Fodor's Expert Review Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos

One of the first hotels built in Cabo, the Sandos Finisterra is an all-inclusive perched on a hill overlooking the marina and the Pacific. The restaurants and bar on the sand are next to the hotel's four giant free-form swimming pools and seven hot tubs. Rooms in the newer buildings (#2, 3, 4) are by far the nicest; they are large and have oceanfront balconies—where, from the upper floors, it's not uncommon to spot whales during the winter months. Building #1 (near the lobby) has less expensive rooms that evoke the early days of Cabo's popularity. The Whale Watcher bar that sits perched high atop the cliff behind the Finisterra has one of the best views in town, especially when the wintering whales are in town.

room

Marina or ocean views are a given in each of Finisterra’s 272 rooms and suites. Beyond that, however, little is predictable. From ornate wooden screens to truncated Roman pillars and chic brick veneers, the resort’s accommodations offer an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary styling.

bathroom

Deepset sink basins are set side by side, so you can wash your hands at the same time as whoever you're traveling with. Oversized freestanding tubs are perfect for shared bubble baths.

lobby

Patterned tile floors and plenty of tropical foliage are visible in Finisterra’s lobby, which also includes a souvenir boutique with Mexican jewelry and resort style clothing.

pool

Acres of swimming pools are grouped around a giant central palapa, which houses a large swim-up pool bar. The Pacific Ocean is only a few steps away--on the other side of a gorgeous and secluded beach--but ocean swimming is never advisable here due to strong rip currents.

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spa

Although much of the resort is carved into or around sheer granite cliffside, the magnificent natural surroundings are put to particularly good use in the spa; a cool, largely subterranean lair featuring a wide array of treatments, therapies, and beauty salon services.

Romantic moonlight massages for two include a sunset Champagne toast.

gym

Universal style machines proliferate at Finisterra’s gym, with the added bonus of up-close looks at the dolphin show on the rooftop of Cabo Adventures.

Two tennis courts are available for singles or doubles matches.

dining

All-inclusive pleasures at Finisterra start at Don Diego’s, where breakfast buffets and themed dinners are paired with spectacular terrace views of the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Emiliano’s Ostería specializes in fresh local seafood, Agave showcases prime steak cuts, La Pizzeria serves up its namesake items, and the Cupcake Café offers coffee and baked goods.

drinking

To understand The Stones Club, it helps to be familiar with the hotel’s history. In 1983, when it was still the Hotel Finisterra, the property hosted a wedding between Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and model Patti Hansen. Mick Jagger was the best man. The small palapa the two were married under still stands near The Stones Club, which is now a band themed, late night disco. The nearby Whale Watchers Bar is perfect for sunset cocktails. For the perfect margarita, try the poolside Tortuga Beach bar.