Late Checkout: A Weekend of Bliss at Auberge Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas

Every year I plan a trip with my mom for some quality 1:1 time where we look forward to setting our phones to do not disturb. When I was narrowing down where we should stay, I was looking for something easily accessible from LA, suitable for a long weekend trip, and somewhere luxe where we could feel completely pampered, with great food, wellness programs, yoga, and plenty of beautiful space for relaxation.

This year, I landed on Esperanza, an Auberge Hotel, in Cabo San Lucas, which is nestled in the heart of Baja California's pristine coastline. In short, it was incredible: the restaurants serve some of the most memorable meals I’ve had this year, the service and staff were impeccable—Esperanza was everything I dreamed of and more.

From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in the warm embrace of Mexican hospitality (not to mention the two signature margaritas upon arrival –thanks to our personal concierge, Jessica). At first glance, the resort’s architecture seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance, featuring hand-crafted furnishings, local artwork, and lush gardens that invite the natural beauty of Cabo indoors. 

My oceanfront suite was a sanctuary of calm and comfort, adorned with bespoke touches that exuded understated opulence (I actually looked for the tag for the sheets–they were that good). Every day the staff had assembled a new surprise for us: guacamole and chips, fresh mango, daily handmade straw figures I took back for my kids, a lovely local artisan piece of art representing the circle of life, and more. 

The private terrace, with its panoramic views, was the perfect spot for sunrise meditation, a dip in our jacuzzi, or simply savoring a glass of wine as the sun dipped below the horizon. Staff hand-lit each candle on our terrace at night, and it’s all of these small touches together that showed what makes Esperanza truly special: the intentionality of every detail.

Esperanza's culinary offerings were entirely original and exquisite. The Baja lobster tacos and molé cake at Cocina del Mar were must-tries at the resort’s signature restaurant, where we were seated on rocky promontory surrounded by crashing waves. Cocina del Mar delivers an epicurean delight with its focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. 

We ate here every morning and trialed Esperanza’s other two restaurants La Palapa for traditional Mexican (get the Catch of the Day), Las Estrellas for farm-to-table Mediterranean-infused epicurean. Each dish is a celebration of flavors, from the succulent seafood caught just offshore to the vibrant produce from nearby farms. One of the days, they even had a Tuna Roqueno, a traditional tuna cutting ceremony showcasing the expert preparation of a large tuna, performed with precision by skilled fishmongers. The fish caught that day would be used around the resort’s restaurants for the following days. I indulged in the tasting menu paired with exquisite wines, complementing the delicate notes of each dish.

Esperanza is more than a simple feast for the senses; it’s a retreat for the soul. The resort’s spa offers treatments that draw upon the ancient healing traditions of the Baja, making the venue a haven for rejuvenation. The facility’s newly renovated serene ambiance, with its trickling fountains and soothing aromas, melts away every trace of stress upon arrival. On Day 2 of our stay, I opted for the 90-minute deep tissue massage with Analisa. I can’t fully describe what happened in those 90 minutes, but I’m pretty sure I left my body for a short time and immediately texted my husband afterwards that I just had one of the best messages of my life. Needless to say, I will remember her name for years to come. 

For the adventurous spirit, Esperanza offers an array of activities that immerse you in the natural splendor of Cabo San Lucas. From private yacht charters and exploring hidden coves, to guided snorkeling tours amidst vibrant coral reefs, every experience is tailored to awaken a sense of wonder. The most active we got was a session of pickleball alongside the resort’s tennis courts, and a workout in the gym, which was equipped with top-notch equipment like Woodway treadmills, Peloton bikes, and the much-appreciated lavender-infused face towels.

The vibrancy of Mexico’s beachscape encourages a style to match it. I should have dedicated an entire section to my outfit selects for this trip (thank you, Farm Rio and Carolina K), but, alas, sharing some of my faves below.