Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas Like a Local

Away from the hubbub of Cabo, this authentic Mexican gem is near Land’s End and enjoys all the natural splendor that the area brings. The hacienda-style hotel sits within lush tropical gardens, and entering them feels like walking into a secret hideaway. Find private seating as you explore the swaying palms and potted ferns and push through trailing bougainvillea. The warmth of the genuine Mexican welcome is echoed in the surroundings, with terracotta walls, patterned tiling and richly colored fabrics against dark wooden beds and desks in the rooms.

In a residential area away from the crowds, the Bungalows Hotel gives a more authentic Cabo San Lucas experience than most. With loads of charm and character, many rooms have large hammocks, creating a laid-back vibe, and the hotel’s atmosphere is made even more delightful by the happy and helpful local staff. The Mexican touch extends to the excellent breakfasts, with piles of exotic fruit served alongside freshly squeezed juices and breakfast burritos smothered in a delicious bean sauce.

This family-friendly three-star hotel embraces Mexico’s love of bright colors. The walls and furnishings are a citrus riot of oranges, lemons and limes. The USP at Los Patios Hotel is the staff’s commitment to sharing and promoting local culture, so ask them lots of questions about local life. The facilities are clean and simple in this budget-friendly option.

Good old-fashioned hospitality and entertainment will have you returning time and again to the luxurious Sirena del Mar by Welk Resorts. The setting is a major part of the attraction, too. High on the cliffs close to Cabo San Lucas, this 7-acre (3ha) complex makes the most of the region’s outstanding natural assets. The famous El Arco rock formation rises from the aquamarine Sea of Cortez and is visible from many of the villas, where you can wake to the sounds of the waves and watch whales from the comfort of your room (the season is between December and March). For a magical at-one-with-nature moment, head to the little private cove for a dip at dawn.

The Towers at Pacifica overlooks the beach, with 47 luxurious adults-only guest rooms and suites, all with private terraces. Contemporary Mexican decor using natural woods and subtle shades creates a Zen-like zone. The two accommodation towers have a sky bridge so that you and other guests can access tower number three, home to the VIP lounge and Península Restaurant. Dishes are an edible fingerprint of the local area and culture, using traditional recipes and region-specific ingredients.

If you’re looking for a touch of ancestral wisdom, you can head to the spa at El Encanto de la Hacienda for a bespoke holistic healing journey. As it uses native flowers and traditional recipes, it’s possible to get wrapped with seaweed, massaged with Mayan herbs and exfoliated with tequila in one heady afternoon. A fresh Baja aesthetic continues in the villas and suites, showcasing traditional artwork and pottery, locally crafted stonework, carved wooden features and Spanish archways. The result is warm, inviting spaces with an authentic feel.