Fodor's Expert Review Hacienda Encantada

Despite the enormous size of this time-share-resort hybrid, there are only 222 rooms, meaning guests are treated to 1,400 square-foot hacienda-styled suites. The property itself replicates an old Mexican village, with rooms housed in buildings tiered on a hillside so nearly every suite has an ocean view. Separating the buildings are three pool areas, one designated for residences, another for activities, and the third for peace and quiet. The nine restaurants range from Mexican cuisine to Italian specialties, or guests can use all-inclusive privileges to dine at one of nine restaurants on the marina in Cabo San Lucas. A hotel shuttle makes multiple trips each day to sister property, Marina Fiesta (free for all-inclusive guests; $5 fee for others). The on-site grocery store, pharmacy, and Kids’ Club make this resort popular with timeshare owners.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Be sure to read the list of amenities that are not included in the all inclusive plan, or you might end up with sticker shock at checkout.

Photo: Happy Friday! ???? Now let's all go sit outside, enjoy a nice beverage until the sun sets. ?? Oh wait! Its 39 degrees outside and drizzling! ?????? . . #itsfriday #happyhour #cabo #haciendaencantadaresort / @diaryofatravelingfamily

room

Colorful paintings and sculptures from regional artists are standard features in suites, as are chic and comfortable furnishings, kitchen amenities, and terraces with seaside views.

Photo: Happy Friday! ???? Now let's all go sit outside, enjoy a nice beverage until the sun sets. ?? Oh wait! Its 39 degrees outside and drizzling! ?????? . . #itsfriday #happyhour #cabo #haciendaencantadaresort / @diaryofatravelingfamily

bathroom

Wall-mounted candle sconces offer a romantic secondary light source in the spacious bath areas, which also boast boutique soaps, shampoos, and other toiletries.

lobby

The traditional hacienda theme finds its fullest expression in the expansive lobby, which showcases high beamed ceilings, colorful Mexican artwork, stone fountains, wrought iron chandeliers, and vintage style furnishings.

pool

There are three large pool areas: one family-friendly, one reserved for adults, and another for those in residential villas.

A beach area is roped off for sunning and margarita sipping, but swimming is not advised due to rocky conditions.

Photo: Happy Friday! ???? Now let's all go sit outside, enjoy a nice beverage until the sun sets. ?? Oh wait! Its 39 degrees outside and drizzling! ?????? . . #itsfriday #happyhour #cabo #haciendaencantadaresort / @diaryofatravelingfamily

spa

Although it lacks the square footage of spas at comparable resorts, Hacienda Encantada offers all the expected soothing services, from massages and romantic couples’ treatments to beauty salon services.

The signature spa experience includes a variety of massage styles, including hot stone and shiatsu.

gym

The fitness center, like the spa, is not overly large, but does feature treadmills, ellipticals, and other universal style exercise machines.

dining

All-inclusive or European plans are available for Hacienda Encantada’s many on-site restaurants, which include Mexican cuisine at Las Marías, La Trajinera, Los Riscos and El Edén, and Italian specialties at Barolo and Il Forno. All-inclusive guests may also enjoy the culinary pleasures in the Marina Golden Zone in Cabo San Lucas, from fresh seafood at Baja Lobster Co., The Oyster Bar and Imomo to pirate-themed atmosphere at Jack’s.

Shuttles run daily to Marina Fiesta, near the sister resort's many marina based restaurants.

drinking

Enjoy tropical quaffs at the swim-up sports bar, or pair comfort food with creative cocktails at El Patio.