Last Updated on January 7, 2025
Perched on a cliff surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences vacation club is one of the loveliest properties in Los Cabos. Its combination of luxury, laid-back ambience, glorious villas, stunning views, and outstanding service, make Vista Encantada an ideal home-base in Baja, California Mexico.
Since my husband and I are owners here, we know full well the quality and relaxing vacation the property provides. Which is exactly why we purchased a piece of real estate paradise here.
The resort is situated on the grounds of its sister vacation club property, Hacienda Encantada.
Located oceanside just off the main Transpenisular Highway (also known as the Main Corridor), Vista Encantada is about 20 miles from Los Cabos Airport and in close proximity to both San José del Cabo’s Old Town and the Marina downtown waterfront of Cabo San Lucas. There are also numerous award-winning beaches within only a five-to-ten-minute drive.
Vista Encantada Villas
Entering the picturesque open-air lobby, guests are instantly awe-inspired. Directly ahead, the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez beckon. Villas are located off both ends of the lobby and include from one to four-bedroom options with spacious balconies. Two-bedroom and more also offer a private outdoor plunge pool, one of our favorite options as you can warm it up or cool it down, depending on the outdoor temperature.
Here’s one of the best aspects of staying at Vista Encantada: all villas face the ocean, with breathtaking sunrise views and lots of outdoor seating. There’s none of this “garden or grounds view” business at this resort!
All villa types include a full kitchen, plus separate dining and living room areas. One-bedroom, one-bath suites can sleep up to four guests, two-bedroom with 2.5 bathrooms accommodate six, three-bedrooms, three-bath units sleep eight, and the roomy 3,564-square-foot residence with four bathrooms can handle up to 12 guests.
Like the lobby, the villas are impeccably appointed in classy and colorful Spanish hacienda design where luxurious details represent a modern-meets-traditional design. Artwork throughout the resort pays homage to Mexico’s wine, culinary and cultural treasures.
Resort guests have the option of purchasing an all-inclusive package or dine and drink a-la-carte. Your choice will depend on how much time you’ll be spending at the resort and how much you’ll be spending on cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
My family rents a car in Los Cabos and makes a grocery store run while also dining at restaurants other than those located at the resort, so we opt out of the all-inclusive option.
Guests will also appreciate the assignment of a personal butler who is available to answer questions, make dining reservations, and book excursions. It’s all part of the Vista Encantada experience.
Restaurants at the Resort
One of the benefits of staying at the resort is the number of onsite bars and restaurants available and their magnificent dining views.
Mestizo Del Mar, Vista Encantada’s signature restaurant, offers breathtaking vistas of the Sea of Cortez and serves breakfast and dinner.
Fresco, located next to the spa, features a variety of healthy snacks and juices.
Hacienda Encantada’s Los Riscos Mesquite Grill & Bar is situated cliffside with sounds of the waves crashing below, offering a romantic candlelit dinner setting. Located on the pinnacle of another Baja cliff, Las Marias touts authentic Mexican décor and an amazing breakfast buffet.
La Trajinera serves Mexican gourmet in a stunning Colonial-style seaside setting with authentic local Baja-style cuisine and fresh seafood for dinner.
Taco lovers will appreciate the laid-back feel of El Eden Tequila and Taco Bar; Italian delights can be found at Barolo Cucina Italiana. Both are open for dinner. Il Forno also offers pizza and pasta poolside for lunch and dinner.
With another stunning setting, El Patio is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily in a swim up pool bar and tableside oceanfront setting. La Pergola Restaurant & Pool Bar offers an impressive selection of Mexican and American appetizers served from 10 am to 5 pm.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, Lola Mia Deli & Coffee shop open 24 hours a day, features Starbucks beverages, bakery, baguettes, sandwich, and dessert items.
Pool & Spa Options
We’ve always been impressed with the pools at this Encantada property. Those staying at Vista Encantada are the only property guests permitted to use the rooftoppool, a gorgeous outdoor infinity-edge with a bar, outdoor tables and chairs, classy loungers and cabanas. The area also has two hot tubs, one facing the Pacific Ocean and the other somewhat cooler in temperature (and our favorite) facing the picturesque resort grounds, Sea of Cortez, and magnificent sunsets.
Each of the three Hacienda Encantada villa buildings sport their own swimming pool. While they are all lovely, sparkling, and incredibly welcoming, the most popular is the adults-only pool overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific in Phase One of the resort complexes.
A visit to Milagro Spa & Wellness Center is a must-do because of its stunning setting, selection of massage and body care treatments, indoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and impressive outdoor pool. The Zen-like ambience is intoxicating, and my 60-minute massage was relaxing and therapeutic.
For those into fitness, there’s nothing better than a rooftop center with plenty of cardio and body weight equipment. Imagine working out with dazzling ocean views to keep you motivated.
In addition to volleyball games, pool competitions and other activities, the resort has two pickleball courts, basketball, volleyball and a tennis court. The newest addition to outdoor sports is a mini-golf course/putting green located on the Hacienda Encantada Resort property. Though there’s an additional charge to use the putting green, all other activities are complimentary and simply require a reservation.
When you vacation at a destination like Los Cabos, where the desert meets the sea with jaw-dropping vistas and stay at an incredible resort offering so much more than a hotel room, you’ll not only leave with an unforgettable experience, but on that plane-ride home, you’ll be planning your next Vista Encantada escape. Guaranteed.
