The 2020 pandemic threw the travel industry into an economic depression, but despite the disruption, there is a bright future for the return of tourism worldwide, and Mexico is no exception. At the end of October, I was invited to join a group of VIP travel advisors, along with representatives from Pleasant Holidays/Journese, American Airlines, and the Cabo San Lucas Tourism Board for an experiential trip to Los Cabos, Mexico. This was the perfect opportunity to share personal experience at Los Cabos resorts with others considering returning to travel, so I jumped at the chance.

From boarding the plane to entering our hotel, travelers adhered to strict airline and hotel Covid-19 protocols for masking, distancing, hand-sanitizing, and even luggage and shoe disinfection. I was well pleased with my experience in sunny Los Cabos. If you are healthy and ready to resume travel, I encourage you to do so, if for no other reason than your own mental health!

Mexico is one of several countries that do not currently require a Covid-19 test for entry, so it is easy to plan quickly for your getaway. Upon arrival in Mexico, you must fill out a current health form and the Customs and Immigration form. These are quite simple if you can read the minuscule print (don’t worry, it’s in English along with Spanish)! Barbi’s tip: Covington has access to current promotions and last-minute deals, so it’s always wise to contact your trusted advisor (us!) when you plan any travel. We can handle all the details for a perfect trip and keep you apprised of the ever-changing information.

8 Top Los Cabo Resorts

Los Cabos’ ‘Tourist Corridor’ is a string of resorts located along the 20-mile stretch of oceanfront between the towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It is a quick drive from the airport.

Our hotel base was the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, a spiffy all-inclusive 4-Star resort catering to families, friends, and couples. Rooms are large at just under 600 square feet and contain most amenities you would expect in a nice inclusive resort, including a well-stocked minibar. Food was good and on par with other mid-range inclusive hotels. There is a nice selection of restaurants and a very popular coffee shop near the hotel lobby. The service personnel was cheery and attentive. There is a separate adult pool on one side of the hotel, but most folks cavorted in the spacious pools facing the oceanfront and non-swimmable beach. Barbi’s tip: Los Cabos resorts are not known for having a ton of swimmable beaches due to constant rip-currents, however, there are a few. Beach walkers will love the miles of gorgeous brown sugar sand which is perfect for strolling or running.

On our second day, we hit the ground running after breakfast and orientation presentations by Los Cabos Tourism and Terramar Destinations, a local ground operator for transfers and tours. Heading out for site inspections after that, our first stop was at the incredible Grand Velas Los Cabos Resort. Towering majestically above the oceanfront with cascading bougainvillea everywhere, this is a top-notch operation that almost feels like a Four Seasons resort, except it is all-inclusive. Gourmet restaurants and exceptional service are trademarks of Grand Velas hotels, and the Cabo resort shines brightly among the 5-Star hotel offerings here, with a price tag to match. Barbi’s tip: Grand Velas is great for families and couples. I would not hesitate to stay here.

Moving on to Garza Blanca Resort & Spa, we could feel the modern conceptual experience of the artistically inspired décor. Rooms are pleasant with earth tones and fine amenities, with even a hammock on each balcony for lazy afternoon naps. This is also a gourmet all-inclusive hotel. Even though we did not eat a meal here the dining menus and venues appeared to please the guests. Barbi’s tip: The signature “Orange Tree” on the pool deck terrace at Garza is a symbol of the hotel developers’ commitment to innovative resort experiences, quality, and inspiration.

Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos was our lunch stop and next site inspection and this resort has a big WOW factor. A part of the Palace Resorts family, Le Blanc served us an incredible three-course lunch, outstanding for taste and presentation. This is an upscale resort with very attentive service everywhere you turn, from the pool staffers to the floor Butlers that take care of your every need. There is a gift bottle of wine and a small bottle of tequila in each room on arrival, as well as a nice beach bag to take home. Bathrooms are stocked with Bulgari toiletries, a very luxurious touch for your huge bathtub or walk-in rain shower. Barbi’s tip: Want your bath drawn at 9 pm? No problem, your Butler will see to it that bubbles are foaming by the time you finish dinner and get to your room!

The next morning, we ventured out early for breakfast and a site inspection at Zadun, A Ritz Carlton Reserve resort. Modern, luxurious suites and villas spread across the desert landscape. They spared no expense with the spacious accommodations that have outdoor, as well as indoor comfort features such as a private plunge pool and terrace, separate living rooms, huge bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and indoor/outdoor showers. The Ritz Carlton touts the Alkemia Spa as a “playground of peaceful healing inspired by nature and tradition.” The atmosphere is heavenly, and the treatment prices are too! Barbi’s tip: This is an incredible property for well-heeled travelers looking for a quiet getaway in an incredibly beautiful location.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos is an all-inclusive, mid-priced resort that looks a tad worn at this time (I was there five years ago). But it is still a viable option for the right adult visitors who enjoy the Secrets Resorts style. Rooms are a bit musty smelling, but it is not easy to abate this being next to the sea. Room categories start with Garden Junior Suites, and all have nice bathrooms with shower and hydro-tub. Pools are nice and there are ample choices for restaurants. The resort was relatively quiet, so it was hard to get the current vibe due to the COVID-19 lower occupancy levels. Barbi’s tip: You will get a lot of walking in at this sprawling property.

Our group returned to the Hyatt Ziva briefly for a shower and nap before the evening’s site inspections. Barbi’s tip: Travel advisor site inspections are hard work!  We stopped briefly at Live Aqua Residences which offers home-like family accommodations including lovely multi-bedroom options with full kitchens, washers, and dryers, and resort privileges at the neighboring Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos Golf & Spa.

At the Grand Fiesta Americana, the hotel manager hosted dinner on the beach under the light of a full moon with the sound of crashing surf. The all-inclusive resort is huge (over 500 rooms) situated on a promontory with paths and pools meandering down to beach level. It is really stunning at night, all lit up against the hillside. Rooms seemed a bit plain, however,they have everything needed for a comfortable stay. The resort produced a fabulous private fiesta for our group, complete with a musician/singer entertainment, multiple food stations with local Mexican dishes and delicacies, Mexican wine (yes, Mexico produces wine, and it is wonderful!), and a finale fireworks display. It was quite a treat! Barbi’s tip: For those who enjoy a large resort with many venues, this is nice, but the resort’s size and amount of walking and stair climbing may be daunting for some.

Our last full day in Cabo was a free day to enjoy the Hyatt Ziva Resort. I enjoyed lounging by the pool and participating in a fun cooking class making fresh Pico de gallo and guacamole several different ways! My favorite was adding fresh, soft mango to cooked cocktail shrimp and mixing with Pico for a tasty appetizer. 

Travel with confidence to Mexico

Los Cabos continues to maintain a priority on health and safety standards. As part of the reopening plan and the “A Safer Way to Get Away” effort, the region proudly announces its partnership with Intertek Cristal, a leading global health, safety, quality, and security risk management business focused on the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

This trip completed my Los Cabos Specialist certification. I love the sun and fun Los Cabos style so much that as soon as I returned, I booked a non-working trip for my husband and myself to celebrate our anniversary in the spring. If you’d like to visit, get in touch and I’ll give you more insider tips.

Hotel reviews and all photos by Barbi Partlow, an experienced and well-traveled vacation travel advisor who uses her breadth of knowledge to help travelers discover the world.