Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos – Our August Vacation
It’s hard to define what a perfect vacation is, but for us our recent trip to Hacienda del Mar came pretty close to it. Direct flights from Texas, a culinary destination, world class golf, and plenty more to do made our trip to Cabo a memorable one. We were invited by Hacienda del Mar, a AAA Four-Diamond Resort with 270 guest rooms and suites. While there, we saw a wedding taking place, young folks enjoying the dog days of summer, retirees hitting the links, and everyone in between. Unlike many resorts this places has something for everyone.
The Hotel
The hacienda-style property is located is located away from the noisy part of Cabo, but still a quick 15 minute Uber ride for when you want to venture out. The property sprawls across a wide area of beach front property with a village feel to it. On our arrival we were greeted by friendly staff in a lobby with furnishings paying tribute to the region, paintings, and historical artifacts. The lobby, and most of the property’s pools + on-site dining, are set along magnificent views of the Sea of Cortes.
If you are a fan of West World, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the earlier seasons where the futuristic thriller goes to Mexico and showcases hacienda-style architecture. Waking the property, you’ll walk in and out of beautiful plazas, see water fountains everywhere, and views of the clear blue ocean.
The hotel has 400+ yards of beach with plenty to do. While there we went to a movie night, played some beach volleyball, took morning walks, and plenty of photos of course. The seas were fairly rough during our stay, but speaking to staff there are times that the seas calm down and are ideal for swimming.
The Rooms
We stayed in a fourth floor room with views of one of the pools and a scenic hole from one of the golf courses at Cabo del Sol Golf club. We had a nice balcony, spacious lounge area, large king bed, and a bathroom that was modern looking.
But let’s face it, we were never going to spend most of our time in the room – the property has five pools, eight restaurants, and nightly entertainment. Highlights at the five resort pools range from infinity edge views of the ocean to kid-friendly waterfalls and waterslides. We spent one afternoon on the bali beds with a bottle of Champaign – doesn’t get better than that.
Food
Where do we even begin! We have been to many destinations and the food always is what we look forward to the most and after each meal at Hacienda del Mar, that could not hold more true. There are a variety of dining options at the property and they are all AMAZING – two stand out the most though.
De Cortez Restaurant
This restaurant (and the next one) are easily in the top ten dining experiences we have had the pleasure of enjoying (yes, all time). De Cortez is situated on the beachfront with unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez. Unobstructed views make sunset dining on the terrace enjoyable and unforgettable. The waitstaff, cook staff, and management are some of the most attentive and professional we have encountered.
Our night started off with a variety of starters including a play on bone marrow, octopus paella, shrimp tartare, and of course some mojitos. They were each presented elegantly and tasted even better.
The star of the show was a steak that was cooked over mesquite embers right besides our table as we enjoyed the starters. The angus steaks were top notch and seeing the preparation in front of you makes it that much more of an experience.
We finished off with wild berries + saffron sabayon and crispy brioche – a perfect dessert for a perfect meal.
Pitayahas
Executive Chef Volker Romeike’s masterpiece Pitahayas lives at Hacienda del Mar. As we write this blog, we’re still dreaming of the food, views, and ambiance fueled by live music we experienced on a memorable Friday night. Open since the late 90s, Pitahayas has mastered the concept of Pacific Coast Cuisine featuring local and imported products.
Like the other restaurants on the property, Pitahayas offers views of the pristine water and the boats traversing them. Seafood is the way to go at Pitahayas with many options to choose from. We started with a variety of appetizers that included:
Oyster – ojo rojo sauce, yuzu pearls & au gratin, seaweed butter and goat cheese
Crispy Shrimp – tamarind & ginger sauce, spicy peanut curry
Grilled Octopus – charred tomato & pumpkin seed sauce, olive oil and mashed potato
Cajun & Sesame Seeds Yellow Fin Tuna Tataki
Duck Confit and Foie Gras on a Puffed Tostada
Hungry yet?
The main course consisted of a blackened catch of the day and our favorite – the totoba. Farm raised totoaba is served with chiles and gingercrus. Eggplant puree with sherry vinegar, sauteed spinach, cabbage and smoked miso finish off the signature dish. For the winer lovers out there, one of the largest wine selections in all of Mexico with nearly 3,000 bottles is available to choose from. as well as private dining in the wine cellar for 8 to 10 people.
More Restaurants to Choose from
Tomatoes Restaurant
Tomates’ breezy local cuisine is infused with fresh, seasonal ingredients that set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant veranda overlooks swaying palms and the Sea of Cortes beyond, providing an ideal place for diners to enjoy the resort’s oceanfront surroundings.
Las Sirenas
Set by the waters of our oceanfront infinity pool, with a thatched roof bar and open-air dining space, Las Sirenas sways to the rhythms of Los Cabos coast. Whether you’re enjoying snacks, sandwiches and beverages brought directly to your lounge chair or sipping a glass of wine or margarita while listening to live jazz, blues or R&B by the bar, don’t be surprised if you find yourself lingering until the very last drink is poured in late afternoon.
La Suerte
With more than 100 tequila brands available, you are set to enjoy this traditional liqueur, whether you prefer it accompanied by a your choice of chaser or in a classic tequila cocktail such as a margarita or tequila sunrise.
El Burro Cansado
Right on the side terrace of Bar La Suerte, you can enjoy the best selection of mexican tacos. Choose from our shrimp, steak, pastor or chicken options, we are sure you will enjoy every bite.
Other Amenities
Gym
Treadmills, ellipticals, and other cardio focused machines are the options at the on-site fitness center.
Spa
We received a full body massage that was the cherry on top of this relaxing trip. The Cactus Spa offers massages, facials, and other treatments. Sauna, steam room, and hot and cold plunge pools are also available.
Golf
You don’t think we went to Cabo and didn’t play golf did you? Cabo has more perfectly manicured golf course than we could count – honestly we could spend a lifetime playing golf on the scenic and rolling courses. Hacienda del Mar is located inside a development called Cabo del Sol, which has two golf course. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Cove Club Golf Course is a members only course on site. The Cabo Del Sol Desert Course is a scenic, but challenging Tom Weiskopf design course that mirrors the legendary Pebble Beach.
In Closing
Whether you are celebrating a major milestone or just need a break from the grind, we think Hacienda del Mar will fit the bill. The food, atmosphere, and things to do are second to none. We certainly look forward to being back soon.
@texastasty We had the most amazing time at Hacienda del Mar in #Cabo The the resort is one of the best we’ve been to and with direct flights to a #foodies paradise, we highly recommend adding this destination to your #vaction #bucketlist
