When I think of vacation, I think of laying by a body of water (I’m not picky) with a refreshing drink in hand and having virtually no plans otherwise…which is exactly why McLean and her team at Lily Pond Luxury sent me and my husband straight for Esperanza when we reached out to plan our honeymoon last summer. Spoiler: we loved it so much we went back exactly one year later for our first anniversary; the second of what we hope will be many more return trips to come.
While my husband and I are fairly avid travelers and have been to all sorts of beautiful places around the world, Esperanza, a 5-star Auberge property in Cabo San Lucas, has quickly become our point of comparison. Among the many beautiful places we’ve stayed since…they’ve been ‘no Esperanza’, and below are just a few of the many reasons why.
Breathtaking Views
Speaking purely to aesthetics, Esperanza feels like it was pulled straight out of a magazine (the fancy, coffee-table kind). As soon as you drive through the resort’s gates, you’re immersed in Esperanza’s romantic and coastal atmosphere, nestled between dramatic cliffs and underneath swaying palm trees. With daily-manicured landscaping, pristine walkways, and infinity-edged pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez, it’s hard to be anything but relaxed during your stay.
The property becomes even more magical when the sun goes down, with lanterns lit up all over the resort – including your private casita balcony and suite. Even the smaller details, like hanging glass hearts and authentic interior design, make it clear they’ve thought intentionally about every aspect of their guest experience. All the carefully curated elements are a huge differentiator in why Esperanza stands apart from the many other resorts Cabo-bound travelers have to choose from.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Next, the food. I don’t put it lightly when I say the Red Snapper from Cocina Del Mar is quite possibly the best meal I’ve ever had; and this is a bold claim for me, considering it comes with the head and tail intact (not usually my speed). That said, Cocina Del Mar is worth it for the experience alone, sitting as close as you can get to the Sea of Cortez…without actually being in the Sea of Cortez. Add the food back into consideration, and it makes sense why Cocina Del Mar is considered one of the best dining experiences in Cabo. Even travelers not staying on the property come for a dinner reservation (and of course, the photo ops).
The other restaurants on property don’t disappoint either, especially the ceviche and fish tacos at La Palapa and the wood-fired pizza at Las Estrellas. Cocina Del Mar’s breakfast is just as notable as its dinner, with a breakfast buffet of my dreams: made-to-order omelettes, fresh pastries, pancakes, fruit, and of course, authentic Mexican dishes like sopas and (my personal favorite) chilaquiles.
Unparalleled Service
What really sets the resort apart, though, is the service. You’re greeted by name upon arrival by staff in crisp whites, with a complimentary margarita in hand. Does it get better than that?
The Esperanza team instantly makes you feel at home, assigning you a personal concierge that you can text any time throughout your stay. They’ll take you and your bags by golf cart to your room, which they service multiple times a day with fresh linens and turndown service.
My husband and I kept saying it’s like magic the way anytime we’d leave our room for the pool or dinner, we returned to a spotless room with the lights dimmed, lanterns lit, custom resort music on the TV, and slippers set out by our bed – all without ever seeing a trace of housekeeping. If that’s not enough to convince you of the service and comfortable accommodations, I’ll add that I averaged a 94 sleep score on my Oura ring during my weeklong stay there; for non-Oura users, that’s some really good sleep.
A Go-To Getaway
The sights, bites, and level of service are just a few reasons why I consider Esperanza such a special and unique place. Whether you’re looking to enjoy amenities like the esteemed spa, modern gym, and pickleball courts, or you’re like me and plan to relax poolside all day long, Esperanza is your place.
Our anniversary falls in July, which happens to be in their ‘off-season’ because of the weather. However, we found it to be completely pleasant and temperate; it was hotter and more humid where we live back home in Charlotte, NC! July and summer are also nice because the resort is a bit quieter. However, we’ve heard great things about going during their prime season as well, especially in January when whale-watching is supposed to be at its peak.
If you have the chance to go, regardless of the time of year, I’m confident you’ll leave with the same sentiments I have toward this one-of-a-kind resort. And if you go in July, maybe I’ll see you there! I promise not to order all the red snappers off the menu.
Article by Jenna Bartikofsky
