Last Updated on July 7, 2023
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It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. And we signed the purchase papers 30 minutes before heading to the airport!
Making our Decision to Buy at Hacienda Encantada
That was 10 years ago. We’d had been vacationing in Cabo, Baja, Mexico, and had met a friendly lady at one of the local restaurants. She raved about staying at Hacienda Encantada, a brand-new fractional ownership vacation timeshare located between the downtown marina district and historic San Jose del Cabo.
With a bit of time the following morning before catching our flight back to San Diego, we decided to stop and check out the property. Let me be clear that we had absolutely no intention of buying a timeshare on this trip. But once there, the resort just spoke to us. The numbers all added up and made sense, so we took the plunge to own a vacation rental in Mexico.
After an unscheduled wonderful Mexican buffet breakfast and an ad hoc private tour of the property from an American ex-pat property rep, we happily signed on the dotted line. The rep said it was the easiest sale he’d ever made. We fell in love with Cabo and the property, and still love heading to our Mexican “home away from home” whenever we can.
You hear stories of buyers regret regarding timeshares and vacation clubs, but we’ve never given this decision a second thought except to confirm it was the perfect choice for us.
Since then, we’ve upgraded to an optional extra week stay where we only pay a maintenance fee for that week expanding to two weeks per year. This also gave us the option to bring family and friends for their own private unit. We’ve done that…and they loved it!
About Hacienda Encantada
Hacienda Encantada is an enchanting Spanish Colonial resort close to all the activities of Cabo, yet in a secluded natural breathtaking location that allows for privacy, rest, and relaxation. This is the place where the desert literally meets the ocean.
The multi-leveled property consists of seaside Hacienda Suites decorated and furnished in luxurious traditional Mexican style and El Encanto suites with exquisite craftsmanship, wrought-iron balconies, and natural stonework. Both offer the choice of studios, and one or two-bedroom suites. Even bathrooms in studio suites have walk in showers, a soaking tub, double sinks, and separate toilet area.
But the good news is that guests don’t have to own at this property as rentals are available to the general public when not being used by vacationing owners.
Accommodations to Fit Everyone
When we purchased the property in 2011, we opted for the studio because this spacious 430-square-foot room can sleep up to 4 guests with one king-size bed and one large sleeper sofa or two queens. The studio also features a dining area, full outdoor patio balcony, and a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, stove, sink, and stocked kitchen. Not bad for a studio, right?
One and two-bedroom villas range from 1,100 to 1,600-square feet and boast a full kitchen with high-end appliances, granite countertops, living room, separate dining area, and again, those beautiful patio balconies with jaw-dropping views.
For those wanting to have some dine-in meals (we love having breakfast on our picturesque patio each morning while watching transiting cruise ships), there are several options for grocery shopping. These include Costco and Walmart with extensive food and produce sections, along with other local stores.
Hacienda Encantada Residences
After the initial property was completed and another two sections added, 36 luxurious homes called The Residences were built on-property offering guests the option of renting an entire vacation home or purchasing the entire house or fraction there-of. The Residences range from 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes with terraces, private pools, and stunning ocean views. The 4-bedrooms even feature a home theater, and game room with a bar and winery.
Hacienda Encantada Amenities We Love
Hacienda Encantada not only fronts the beautiful azure waters and thundering wave action of the Sea of Cortez’ southern tip, but the property sports three lovely pools with poolside bars to swim, bask in the sun, or admire absolutely incredible panoramic views with tropical drinks in hand.
More active guests will enjoy the sport zone with basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. A putting green will be opening soon. Kids love the water playground area and kids’ club activities. A wellness spa on property offers a variety of massage and body treatments, including oceanfront massages. Those into keeping in shape on vacation have complimentary use of Encantada’s on-site fitness center.
If you’re looking to venture out in the Cabo area (and you should), we highly recommend talking with the concierge staff. This knowledgeable team of locals can assist in planning a myriad of incredible activities including camel riding on the beach, sunset sails, fishing trips, outdoor adventures like ziplining, snorkeling, and diving excursions. They can also help with dining reservations as well.
Restaurants and Bars at Hacienda Encantada
Even though Hacienda Encantada’s villas and residences have kitchen facilities, the resort also offers eight on-site restaurants ranging from casual eateries and bars, and hacienda-inspired venues to fine dining romantic experiences. It’s like taking a culinary journey across the regions of Mexico though you’ll find other world-inspired cuisine served here as well. Guests also have the option of purchasing an all-inclusive dining plan.
For quick pick-ups, Encantada’ s La Tienda minimarket and pharmacy has a small but adequate selection of food items, drinks, and sundries.
Closing Thoughts on Buying a Vacation Club or Timeshare
My wife Noreen and I own four vacation clubs: in Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Walt Disney World, and Hacienda Encantada. We did not buy for trading purposes; rather purchased in areas we absolutely love to visit, knowing full well we’d use the properties. And we’ve never traded any of these properties to date.
I know we’ve all heard horror stories about buying timeshares, but we’ve not experienced any of these. First off, if you’re considering a purchase, you should make certain you buy with a reputable company. We live in the age of the internet, which means you can search the company that owns and manages the properties you might be interested in to see what buyers have shared about their experiences.
Second, timeshares aren’t for everyone. We love taking family vacations so having the option of sharing a vacation villa or home with our loved ones and friends is something we enjoy. Yes, there are maintenance fees with these properties, but if you’re into luxury travel and staying at high end places with stunning oceanfront views without receiving a huge bill under your door at the end of your stay, then this is a good investment.
Check out our thoughts on timeshares as owners
We just know our hearts do a little pitter patter each time we arrive at Hacienda Encantada and are welcomed with a smile, a margarita, a cool towel, hugs from our favorite Hacienda staff and a warm “bienvenido a casa”–welcome home.
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