Los Cabos’ “Mostly” All-Inclusive Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort Is Mostly Outstanding

“Get Out There” is a column for itchy footed humans written by long-time Paste contributor Blake Snow. Although different now, travel is better than ever. Today we visit Los Cabos, Mexico.

Los Cabos on the southern tip of Baja California is one of the dreamiest, if not romantic, places in all of Mexico. Less commercial than Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos is also dramatically more scenic. Mediterranean-like mountains, Arizona-like deserts, and California-like beaches dominate the wedding-worthy landscape. It’s as serene as anywhere on the continent, and even gives Hawaii a run for its money.

The same is true of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort, the secluded, picture-perfect, and adults-only beachside resort on the Pacific side of the famous “El Arco” arch. Here you’ll find three terrific restaurants, two pools, one spa and jacuzzi, and several bars. There’s also six pickleball courts, a private lounge, VIP service worth writing home about, and a world-class oceanfront golf course. 

Simply put, the property is outstanding. 

But while Pacifica Resort bills itself as “all-inclusive,” it’s not as seamless as the other dozen I’ve reviewed. That’s because Pacifica operates as both an a la carte and all-inclusive resort, depending on how you book, which leads to some minor frictions. Call it “mostly” all-inclusive. 

For example, you’re always asked for your room number and forced to scan your key band for included restaurants and drinks. And sometimes (but not always) you’re asked to tip at meals. It’s confusing and decidedly unlike most all-inclusives where you come, eat, drink, and go as you like, no transaction needed (because server tips are included), which is a huge draw of fully dedicated all-inclusive resorts. 

That’s one minor quibble. The other is not being able to swim in the ocean, due to the dangerous undertow. Pacifica overcomes this with free shuttles to its other family-friendly beach resorts nearby. But that’s another quibble, since doing everything you want at a single property is another big draw of traditional all-inclusives. 

Still, there is so much I love about Pacifica Resort. You won’t find a more secluded or tranquil beach along the Mexican Pacific, which is why hundreds of weddings take place here each year. The grounds are stunning—raked zen gardens flocked by palms, cacti, elephant trees, and desert flowers. The golf course is gorgeous (and challenging, I’m told). The ceviche cooking class was excellent. The spa was deeply relaxing. The staff were genuine, attentive, and endearing; they even remembered my favorite foods and drinks, like bringing Japanese-style peanuts (yum!) to my room one afternoon. 

On that note, the food was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the chilaquiles “breakfast nachos,” Mexican poke, flake off the fork sea bass, and grilled lettuce, cheese curd, and mint yogurt wraps. I also adored the grilled peach and burrata salad, the mezcal short ribs with cream potatoes, and mango ginger mocktails. Oh, and bottomless fresh guacamole by the pool. 

I had my best meal of the year at La Fridas, named and decorated after the famous Mexican painter. There I gluttoned on double helpings of garden ice cream salad, short ribs, and dulce de “lava cake,” while an energetic jazz duo willed me to go for it. I regret nothing. 

Several other things stood out. I loved how clean and spacious my room was. I loved the ocean-facing balconies, swinging beach cabanas overlooking the timeless Pacific, and near daily humpback sightings just off the beach (including once at sunset). I loved watching the flotilla of fishermen round the cape every morning for their daily catch. I loved the total overriding atmosphere of “You can relax; we got you.” In that way, Pacifica is the most peaceful resort I’ve ever visited on this side of the ocean. It’s a truly special place. 

But I wanted to love it just a little more. Had Pacifica been as inclusive as other luxury resorts, it would have been perfectly outstanding. Maybe if I knew that going in it wouldn’t stick out to me. But other Mexican all-inclusives don’t have views like this. So maybe the business folks know something I don’t. 

Either way, Pacifica deserves your attention.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and frequent travel columnist. He lives in Provo, Utah with his adolescent family and two dogs.