What Is El Encanto All Inclusive Resort — And Is It Worth It?
El Encanto All Inclusive Resort sits on the cliffs of the Sea of Cortez in the Corridor, the stretch of coastline between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It is part of the Mexico Grand Hotels collection and operates under the full name El Encanto de la Hacienda.
Quick facts for travelers researching this property:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | The Corridor, near Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur |
| Style | Boutique all-inclusive with hacienda architecture |
| Best for | Couples, families, quiet luxury travelers |
| Guest rating | 8.8/10 from verified reviews |
| Comfort score | 9.7/10 |
| Cleanliness score | 9.5/10 |
| Staff score | 9.3/10 |
| Airport distance | ~30-40 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) |
| Dining plan | “Dine Out All Inclusive” covers on-site and downtown Golden Zone restaurants |
| Sister properties | Hacienda Encantada, Marina Fiesta Resort |
One thing worth knowing before you start comparing options: there are two different properties that carry the “El Encanto” name. The Belmond El Encanto is a hillside luxury hotel in Santa Barbara, California. The property covered in this guide is the all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. They are entirely separate businesses with no connection to each other. The mix-up is common in search results, so it’s worth getting that out of the way early.
The Los Cabos version has earned consistently strong guest ratings, with travelers specifically calling out the staff friendliness, sweeping ocean views, and a peaceful atmosphere that sets it apart from the louder, more commercial resorts along the Cabo San Lucas marina strip. One guest described it as their favorite Cabo stay after more than ten visits to the region. That kind of loyalty says something.
If you are planning a trip to Los Cabos and trying to figure out whether this resort matches your travel style, this guide walks through everything — the rooms, the dining plan, the wellness options, who it suits best, and how to get there without overpaying for a taxi.
Clearing Up the Travel Industry Mix-Up
When searching for this destination, many travelers accidentally land on the official site for El Encanto Santa Barbara. While that historic California property is beautiful, it is a room-only coastal retreat. If you are looking for a true Mexican beach vacation with unlimited food and drinks, you want El Encanto Resort in Cabo San Lucas.
Who Is This Resort For?
This cliffside sanctuary is designed for couples, multi-generational families, and travelers who want to escape the crowded party hubs. It offers a peaceful environment without the loud poolside music and constant spring break energy found in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
The Cliffside Standout Factor
Perched high on the cliffs of the Corridor, the property offers panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Unlike the resorts located on public city beaches, this location is private and secure. You can enjoy the ocean breeze from an infinity pool without beach vendors interrupting your afternoon.
Property Overview
The Secluded Corridor Location
The resort is located in the Corridor, a scenic highway stretch connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. This positioning gives you the best of both worlds. You are far enough away to enjoy absolute quiet, yet close enough to make a quick trip to either town. San Jose del Cabo offers a historic, sleepy art district, while Cabo San Lucas offers a lively marina and nightlife.
Traditional Hacienda Vibe and Design
The architecture celebrates classic Mexican hacienda style. The grounds feature hand-carved stone archways, red-tile roofs, wrought-iron details, and fountains. The lush gardens and cliffside pathways create a village-like atmosphere. The design allows the infinity pools to look like they flow directly into the blue ocean waters.
Accommodations for Extended Stays
The lodging options are larger than standard hotel rooms. Guests can choose from:
- Ocean & Garden View Studios: Perfect for couples, featuring spacious layouts and private balconies.
- Luxury Suites: Offering separate living areas and high-end finishes.
- One & Two Bedroom Suites: Equipped with full kitchens, dining areas, and expansive patios.
These multi-room layouts and kitchen facilities make the resort highly suitable for families or travelers planning longer stays in Baja California Sur.
What to Know Before Booking
The “Dine Out” Plan vs. European Plan
When booking, you can choose the room-only European Plan or the Dine Out All-Inclusive Package. The Dine Out plan is unique because it is not limited to the resort. It allows you to eat at on-site restaurants and select dining spots in the Golden Zone of downtown Cabo San Lucas, with shuttle service connecting the locations.
On-site restaurants covered by the plan include:
- Los Riscos: Cliffside dining featuring fresh seafood.
- La Trajinera: Traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Barolo: High-end Italian dishes.
- La Pergola: Casual poolside grill.
Downtown Golden Zone options include popular spots near the marina, allowing you to explore the local dining scene without paying extra. Note that premium menu items like lobster and prime steaks carry an extra charge, and tips are generally included, though extra tipping for great service is customary.
