When it comes to a vacation in Los Cabos, Mexico you have….options.
Like, a lot of options.
With dozens of resorts to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
Do you go adults only?
Do you choose a family destination?
Are you hoping to golf every day? Or would you prefer to just sit by the pool?
Do you want to be close to all the action and party scene of Cabo San Lucas? Or do you want to just chill out and relax?
These are all things you need to consider when choosing the right Cabo resort for you? And if you choose the wrong one?
Then you could, unfortunately, end up with more frustration than anything else on your Mexican vacation.
But it’s for all of these reasons why I’m such a huge fan of Pueblo Bonito Resorts.
Because no matter which camp you fall into, there’s a great option for you.
In this ultimate guide to Pueblo Bonito we’re going to look at each of the five Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, and help you figure out the right one for you.
We’re also going to look at some of the highlights of staying at any of these resorts, so that you can begin to formulate a plan for your vacation, and ensure you’re making the most of your time in Mexico.
So, you ready to do this? Let’s go.
The Best Part About Staying at Any Pueblo Bonito Resort
Before we go any further, I want to talk about my absolute favorite aspect of staying at any Pueblo Bonito resort.
And that’s the fact that if you stay at one, you get access to other Pueblo Bonito resorts (which ones depends on where you stay).
So for instance, the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica is the “adults only” resort, and this is where I stayed on my most recent trip.
Guests of the Pacifica are able to use the pools and dine at any of the other Pueblo Bonito resorts in Cabo.
One of the biggest complaints I have with all-inclusive resorts is that after a couple days things can get a little monotonous. The food starts to taste the same and afternoons at the pool can feel like Groundhog’s Day.
But a Pueblo Bonito vacation allows you to have access to a couple of dozen restaurants and close to a dozen different pools, each with very different vibes.
So you get the benefits of an all-inclusive, while still being able to keep things fresh, new, and exciting each day that you’re there.
One caveat here is that guests of Pacifica can use the facilities at any of the other resorts, however, not vice versa.
So if you stay at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, you’re not able to bring the family over to the Pacifica for the day. Although you can go to Rose or Los Cabos.
There may be other limitations, but that is the big one as I understand it.
Pueblo Bonito Cabo: Choosing the Right Resort for You
So with the above in mind, how do you choose the best Pueblo Bonito Cabo resort for you?
The good news is that each of the resorts are pretty unique and distinct. So I’m willing to bet there’s going to be an obvious one that jumps out for you.
Let’s take a quick look at each of them, and what sets them each apart.
I’ll then do a more thorough review of pools, dining, and the rooms at the Pacifica – as that’s where we stayed on the trip.
First off, you should know that there are Pueblo Bonito resorts in two different areas of Cabo San Lucas.
The first is within the Quivira Los Cabos community. This is about 10 minutes from downtown on the west side of the peninsula. Here you’ll find Sunset Beach, Pacifica, and Montecristo.
Rose and Los Cabos are side by side and located in downtown Cabo San Lucas close to all the action.
So which one is best for you? Let’s find out.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach: The Best Family Resort
Sunset Beach is the largest of the Pueblo Bonito Cabo resorts, by quite a large margin with 749 rooms.
It opened in 2002 and is within the Pueblo Bonito/Quivira community.
Being that it’s so large, it’s very easy to spread out with your family or friends.
There are six(!) different pools and 9(!) different dining options that can be included in an all-inclusive package.
However, one of those 9 is the phenomenal Market at Quivira Food Hall which has close to a dozen options there alone.
We’ll cover that more in the dining section below.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach is for you if:
- You’re traveling with a family or kids
- You want to have as many options for food and entertainment on property as possible
- You want a little extra space to spread out at the resort.
- You prefer the sunset over the sunrise
- You’d generally prefer to stay on property
- You’re not as interested in bars or clubs
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica: The Most Luxurious Resort
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica was originally built in 2005, and features 154 rooms.
However, it received an addition in 2016 in the form of the The Towers at Pacifica. These 47 rooms are among the nicest on the property and feature their own private butler and access to the VIP “Whale Watching” lounge.
There are 7 dining/drinking options on property, and it’s an adults-only resort.
While it’s the most remote of all of the Pueblo Bonito Cabo properties, it also has its own beach steps away from the pool area.
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica is for you if:
- You want the most relaxing experience possible
- You’re not traveling with kids (or don’t want to be around people who are traveling with kids)
- You’re looking for the most luxurious Pueblo Bonito experience (The Towers rooms)
- You want to be near a beach….but don’t want to swim in the ocean (riptides at the property are intense, so it’s advised not to swim here).
