Experience Old Mexico at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Los Cabos

You love getting away on foreign vacations, but once there, you hate going out for local color and sights. You want to stay put, relax and unwind, and yet want to experience the ambience of the destination. You want to have it all!

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar in Los Cabos, at the very tip of the Baja peninsula in Mexico is definitely where you can meet all those needs. Built in the very secluded locale of Cabo del Sol, set far back from the main highway, it is conveniently placed between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas – the main tourist drag.

An easy under-30 minute drive from the San José del Cabo International Airport through the town of San José del Cabo, along the Tourist Corridor brings you to this gem among Starwood resorts. The highway sweeps past hidden villages identified only by signs pointing the way down unpaved roads. On either side, grand big-name resorts line the route. Public beach areas provide indescribably stunning views of the multi-hued ocean around every jutting promontory. Making you gasp with wonder, awe and the ineffable sense of peace that comes from the sight of the timeless ocean.

Constructed along the lines of Old Colonial Mexico, the property is a huge conglomeration of smaller villas strung out around a low-rise main building. It is set beside a pristine half mile long beach, which is pounded into curving, yet angular dunes by the merciless waves. It shares the grounds with a high-end time-share complex. 

The main building houses the grand reception, lobby, bar and lounge. Pillars, arches, alcoves and stone corridors furnished with dark, heavy, ornately carved and hand-painted furniture are reflections and echoes of those bygone and yet gracious times.

Its prime position looks over an outdoor patio from which grand stone stairways lead down to the spectacular pools, hidden Jacuzzis, beach and ocean.

The surrounding collection of individual buildings of varied architecture is placed amidst verdant, immaculate landscaped gardens, with scenic views. The harmonious colors echo and reflect every shade from dawn to sunset and in between. They all contribute to the sense of being in a centuries-old habitat.

The large, lavishly furnished rooms feature typical old-world furniture and draperies. They lead onto beautiful, private, balustraded balconies, ideal for experiencing the sunrise, sunset, moon, stars, breezes and ocean. The bathrooms are huge, with individual toilets, shower cubicles and whirlpools, colorfully tiled and mirrored.

The old-world, cobblestoned pathways (lambently lit at night), link the buildings weaving through lush flowerbeds raked into beautiful lines with a Zen garden-like precision. Bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and honeysuckle drip blossoms and fragrance from morning to night, sheltering cozy, hidden Placitas set around ornate fountains and vintage statuary. The towering, bizarre shapes of cacti frame the picturesque vignettes.

The living community atmosphere is completed with shops, gardens, and restaurants. The resort has its own chapel and a seaside gazebo for weddings and special events. While there is no nightlife on the premises, there are plenty of quiet family activities, including Bingo, Water and Beach Volleyball, Spanish cooking and language lessons and a Kids Club.

Situated at the very tip of the peninsula, on the edge of the Sea of Cortez, the boom of the tallest waves rushing in is omnipresent even at ebb tide. At night the crashing force of the ocean sets doors and windows to vibrating, and echoes in your deepest dreams. The intense waves often cause brief closures of swimming. Otherwise, intrepid, undeterred swimmers, surfers and delighted kids can be seen being bounced around by the elements. 

Migratory Grays & Humpback whales are active and visible close to shore and provide endless hours of jaw-dropping antics especially during spring season.

The wide choice of restaurants offers options for informal, theme-oriented dining and breakfast at Tomatoes, and the high-flung Girasoles (Sunflowers) with their stunning views of the Sea of Cortez. Beverages, lunch and light snacks are available at the poolside and sushi bars. While high-end, fine dining is available at the de Cortez Grill and Pitahayas seaside restaurants. The breezes get so cool at these open-air venues that complimentary serapes (blankets) are offered to the guests. The food is better than many places in Mexico.

The Cactus Spa is adorned with traditional Mexican hacienda decorative elements of iron light fixtures, candles, flowers, views of garden, pool, and adobe construction. With its philosophy of wellness of mind leading to wellness of body, it is a sanctuary where expert masseuses and therapists bring healing and balance.  Treatments range from massage, skin care, salon services, warm and cold water treatments, steam and sauna.

Enjoy an out-of-this-world vacation in a safe, clean haven with all the mod cons you can ever desire. Shut your eyes to the 21^st century and you will be transported straight back in time to a typical Mexican vibe.

The Arches Rock Formations - Cabo San Lucas

A literal get-away from everyday life – the essence of a great vacation.