Safety and Security
The resort is located within a secure, gated community with 24-hour security guards at the entrance. Los Cabos is recognized as one of the safest tourist regions in Mexico. The property security ensures that only registered guests and staff have access to the grounds, providing peace of mind for families traveling with children.
Distance from the Airport
The resort is approximately 22 miles from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The drive takes about 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic along the toll road. Because public taxis at the airport can be expensive and chaotic, securing a reliable transfer before you land is highly recommended. Learn more about your options in this Cabo Airport Transfers Guide.
Beyond the Property
Safe Swimming and Snorkeling Beaches
The water directly in front of the resort has strong currents and is not safe for swimming. However, some of the best swimming beaches in the region are just a short drive away.
- Chileno Beach: A protected bay with calm waters, perfect for families and snorkeling.
- Santa Maria Beach: Another excellent option for viewing marine life in a quiet cove.
Both beaches have public access, restrooms, and parking.
Local Dining and Farms
While the all-inclusive plan offers plenty of food, exploring the local culinary culture is a must. Take a drive to San Jose del Cabo to experience authentic taco stands or visit the famous farm-to-table restaurants tucked into the foothills, such as those near the historic downtown.
Easy Day Trips
If you want to see more of the Baja Peninsula, plan a day trip to the historic town of Todos Santos. Located about an hour away, this designated “Pueblo Magico” is famous for its local art galleries, historic mission, and relaxed surf culture. You can easily arrange a trip through a Private Transfer Cabo San Lucas Ultimate Guide to explore the region comfortably.
Who This Stay Is For
The Quiet Luxury Traveler
If you want to spend your days reading by a quiet pool, enjoying professional spa treatments at Milagro Spa, or participating in a traditional Temazcal purification ceremony, this resort is ideal. It offers a relaxed pace where you can truly unwind.
Families Who Need Space
Standard hotel rooms can feel cramped after a few days. The multi-bedroom suites and villas here allow parents to have their own space while kids use the separate living areas. The on-site kids’ club provides supervised water games and activities, giving parents time to enjoy a quiet meal or a couple’s massage.
The Skeptical Vacationer
Many travelers avoid all-inclusive resorts because they dislike buffet lines and low-quality drinks. This property appeals to skeptics by focusing on high-quality, a la carte dining. The ability to use your dining plan at downtown restaurants prevents the “resort fatigue” that often happens during week-long stays.
Practical Travel Tips
Arranging Your Airport Transportation
Getting from the airport to the resort requires some planning. Public airport taxis are expensive, and rideshare services like Uber have strict pickup restrictions at the terminal.
Using a shared shuttle is an economic way to travel, typically costing between $13 and $40 per person each way. However, shared shuttles cannot deliver to the inside of private, gated communities because additional passengers are not registered to stay there. They will drop you off at the security gate.
For a seamless experience, booking a private vehicle is the best choice. Private transfers can be delivered inside private communities and directly to the front lobby. Private SUVs and vans also include a complimentary cold beer or water for each passenger, and you can even add a 30-minute grocery stop to stock up your suite’s kitchen before arrival.
To secure your ride, check out the Cabo Airport Shuttle Services to book your transfer in advance.
Local Currency and Tipping
While the resort accepts US dollars and major credit cards, carrying some Mexican pesos is helpful for small purchases, local taco stands, and tipping drivers or tour guides outside the resort. The drinking age in Mexico is 18, and it is important to note that cannabis remains illegal nationwide.
Best Times to Visit
The winter and spring months are the most popular times to visit. If you want to see humpback whales migrating through the Sea of Cortez, plan your trip between December and April. Guests at the resort frequently report spotting whales directly from the cliffside pools during these months. To avoid the tropical storm season, try to plan your visit before the late summer months of August and September.
Plan Your El Encanto Escape
Ready to plan your escape to this cliffside paradise? Make sure your arrival is as relaxing as your stay. Book your resort stay early to secure the best suite views, and remember to reserve your private airport transfer with SJD Taxi to guarantee a stress-free start to your Baja vacation. By planning your transportation ahead of time, you can bypass the chaotic airport crowds and transition seamlessly into the quiet luxury of El Encanto. Whether you are traveling for a romantic anniversary, a family reunion, or a peaceful solo retreat, securing your logistics early ensures that your Mexican getaway is perfect from the moment you step off the plane.
Get an instant quote for your Cabo airport transfer, or explore all private and shared shuttle options at SJDTaxi.com.