mlglazer

Has anyone stayed at this specific Resort: Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico?

We have never been to Mexico, have a opportunity to use a certificate from Interval International for an efficiency suite at this resort.
Is it a new resort? clean? English speaking? Is there shopping nearby.

My husband only burns so sun bathing is not an option.

Thanks to anyone that can give me some advice.

ML

suze

I checked the website. It appears to be located out on the "tourist Corridor" a stretch of resorts along the coastline. The closest shopping (beyond hotel shops) would be in one of the two towns, Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. Cabo is the larger and you'll find Paraiso Mall (upscale, large), along with lots of local shops

All resorts in Mexico have at some English speaking staff. Typically your front desk people would speak english, but the gardeners and room maids, probably not.

There are lots of tours and other activities you could sign up for (tours to La Paz or Todos Santos, fishing, ziplines, ATVs, etc.). The town of Cabo has some interesting sights and downtown are to walk around. As does Sa Joes.

Not to worry, Mexico is not only about sunbathing.

mlglazer

Thank you for your reply regarding Cabo. It is very much appreciated.

ML

suze

No problem. I only know a little bit. Have only been to Cabo once. But been to Mexico 20+ times.
There's not too many Cabo posters here on Fodor's. You can also check over at Trip Advisor. They have a very active and friendly Destination Forum there for Cabo San Lucas.

Jeff801

1. When you arrive at the airport, you will find the exit from customs is through what those of us who travel to Los Cabos regularly call the Shark Pool. (An understatement.) This is an area reserved for those who will try to get you to go to a "90 Minute" (read three hours) presentation at one of the local time shares. Walk quickly, do not make eye contact, and exit to the right for Taxi or Combi (shared mini-van service) or to the left for car rental.

2.It is essential to have a car IMHO. Chances are you will be approached by someone at the car agency about a time share presentation as well. They do not work for the car rental agency but likely kick back some of their fee. The quality and quantity of the offerings seem to increase as you leave the airport behind and if you are inclined to visit a resort, you will find, or be found by, many salesmen in both towns.

3. San Jose has more upscale restaurants than San Lucas. There is more night life in San Lucas, which is a larger and younger town. If you are in Los Cabos from November through May, the many art galleries in San Lucas have a gallery night every Thursday. They offer appetizers from the local restaurants and wine, margaritas, and other beverages. We actually bought a sculpture when we were there last April, fortunately that was before we drank very much and we were still happy with it when it arrived home.

4. In the harbor at San Lucas, there is a dolphin encounter pool. There you can arrange sunset cruises, whale watching in season, and other activities. Most of those are available from sales people on the wharf, all of whom are aware of what the others in the group are offering and are very competitive. If there are cruise ships in the harbor, these activities will be very crowded and the prices will be higher. As the ships are being loaded, prices for the evening drop precipitously. Unique among the offerings at the Dolphin Encounter is the opportunity to spend several hours on one of two New Zealand America's cup boats. (One of these lost its mast and nearly sank in the 99 Louis Vuiton trials. The crew loves answering questions about that.) If you go fishing, the chef at the Hacienda will happily cook your catch for dinner.

5. When you leave the airport, go briefly to your left and take the bypass around San Jose. It will save you up to 45 minutes and the toll is only 2.50 pesos, about 25 cents. Please feel free to ask any specific questions, I travel there a lot, and watch these boards several times a week.

6. Finally, do not use credit cards if you can avoid it. I usually get pesos at an ATM, there is one in the airport. We were with people who were ATM challenged last April, got a very bad exchange for our dollars and found we had to change our cards when we got home. I use cards only at the resort at which I am staying, as that is unavoidable. Otherwise, I pay for everything in local currency.

mlglazer

Jeff,

Thank you very much for your detailed information about Cabo. We are still unsure if the resort we want will eventually have an opening for us to use the certificate. I will re-read your details many times over - and if I need more information I will certainly post to you. We don't want another time share at this point and your information on how to avoid being bombarded is helpful. Regards, ML

tenthumbs

Most credit card companies charge an international usage fee, and the best exchange rates are at the ATM. Jeff gave great advice! My ex used to LOVE timeshare presentations, and I never went on one that was 90 minutes......after the third hour, I usually encouraged the children to fight.