When your plane descends over the shimmering blue Sea of Cortez and glides toward the Baja coastline at sunset, you feel the rush of excitement. The special kind that you only get when you travel to your favorite destinations. That’s exactly how I felt when I recently arrived at Mexico’s San José del Cabo International Airport on a December evening when the golden sunset cast a warm hue across Baja California Sur’s desert terrain.
After a 40-minute drive from the airport, I stepped into Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas and quickly noticed how much thought went into the resort’s new interior. The lobby renovations moved away from a generic style and added seasonal touches, including a big Christmas tree decked out in colorful ornaments, with reindeer and nutcracker figurines and a real gingerbread house beside the updated reception area. Still, Villa del Palmar isn’t flashy like some surrounding resorts — it’s bright, inviting, and designed to make guests feel welcome the moment they enter.
Located along the golden Médano Beach, this resort is a popular spot for families, couples, and groups of friends. Villa del Palmar has long been a staple of the Cabo resort scene, but after a series of renovations that touched everything from the lobby to the pools and restaurants, this property has become a mood setter, not just a place to stay.
Suites that make you feel at home: The rooms at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort
Photo: Daria Bachmann
I stayed in a one-bedroom suite that came equipped with a small kitchen and offered views of the Sea of Cortez and Cabo’s sun-kissed coastline. It featured colorful, modern Mexican design, consistent with the property’s recent updates. The jacuzzis on the back terrace made for a welcoming addition, especially on days when the pool area was busy.
Baja has always been one of my favorite destinations in Mexico, and every time I arrive, I can’t wait to get on the road and check off more places from my bucket list. This time was different. My suite was a real home, and I felt like I could easily spend my entire vacation there, enjoying the views from my private balcony. Plenty of snacks and a fridge stocked with complimentary drinks? Check. Swaying palms brushing the breeze? Double check. A cup of fresh orange juice with sunrise light pouring in your room? Absolutely.
The water-facing rooms are perfect for watching the sun rise over the horizon every morning, or you can get outside to enjoy the early morning sun from the beach in front of the property, as you dip your toes in the sand and watch curious pelicans glide over the water.
Whether you need a smaller space or are traveling with a group, Villa del Palmar has you covered. In addition to one-bedroom suites, the resort has junior studio suites and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. Guests have access to amenities including parking, pickleball and tennis courts, a gym, a steam room, and a conference room. There’s even a small tortilleria that makes fresh tortillas — a staple of Mexican cuisine that you can try in the resort’s on-site restaurants.
Pools, massages, pickleball, and more: Activities at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort
Photo: Daria Bachmann
After touring the resort, it was time to enjoy the pool. Taking a quick swim in the adult pool was a perfect way to kick off the day before it got busy. The new aquatic areas are the perfect spots for a great mood, plenty of laughter, and late-afternoon naps on shaded sun loungers or conversations with a refreshing drink in your hand.
The resort’s brand-new family pool — complete with a splash area — is one of the property’s recent additions, while adults-only zones with hot tubs and a fire pit lounge are ideal for evening get-togethers. These elements were carefully incorporated into the property’s original design, and they make a big difference, offering more space and enhanced amenities for those who want to enjoy the social scene and dining experiences.
Beyond the pools, activities at Villa del Palmar range from starting your day with a tennis or pickleball session to heading to the resort’s Desert Spa for a relaxing massage. I began one morning with a hot stone massage — an 80-minute ritual that delivered full-body relaxation and an ideal way to unwind after a day of activities or exploring Cabo. The spa’s professional therapists and a calm, jacuzzi-equipped facility add more to the resort experience, especially for travelers who want to incorporate wellness or restorative downtime into their trips.
Another highlight of my stay was a kayaking session that started at Villa del Arco, Villa del Palmar’s sister property that’s adjacent to the resort. Paddling along the waters of the Sea of Cortez was a welcome challenge after a day of relaxation and sampling chef-prepared meals — and, as our group paddled along, we could see the famous Arch of Cabo in the distance.
Meals that are delicious and personable: Dining at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort
Photo: Daria Bachmann
At Villa del Palmar, food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s part of the experience. My first stop was Tomatillos, a farm-to-table restaurant with rustic decor where bold flavors and healthy ingredients go hand in hand. The restaurant’s low-key atmosphere and nice ambient lighting made it a perfect dinner spot after a long day on the road, as I enjoyed creamy avocado hummus and a signature salad. The restaurant is located right across from the resort’s main entrance and brings a welcome change if you want a break from resort-style dining and sample dishes made from local produce.
In the morning, head to Tortugas Terrace, where you can enjoy breakfast in a lively atmosphere. Friendly servers are ready to take your order the moment you arrive, but you can also head to the buffet area where you can choose from fruits, pastries, and an assortment of hot dishes, or have chilaquiles prepared right in front of you. By night, the area converts into a show venue, with weekly theme nights — all you need to do is choose from the resort’s program.
And, let me tell you, Villa del Palmar knows how to do waterfront dining. At Bella California, which recently opened after extensive renovations, the waves become part of the soundtrack while you sample a fusion of Italian and Baja food. At nearby Taco & Sushi Bar, the energy is more communal. Watch your guacamole being prepared tableside as you sip on a cold margarita under the shade on a hot sunny afternoon. My lunch here consisted of vegan tacos and veggie sushi rolls with mango toppings prepared by a skilled chef.
At 6 PM, Carbon Grill opens its doors for dinner. This restaurant serves a variety of grilled favorites — including steak, chicken, and seafood — in addition to an assortment of drinks, including wines and margaritas. As a vegan, I got a special chef-prepared meal, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate my requests.
Cabo adventures you can’t miss: Things to do near Villa del Palmar Beach Resort
Photo: Daria Bachmann
Although guests of Villa del Palmar can spend their entire vacations in the comfort of the resort, you don’t want to forget to get outside. Cabo is synonymous with adventure, and Baja at large is a fantastic wildlife destination. Winter is the time to spot humpback whales that migrate to Baja from December through April to give birth to their young calves.
As the whale-watching season is in full swing from late December through March, you’re almost guaranteed to spot these magnificent creatures breaching off Cabo’s coast. While humpbacks are the most common visitors to this part of the peninsula, you can also spot gray and blue whales. Villa del Palmar has a tour desk where you can book snorkeling, hiking, off-roading, and zip-lining tours. And, if you ever want to get outside of the resort, you can take a 15-minute walk to Cabo Marina, with all its amenities.
Finally, you can enjoy the beach at any time of the day. Early mornings are perfect for casual strolls on the sand, and if you can brave a 6 AM wake-up call, you can head a few blocks from the property to find a local conservation group letting newly hatched baby turtles into the open sea. The head of the group will give you a set of gloves, which you’ll need if you want to take one of the newly born turtles and release it onto the sand. Watching a tiny turtle make its way toward the crashing waves is an incredibly humbling experience, and I recommend it to everyone who comes to Cabo.
There’s a kind of magic that happens when the sun rises over the horizon, lighting up the Cabo coast in warm colors, and Villa del Palmar gave me a front-row seat.
