Diamond AAA rated resort's 7 restaurants, 3 infinity pools, all ocean view suites, spa and kids club - there is plenty for everyone to enjoy!

Favorite Resort For Golf Lovers: Montage Los Cabos

To be clear, Montage Los Cabos is fabulous for many different attributes, but with so many private golf clubs in Cabo, for those without personal connections, the ability to play at the resort's Twin Dolphins golf course is really a huge sell. The incredible spa, 3 pools, swimmable beach, 2 restaurants, kids club, tennis courts and friendly service don't hurt as well!

Favorite Place For Balance: Chileno Bay

Chileno Bay is the ideal place for those looking to have it all. It has a playful demeaner from the moment you arrive and meet 'Tony' the beer cooler while checking in, but also a sense of tranquility in its long infinity pool made up of three sections.

It's small private beach is complimented by the busy boat-filled public beach right outside of its doors where you can visit the hotel's enclave to grab yourself a snorkel, kayak or paddleboard. The resort is for those who want to do a group workout class in the morning, but indulge during happy hour. Rest in the spa, but dance on the beach.

The fun room decor and villa offerings make it great for singles, couples, groups and families alike!

Don’t forget! When booking with Wanderful Journeys you will get extra special amenities at these properties such as room upgrades, resort credits, complimentary daily breakfast and more!

Favorite Boutique: Mar Del Cabo

For those wishing to visit Cabo but stay in smaller, less expensive accommodation - Mar del Cabo, part of the Velas Group, is the perfect answer. Built down a cliff right off of the main road, the sister property to the Grand Velas is great for those who rather explore Cabo on their own than spend most of their time on the hotel property.

Escape to this boutique, but have access to all of Velas' great restaurants with a small discount available as well! A great best of both worlds.

Favorite Value: Cabo Azul

If you are looking for a convenient location, spacious room and lots of ocean front space without breaking the bank, then look no further than Cabo Azul. Right in San Jose del Cabo you are close to great shopping and dining outlets, but can also retreat to the great pool or beachfront on property. Suite and villas are large ensuring plenty of space for friends or family traveling together, and can even come with a full kitchen and dining area for nights in. A great value in an oftentimes pricey town.

With so many incredible and diverse accommodation options, if you are looking to experience Cabo for your next beach getaway, make sure to contact Wanderful Journeys so we can match you with the perfect property that is best for YOU!