Inside Mar del Cabo, the Coolest Boutique Resort in Los Cabos [2024 Review]

Perched on the craggy, dramatic southern tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico, Los Cabos has long been known for its larger-than-life beach resorts and oversized all-inclusives. But these days, it’s the smaller spots that are stealing the show along the peninsula’s golden sands.

I checked in at the impressive Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts for a memorable getaway at one of the boutique resorts in Los Cabos that is rewriting the typical Cabo vacation experience. Read on for why this might be one of the coolest places to consider for your next Mexican resort getaway – and how to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Mar del Cabo

Sitting down for breakfast at Mar del Cabo‘s oceanfront Encanto restaurant, I gasp when I spot what will soon become my constant companion during my stay.

It’s the playful splash of a fin and the dramatic arching back of a mother whale and her baby trailing through the Pacific Ocean. In the cooler winter months of January and February, Los Cabos becomes one of the most reliable spots for whale watching in the Americas, with various species of whales migrating here to give birth and nourish new babies.

It’s a spectacle that makes a stay at Mar del Cabo feel like being transported into a National Geographic video. Even after five days spent soaking up the sun alongside these gentle giants, it still never got old.

One of three Los Cabos properties by luxury Mexican resort group Velas Resorts, Mar del Cabo has long been a beloved destination for visitors seeking dramatic scenery, relaxed beach days, and everything in between. In fact, it’s one of the original resorts in Los Cabos, dating back decades to the days when this was little more than a fishing village, albeit with stunning shores.

Mar del Cabo lays on its historic charm thick. Whitewashed walls punctuated with blue tiles evoke the Greek Islands, while winding paths inlaid with mosaic stone designs trace towards the resort’s oceanfront restaurant and pool. Bright magenta bougainvillea billows from flowerboxes. It’s clear: this is a place to breathe deep and enjoy an uncommon slice of beauty.

Recent upgrades and refurbishments give Mar del Cabo even more to love without stripping the uniqueness of its history. The boutique resort’s spacious suites are apartment-style, with what ranges from small kitchenettes to a larger kitchen with a dedicated dining area.

Kitchen space at a resort might be uncommon, but it’s a huge benefit at Mar del Cabo, the only one of Velas Resorts’ six properties across Mexico that is not all-inclusive. For travelers looking forward to exploring beyond the bounds of the resort – and visitors to Los Cabos increasingly are – Mar del Cabo’s European Plan rates are a huge plus.

“Mar del Cabo’s European Plan encourages guests to explore Los Cabos by offering a flexible and customizable experience,” says Gerardo Vela, Hotel Manager at Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts.

“With fewer rooms and a more relaxed atmosphere, guests are more inclined to interact with staff and other guests… The hotel’s smaller size also means that guests can easily access the concierge for assistance in planning their adventures, whether it’s booking a sailing excursion, a round of golf, or making a reservation at a local restaurant.”

And boy are there plenty of things to enjoy in Los Cabos beyond the beach resort. Mar del Cabo has the ideal location for exploring Los Cabos, located almost directly between the region’s twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Just beyond, there are even more things to do in Baja California Sur that have made it one of the most popular areas of Mexico for visitors.

“One of the most popular activities is deep-sea fishing, where visitors can catch marlin, dorado, and tuna,” says Vela. “Another popular activity is snorkeling and scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez, known for its rich marine life and crystal-clear waters. Additionally, visitors can enjoy ATV tours through the desert, zip-lining over canyons, whale watching, and even swimming with whale sharks.”

Mar del Cabo’s incredible concierge can arrange it all, or simply guide guests hoping to make their own itinerary with local recommendations and travel tips.

The apartment-style suites and flexible resort plan at Mar del Cabo are more than just an opportunity and an encouragement for exploring Los Cabos. They also make Mar del Cabo a great option for travelers looking for everything from a workation to an extended stay in paradise. The resort also recently became pet-friendly, an added bonus for travelers with their furry friends in tow.

Whether your definition of paradise is a shaded spot on the beach or a springboard to enjoy some of the most incredible things to do in Los Cabos, Mar del Cabo won’t disappoint.