From the infinity pool, I take in the dramatic view of Land’s End, where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Sea of Cortez. In the distance, the soft glow of early morning light illuminates the silhouettes of taller hotels, while pelicans glide in perfect formation just feet above the glassy water. From my perch at Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos, nature feels all-encompassing.
As I fix my gaze on the horizon, whales suddenly torpedo out of the sea, arching their massive humpbacks as their tails break the surface. January marks peak whale season, so perhaps the abundance of migrating humpback and gray whales shouldn’t come as a surprise, yet the sight never loses its magic. Even from afar, the sheer scale and grace of these gentle giants breaching offshore at the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is awe-inspiring.
After a sunrise breakfast on the beach enjoyed in my robe, with mimosas, coffee and pastries, I moved straight into the next early-morning adventure: stand-up paddleboard yoga in the pool. This complimentary class offers a deep connection to both body and nature, as the instructor guided us through steady breathing set to the rhythmic sound of the waves. Balancing through each pose required focus and presence, and by the end of the session, not only were my muscles awake, but my confidence had quietly grown as well.
After hydrating with a fresh green juice and scouring the buffet breakfast to sample some Mexican specialties, I grabbed an oversized tube and slid into the resort’s standout attraction: the longest lazy river in Cabo. Stretching an impressive 1,148 feet, the gently flowing water winds its way around the property, offering the right balance of relaxation and fun for kids and adults alike. Along the way, playful water features and colorful tile mosaics depicting native wildlife add visual interest to the float.
The lazy river doubles as an activity space, too. One morning at 9 AM, the resort’s activity desk hosted a Power Walk fitness class right in the water, complete with arm weights, for a low-impact workout. By evening, the river transforms again, glowing with changing colors that give the entire area a festive, resort-style ambiance. Beyond the lazy river, the family-friendly property features multiple jacuzzis and interconnected pools – some reserved for adults seeking quiet time, others designed for younger guests and families – making it easy for everyone to find their perfect pace.
Couples can easily dial up the romance at Villa La Valencia. Floating breakfasts can be arranged in the pool, candlelit dinners set directly on the sand, and long beach walks in either direction from the resort feel peaceful and uncrowded along the golden shoreline. Shared experiences – like a mezcal tasting, tortilla-making class, or a sunset mixology session with a view – present opportunities to come together. Complimentary activities are offered daily, from samba in the pool, to salsa dancing and pool volleyball, while evenings unfold with live saxophone and piano duets that elevate the sunset ambiance.
For those seeking wellness, even a simple barefoot beach walk can reset the mood, toes brushing the surf and fresh salty air clearing the mind. For a deeper reset, surrender to the light-filled, airy Azul Wellness & Spa Center. After a massage or facial, guests can continue unwinding through a hydrotherapy journey featuring varying water pressures and temperatures. A cold plunge, jacuzzi, steam room, and dry sauna invite total relaxation.
A wide range of treatments are available, from the latest oxygen hydrafacial, to Azul Cielo – a popular 90-minute indulgence that combines massage, warm oil infusion on the abdomen, detoxifying and lymphatic drainage techniques, and a hyaluronic acid and collagen mask. Many treatments incorporate aloe and seaweed, and chlorophyll water is available throughout the resort to support wellness from the inside out.
Food lovers will appreciate the ease of the all-inclusive package, which includes four restaurants and five bars. My favorite was casual, poolside Coralle, where ocean views pair perfectly with standout shrimp tacos, guacamole, and tuna tostada sashimi. A classic margarita or a Michelada with Clamato only enhances the Mexican flavors.
Considered one of the best steakhouses in Cabo, Latitude 23.5 Steak House serves beautifully marbled cuts of beef, expertly grilled and paired with traditional sides like sautéed mushrooms, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and organic vegetables. Mexican wines from Baja and Chihuahua complement a juicy ribeye, while a flaming Mexican coffee offers a festive finale.
La Taberna brings Italian-inspired comfort dishes infused with Baja ingredients to a cheerful terrace setting. Guests can watch the culinary team at work in the open kitchen while enjoying Caesar salad, lasagna, or ravioli paired with excellent Baja wines such as Santo Tomás Cabernet Sauvignon or Roganto Chardonnay. Ending the evening with a Carajillo – Mexico’s favorite nightcap made with espresso and Licor 43 over ice – is a must.
Retreating to the room is a highlight in itself. The newly renovated, ocean-facing accommodations are impressively spacious and thoughtfully designed. I fell in love with the bathroom – featuring a freestanding deep soaking tub, oversized walk-in rainfall shower, and a Japanese toilet with a heated seat. The expansive wraparound terrace of the one-bedroom ocean-view suite was the perfect spot for morning coffee or stargazing at night.
While I traveled solo, the suite is ideal for families as well – with a pullout sofa, a second bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washer and dryer. An on-site market makes it easy to stock up on food and drinks for longer stays. Whether waking to the day’s first light or falling asleep to the crashing waves, the rooms strike a balance between luxury, function, and a sense of place.
Villa La Valencia is part of a family of sister properties along Médano Beach, including Villa del Palmar, Villa del Arco, and the hacienda-style Villa La Estancia Cabo, home to the largest spa in Cabo, with massage experiences that include a signature Ritual of Light inspired by ancestral traditions. Guests can easily explore all the resorts via a convenient shuttle.
For dining off-property, Neptune at Villa del Arco is a standout, offering Baja-inspired seafood in a dramatic setting overlooking the iconic limestone arches of Los Cabos. Menu highlights include local chocolate clams, Ensenada au gratin oysters, clam soup served in sourdough bread, tostadas loaded with scallop, clam, octopus, and shrimp, blackened yellowfin tuna, and surf-and-turf plates. Save room for the decadent chocolate tamale with vanilla ice cream.
Another excellent option is the newly renovated Bella California at Villa del Palmar, where Italian and Baja flavors meet through fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seafood – all served with sweeping views of El Arco and the Sea of Cortez. Nearby, Tortugas Terrace hosts family-friendly evening shows.
Just a few years old, Villa La Valencia Los Cabos is a polished, all-inclusive luxury resort that invests equally in romance, wellness, and family fun. With warm Mexican hospitality and a range of experiences for every travel style and budget, the collection of resorts offers a vibrant yet relaxing escape at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.