- You want to be closest to the golf course. It’s just a very short shuttle over to Quivira.
Pueblo Bonito Montecristo: A Private Villa Experience
Montecristo is different than the other 4 resorts at Pueblo Bonito in that they’re private villas as opposed to hotel-style rooms.
There are 151 villas on property, and if you’re looking for more of a “family vacation rental” this is going to be the best option for you.
Most of the villas have 3 bedrooms, wonderful panoramic views, and access to facilities at Sunset Beach and Rose – on top of the dining options on property at Montecristo.
I should have probably caveated my statement that The Towers at Pacifica is the most luxurious hotel property. Because the rooms at Montecristo are very nice.
Pueblo Bonito Montecristo is for you if:
- You want as much privacy as possible
- You’re more interested in a family vacation home than a hotel experience
- You don’t mind not being near all the action
- You don’t mind being a little ways from the ocean. Montecristo sits at the top of the hill, providing spectacular views, but it doesn’t have the convenient beach access of the downtown properties or Pacifica.
Pueblo Bonito Rose and Los Cabos: The Most Vibrant Resorts
Rose and Los Cabos Resort are the two Pueblo Bonito resorts in Downtown Cabo San Lucas. Because of this, they definitely have a different vibe.
During the time I spent there it felt like there was more energy and a younger crowd.
Rose has 250 rooms and Los Cabos 148.
They were built in 1997 and 1991 respectively, so I will say they do feel slightly dated compared to the other three properties within the Pueblo Bonito community.
That said, if you’re looking to be near all the action, these are the resorts to consider.
Oh, and the sunrise over the water? Pretty unbelievable.
Pueblo Bonito Rose or Los Cabos are for you if:
- You want to be near all the excitement and nightlife of downtown Cabo
- You prefer sunrises to sunsets
- You’re traveling with younger friends and you’re looking to party
- Proximity and amenities are more important than staying at the newest and nicest property.
So there you go, in my mind it’s pretty clear:
- If you’re looking for a party? Stay at one of the two downtown properties.
- If you’re looking to relax and get away from the kids? Pacifica.
- Looking for a family resort experience with easy access to pools, restaurants and entertainment all in one place? Sunset Beach.
- And if you want a private family experience without constantly being near the crowds, get a villa at Montecristo.
My Experience at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
While I was there I experienced a little bit of everything, so I’ll share more about my experience at each in the appropriate section below.
But for my trip, I stayed at The Towers at Pacifica.
And I’ve gotta say. After being home with an infant for the entirety of 2021, this truly was a welcome escape.
Arriving at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
I won’t say it was relaxing, because my 3 day trip was a bit of a whirlwind. But having numerous places I could go and find a little peace and quiet was a delightful change of pace.
Unfortunately, my short trip was made even shorter by a canceled flight and a missed connection. So instead of arriving around 3:30 like planned, I didn’t make it to my room until close to 11pm.
But this is where you really see the benefit of staying in the Towers.
You have your own butler.
I met Leopoldo in the lobby and he escorted me up to my room to complete my check-in.
He’d already ordered some chips and guac, which was exactly what I needed at that moment.
“What else can I get you?” We have 24 hour room service.”
“Tacos and a margarita sounds fantastic.”
15 minutes later, he was back with my late night meal.
Let’s just say my wife was at home with the aforementioned infant in a torrential rainstorm, so she didn’t appreciate me sending her this photo much:
The Rooms at The Towers at Pacifica
The rooms at The Towers at Pacifica are very nice, and frankly, probably a step above what I was expecting.
I haven’t done a ton of all-inclusive style resorts, but my room was arguably notch above what I experienced at Secrets Cap Cana a couple years back.
It’s not quite 5 star St. Regis or Four Seasons territory, but a very comfortable 4 star hotel room.
I was treated to a wonderful charcuterie board when I arrived, and The Towers also have my favorite luxury hotel room feature: the Nespresso machine.
I don’t know a coffee pod that costs 50 cents brings me so much joy – but alas, here we are.
The bathroom was a nice size, and the shower was huge.
My balcony overlooked the pool and had a nice ocean view.
The only real critique, and for me what sets it apart from being true 5 star territory, is the bed.
It was certainly passable, but it’s not on the same level as, say, a Ritz Carlton.
Overall for a Mexico all-inclusive, I doubt anyone will be disappointed in the room experience when staying at The Towers at Pacifica.
