Where to Stay in Cabo

It’s hard to miss the Grand Velas Los Cabos: the family-friendly, 304-room all-inclusive occupies a prominent position on the strip between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Your children will be so distracted at the kids club and teen area (complete with mocktails, karaoke and booming sound system) that they won't notice when you sneak out to one of the three infinity pools or the spa for a blue agave vela massage. The kids club even serves dinner, so you can enjoy the catch of the day at adults-only restaurant Cocina de Autor (try the rocky fish).

Who It’s Best For: Families who want nonstop entertainment (and not à la carte pricing).

The exclusive One&Only Palmilla is the Cabo resort of choice for celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain and Eva Longoria. They love it for the reasons you will—quiet rooms with balconies and a private beach. It’s a big place, but the 173 rooms are spread out to ensure uninterrupted privacy. Need to get to the spa, the golf course or Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s steak house? Call your personal butler and he’ll swing by with the golf cart. The adults-only pool is a place to see and be seen—pull out your Hunza G. suit and work on your seamless tan. At turndown, choose from a menu of aromatherapy mixtures and relax as housekeepers light candles, play soothing music and present you with a nighttime snack.

Who It’s Best For: Jet-setters in search of exclusivity and plenty of privacy.

If your version of Cabo means swimming through a school of tropical fish, Chileno Bay Resort is your best bet. On a quiet stretch of beach—one of the few swimmable locations on the coast—this spot is ideal for active types. The hotel’s army of assistants can set up everything from whale watching to detoxifying in the Salt Inhalation Room. The 60 rooms and 32 villas are designed for relaxation after a lively day. Rinse off in your private outdoor shower and lay back in bed to watch the sunset—each room features sky-high windows framing ocean views.

Who It’s Best For: Young active couples and families who want to dive into the ocean.

The bar-setter for luxury in Cabo, Las Ventanas Al Paraíso captivates visitors with 83 high-ceilinged rooms, desert landscapes and panoramic terrace views. To celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer, the resort has unveiled a menu of once-in-a-lifetime experiences: Sleep under the stars on a palatial bed on the roof terrace (bottle of Clase Azul Special Edition tequila included), or watch a classic film on a floating sofa in the pool as butlers bring you drinks and snacks. Even if you don’t choose one of the experiences, you’ll feel like a VIP thanks to the exceptional staff, a bed sheet menu and a personalized meal to go for your flight home.

Who It’s Best For: Couples looking for a relaxing, romantic vibe.

Is The Resort at Pedregal a resort or a theater? Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked through a chandelier-lit private tunnel to the entrance, where you’ll be greeted by name and handed a margarita. The cliffside setting itself is dramatic—on a nearly private beach and surrounded by mountains, giving 113 rooms unparalleled views. As in much of Cabo, you won’t be able to swim in the ocean here, but the public and private plunge pools compensate. Book an appointment with the Mexican folk healer at the spa for an authentic local experience. If you can’t manage to drag yourself out of your room for the day, someone will stop by your room with chips, guacamole and Coronas to keep you properly nourished.

Who It’s Best For: Young-at-heart travelers with a flair for the dramatic.

Esperanza has expanded since it first opened in 2002—it now has 57 suites, 60 villas and 36 private residences—but it still manages to pull off the feeling of intimate, timeless hospitality that the Auberge brand is known for. The cozy, authentic Mexican setting and award-winning spa help—shake off the post-flight willies with an Auberge Anthology, an ancient yogic massage with hand-crafted ingredients selected to counter travel-induced stress. If you’re more the fresh-air type, ask the staff to book you a round of golf at any of the five nearby championship courses.

Who It’s Best For: Spa-goers and those who appreciate a warmer, more family-friendly atmosphere.

Cabo’s newest hot spot is already causing a scene. Mar Adentro is a hideaway straight out of a Bond movie, comprised of white, cube-shaped buildings connected by crisscrossing paths that seem to float over dark reflecting pools. The 198 rooms match the exterior’s minimalist style, with all-white furniture and ocean views. With a DJ spinning nightly on the weekends and weekly concerts, the hotel is bringing a South Beach vibe to Cabo, but without sacrificing a luxurious, high-design sense of place.

Who It’s Best For: Nightlife mavens and design aficionados.