Rating9.7
Rating9.2
Rating9.8The activity programming reflects the boutique scale — curated and intimate rather than comprehensive. Culinary experiences (cooking classes, tastings) are the primary daytime programming. The beach is the scenic backdrop but not the activity platform due to unsafe swimming conditions. Grand Velas next door fills the gap for guests wanting more activity variety.
Lifestyle experience at Mar del Cabo
Courtesy of Velas Resorts
Couples enjoying the boutique resort experience
Courtesy of Velas Resorts
Heated free-form pool at beach level with Sea of Cortez views. Full poolside bar service and Encanto food delivery to loungers. Open 8 AM–9 PM with consistent warm water year-round. Adjacent to the beach but safely separated from the swim-unsafe ocean conditions. Reviewers consistently describe it as one of the best intimate pools in Los Cabos.
Over 3 miles of white sand on the Sea of Cortez within the Costa Brava gated community. Lounge chairs, cabanas, and beach towels provided. The beach itself is beautiful and the setting is natural and unspoiled. Critical caveat: swimming in the ocean is genuinely unsafe here — strong riptides, intense waves, and a steep offshore drop-off create hazardous conditions. The pool is the only swimming option. Whale watching December–April from the beach is one of the better no-cost wildlife experiences in Los Cabos.
Included. Hands-on sessions led by the Encanto culinary team using local Baja ingredients. Schedule varies — check with concierge on arrival for the week's program.
Included. Guided exploration of agave spirits at Encanto. One of the more genuine versions of this type of activity — the guides know their subjects.
Included. Local Baja California wines and craft beers. The regional wine scene has grown significantly; these tastings give useful context for choosing bottles at the deli.
Included. Bartender-led cocktail crafting. Popular social event, particularly later in the week.
Included. Schedule available at the front desk. The oceanfront setting makes these more appealing than a typical resort yoga program.
Included. On-site gym with standard equipment. Open daily.
Included, open 8 AM–9 PM. Free-form heated pool at beach level with bar service and food from Encanto. Since ocean swimming isn't possible, this is the sole swimming option — fortunately it's a good one. Loungers always available at 48-room scale.
Included. 3+ miles of white sand on the Sea of Cortez within a gated community. Lounge chairs, cabanas, and towels provided. Excellent for walking, sunbathing, and whale watching December–April. Swimming is not safe due to strong riptides — this is a firm safety issue, not a soft recommendation.
Included. No boat required December–April when humpback and gray whales migrate through the Sea of Cortez. Visible directly from suite terraces and the beach.
Included on select evenings. Oceanfront fire pit with churros, s'mores, and communal gathering. One of the small touches that creates the boutique hotel feel.
Included. Over 3 miles of walkable sand within the Costa Brava gated community — particularly good at sunset.
Extra cost ($280/person, 20% off for Mar del Cabo guests). Access to Grand Velas Los Cabos from 9 AM–5 PM, including seven restaurants, SE Spa hydrotherapy, and world-class pools. Worth booking for at least one day of a longer stay.
Extra cost, 20% off for Mar del Cabo guests on treatments of 50+ minutes. Hydrotherapy circuit, couples suites, and holistic therapies at the adjacent Forbes Five-Star spa. Reservation required through concierge.
Extra cost. Available beachside or in-suite. Book through the front desk.
Extra cost, arranged through concierge: whale watching boat tours, sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, nearby golf. The 15–25 minute drive to San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas adds more options.
Extra cost. Transportation to San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas available by reservation. Golf cart service available on-site for guests with mobility concerns.