The Pool at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
As with most resorts of this style, the hotel towers wrap around the pool, with most if not all rooms looking out over the pool area and ocean.
The pool area is fantastic, and this is where you notice the “adults only” part of Pacifica the most.
I was told they were over 80% capacity while we were there and the pool actually seemed quiet and relaxing! There was no shortage of chairs, or space to get comfortable.
There was a bar nearby serving whatever you needed from tropical pool drinks to tequila shots.
There were outdoor firepits in the evening, and a row of 20 or so beachside Cabanas available to rent.
Sunset Beach has six pools of various sizes, and the can’t miss Sky Pool with some insane views of the ocean.
We did a breakfast outdoors poolside at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, and it seemed fantastic. It was early, so there weren’t a ton of people yet, but the location right by the water was something special.
The Armonia Spa at Pacifica: A Phenomenal Treatment
As I understand it, each of the five Pueblo Bonito Cabo properties has their own outpost of the Armonia Spa (which means harmony).
I spent an afternoon in the Spa and getting a massage at the Pacifica, and it was wonderful.
After a long day of travel the day before, and an early morning round of golf at Quivira Golf Club, a couple hours of taking care of my body felt great.
I had a 50-minute massage which was one of the better I’ve ever had. The massage therapist was friendly, knowledgeable, and used great pressure for a resort – where often they take it easy on you.
The day spa part of it was perfectly adequate with a nice men’s locker room, a whirlpool, a steam room, and a cold plunge. Oddly enough, it didn’t have a dry sauna – but I guess when you’re in a desert in Mexico, you just go outside.
The spa itself certainly wasn’t among the most high-end I’ve been to, but it still provided a wonderful place to relax, and the cold plunge was very nice to see – as often that’s the feature that gets left out.
Dining at Pueblo Bonito Cabo
If you factor in all of the dining options at Pueblo Bonito Cabo, there are a lot.
Far more than I’d ever be able to visit in a short 3 night trip. But we did our best to get around and try as many options as possible.
Siempre at Pacifica
Siempre is located right by the pool at Pacifica. In fact, the pool is kind of built around it. It’s a large space with both indoor and outdoor seating, and serves as the primary “all day” dining option at Pacifica.
I had breakfast there, and they had a very nice buffet with plenty of options and a good omelet bar.
It was a little weird that I was charged a few bucks when I asked for a coffee to go on my way out, considering I was in the all-inclusive package – but I just let it go…
LaFrida at Sunset Beach
For our “fancy dinner” of the trip we ventured over to LaFrida at Sunset Beach. This was the only time I spent there, but you could definitely feel that there was a little bit more action happening at Sunset Beach, as opposed to the very chill and relaxed vibe at Pacifica.
Leading up to the meal, I was told by numerous people it was not just the best restaurant at Pueblo Bonito, but one of the best in all of Cabo.
And after an evening there, I wouldn’t argue that fact.
Their current executive chef hails from Oaxaca, and the flavors on the menu show.
The squash blossom soup was as beautiful as it was delicious, and made for an excellent starter.
I couldn’t decide between the Sinaloa style barbacoa or the Enchiladas with Duck Carnitas and 2 year mole – so I convinced a friend to split it with me.
Although, I suppose being an all-inclusive I should have just gone for broke and ordered both 🙂
Worth noting, there is a $30/pp upcharge for eating here if you’re on the all-inclusive package.
Whale Watching VIP Lounge at The Towers
If you stay at The Towers at Pacifica one of the benefits beyond your personal butler and updated rooms, is access to their VIP lounge.
It’s a nice open room, with a very spacious outdoor balcony and wonderful panoramic ocean views. Perfect for, you guessed it, whale watching.
We actually did see a couple spouting off during our time in Cabo, which was nice considering we were still a little early for whale season.
The Market at Quivira Food Hall
This may have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the trip. We visited here for pre-dinner drinks on my first full night in Cabo (since my flight delays caused a late arrival the night before).
Everything at Pacifica feels pretty chill. So when we walked into the Food Hall and it was bustling I was kind of surprised.
If you’ve ever been to a place like Eataly, the Italian market and food hall, it reminded me of that.
Except instead of just Italian food you had everything from sushi, to tacos, to a high-end chocolatier.
There were close to a dozen different dining options there, and a fantastic courtyard for outdoor dining as well.
This is one place I’d highly recommend anyone visit if you’re staying at a Pueblo Bonito resort.
