The honey-hued coast of Cabo is brimming with dolphins, snorkel spots, rocky coves and all-night parties. If you want to experience it all, but avoid staying in a cookie-cutter all-inclusive hotel, opt for one of the town’s beautiful Airbnbs.
Cabo’s rugged shoreline is characterised by natural wonders that have formed over millions of years of ocean weathering. It’s littered with rock arches and golden sand beaches – all the better for taking advantage of Baja California’s surfable turquoise waters. It’s a slightly more tempestuous coast than its Yucatan counterpart, known for its adrenaline-based activities that draw road trippers down from Los Angeles and San Diego, bringing a buzzing nightlife culture with them. But don’t let the clichés deter you, Cabo is a great jumping-off point to explore this wild and enigmatic sliver of Mexico.
A modern condo on a palm-tree-lined street in an area that feels a million miles away from the chain-hotel-filled beachfront strip, this is the perfect way to marry a comfortable and modern stay with a dash of local life. Just a short walk from the marina, and a walk or quick Uber ride to Cabo’s beautiful golden-sand beaches, there are no worries that you’ll be missing out on the bustle of this beachside town. With a large balcony, as well as ample space in the living area and kitchen, this condo is also perfect for staying in for a home-cooked meal. Should the beach not tickle your fancy, the complex also benefits from a shared pool.
Priced far cheaper than most of the hotels in town, this place is incredible value for money, especially when you factor in the show-stopping views. You can fold back the doors of the lounge and dining area to create a breezy, open-plan space with the stunning terrace where a pool and Jacuzzi overlook the ocean. The fully serviced villa sleeps 12, and comes with the sorts of modern conveniences you usually only find in a five-star hotel, including a daily maid service and a 24-hour concierge (who can also organise a private chef for you). Oddly Red-Bull-themed, but somehow still tastefully decorated, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better if it’s a luxury stay you’re after. With tons of space both indoors and outside (hunt down the ping pong table) this is the perfect spot to stay with a group, for a special occasion or simply to take your vacation to the next level.
Located a short way out of central Cabo, yet still accessible by taxi, this villa is a beautiful oasis away from the craziness of the tourist zone. The outside is painted in gorgeous hues of papaya, cobalt and fuschia, and the inside is decorated with traditional Mexican touches like feature tiles, beautiful ceramics and fringed hammocks. End a day of adventuring in the garden, which is engulfed in tropical foliage and where the pool has a swim-up bar perfect for perching at with a homemade margarita. Complete with a Love-Island-esque fire pit, this endlessly Instagrammable Airbnb is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a real Mexican space.
If it’s being in the heart of the action that you are after, then this is the Airbnb for you. A studio-style condo at the centre of Cabo’s Marina area, it’s a short walk from everything you could want to explore. Out on the balcony you can drink in the Marina views over your morning coffee, and watch the sun go down over the water and the buildings beyond. Airy and spacious, with a convenient kitchenette and air conditioning (a must-have in the Cabo heat), this Condo has all the perks of a luxury apartment at a fraction of the price.
Placed seemingly at the edge of the earth, with 180-degree coastal views, this gargantuan villa has to be seen to be believed. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, you have an incredible vista over the horizon from almost every room. Sleeping 20 people over nine bedrooms, the villa has quite literally everything you could need: a gym, sauna, cinema room, steam room and infinity pool that seems to merge into the endless ocean. Plush beds, embroidered Mexican fabrics, mirrors inlaid with mother of pearl and colourful rugs provide just as much joy inside as the views do outside, and most rooms have wall-to-wall doors that can be thrown open to make the most of the fresh sea air. This is a truly opulent stay that outdoes any luxury hotel.
A perfect budget option within Cabo, this lovely private room is located in a shared house with a wonderful host; there are a few other Airbnb rooms within the house, so you may even find yourself making friends with other guests. The room has incredible views over Cabo, alongside a beautiful terrace and the large bedroom windows provide palmy vistas from bed, making it an incredibly peaceful place to wake up and fall asleep. Your host, Zon, is full of wonderful recommendations and tips – he has lived in Cabo for 36 years and knows the place like the back of his hand.
Located in a private house in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, this beautiful private room within a house benefits from a pool and a peaceful suburban locale. Your enthusiastic host, Betty, will personally greet you at check-in and ensure you have everything you need for an amazing stay. With loads of windows, hacienda-style tiling, and patio doors opening out into the courtyard, this room is airy, spacious and a relaxing retreat from the busy-ness of the main drag.
This beautiful private room is located in a stunning villa, which has been done up with plenty of glamorous furnishings and jazzy decorations. A huge, rippling pool looks out over Cabo towards the coast, and while the hosts also live on the property, they are incredibly friendly and helpful, making your time there feel more like staying with old friends. Located a short 10-minute drive from town, you’re within easy reach of the main strip’s bars, restaurants and beaches.
This gorgeous terracotta-coloured hacienda seamlessly combines modern touches with traditional Mexican decorating. With a beautiful terrace that looks over the rooftops to the sea, bright airy interiors with stylish hardwood furniture, and a shared pool and tennis court, this villa is perfect for making the most of the Mexican sunshine. The beach is a short stroll away, and it’s just a 10-minute drive into town.