The good news is that most of the stuff in the Food Hall is also included in an all-inclusive package. There were a few upcharges (for say, the boutique chocolate truffles), but that was to be expected.
Final Thoughts on Pueblo Bonito Food and Dining
Overall I thought the food was very good across the board at all of the dining spots we hit on the trip.
There was also always a bar close by, eager to serve me whatever I wanted.
Is it the kind of place I’d order an old fashioned and expect it served over a big clear ice cube? Obviously not.
But for margaritas, tequila sunrises, or any drink you’d expect to order at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico – they’ve got you covered.
The free mini-bar in our room with an assortment of beers and sodas was also a welcome touch.
Is it Worth it to Go All-Inclusive at Pueblo Bonito?
One of the big questions you might have is whether or not it’s worth it to splurge for the all-inclusive package when staying at a Pueblo Bonito resort.
The short answer is you know best what kind of traveler you are, and what you’re looking for.
For me personally, I’ve always had the “season pass” mindset when it comes to this kind of thing.
As a kid growing up skiing, I had a season pass to the mountain. The money was already spent, so I could go up every single day and ski all day, or I could go up for just an hour or two.
Same with a golf membership. Because what I’m paying is set, I could play 36, or just go out for 4 holes and not feel guilty if I walk off due to rain.
When you’re on vacation, especially in a place like Cabo, there’s a certain freedom you get from going all-inclusive.
You don’t have to worry about anything.
Little things like “how much is this room service going to cost me?” or “Pool drinks are so expensive, maybe I’ll just wait for dinner.” – don’t matter.
There are different levels of all-inclusive plans at Pueblo Bonito, depending on if you’re an “owner” and the length of your stay.
The cost for my plan in late 2021 was around $150 per person per day.
Did I eat and drink that much during my time there? Probably not. But I’ve found it to be worth paying a little more to simply not have to worry about it. That’s just me though, you know yourself and your budget best.
Check with the resort when you book to see current rates and options.
Golfing at Quivira
Well now that I’m 3,000 words into this resort review, you might be saying…what about the golf?!
Glad you asked.
One of the unique things I’ve found about golf in Cabo is that access is becoming more and more difficult.
Cabo is a world-class golf destination: but it should be even more so.
The issue with golf in Cabo is that all of the best courses generally have private memberships, with resort play access.
Meaning in order to play a course, you have to be staying at the resort.
So if you want to head down and play 5 rounds at 5 of the best spots?
Well, then you either need to prepare to move hotels a lot, or have some solid connections with members.
That gripe aside, the golf course associated with Pueblo Bonito is Quivira Golf Club.
And it’s phenomenal.
To the point where if you’re a golfer? Forget everything else I’ve said above, and know that it’s worth staying at a Pueblo Bonito resort just for access to Quivira.
Just be prepared for the fact this isn’t your traditional golf course.
It’s over the top in nearly every way.
Views? Insane.
Holes built into the side of a cliff? Yep.
Comfort stations with free food and drinks? The station at hole 8 had the best tacos of the trip.
If you’re an architecture purist? There will be things you don’t like.
But what struck me after two rounds there was how much better of a course it was than I’d expected.
I expected a couple “wow” holes, and then some run-of-the-mill resort golf.
What I got were 18 holes where I very clearly remember every hole.
With the possible exception of 17 (which was under construction), and 18 which was a bit underwhelming given the craziness of the rest of the course – I enjoyed every hole immensely.
Few places will have golf as memorable as Quivira. Its neighbor Diamante may have the better golf course by traditional standards, but it honestly won’t be as memorable as the experiences you’ll have at Quivira. And for most people? That’s what is most important.
I liked the course so much that I included it among my favorite courses I’ve ever played.
If you’re thinking of going just for the golf, definitely take a look at my full Quivira Golf Club review.
Final Thoughts on Pueblo Bonito Resorts
Overall, thought Pueblo Bonito was fantastic.
The sheer number of options you have for how you want to spend your days is pretty much unrivaled within Cabo.
Being able to spend one day at the Sky Pool with panoramic vistas at Sunset Beach and the next downtown poolside with your own private beach? That’s pretty killer.
Throw in a world-class meal at LaFrida, world-class golf at Quivira, and end your trip doing nothing but relaxing by the pool and getting a treatment at the Armonia Spa?
I don’t care who you are, that’s a fantastic week right there.
While my trip was abbreviated, I look forward to visiting again and spending a few extra days soaking it all in and experiencing more of what Pueblo Bonito has to offer. Because well, it offers a lot.
