Carr Transpeninsular KM 7.3 Suite A3, Cabo San Lucas, BCS, 23410, Mexico
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honest review
Is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada Worth It? Honest Review (Pros, Cons & Who It's Best For)
Trying to decide whether El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada is worth booking? This in-depth review breaks down the resort’s biggest strengths, trade-offs, all-inclusive value, dining, pools, family-friendly facilities, location, beach limitations, and who it suits best—so you can make a confident choice. Whether you are looking for Sea of Cortez views, a relaxed Cabo San Lucas resort base, activities for multiple ages, or a polished all-inclusive stay with some important caveats, this guide shows where it delivers and where expectations matter.
Planning your stay guide
Wondering "Is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada worth it?" This honest review explains the real value of this all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas—what's amazing, what's not, and who it's best for (families, couples, travelers seeking dramatic ocean views, and those who value a hillside retreat with Cabo access).
Quick verdict:
Yes—El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada is worth it if you want stunning cliffside ocean views, an all-inclusive package with quality dining, spacious suites, and a tranquil setting just minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas. It's less ideal if you want a swimmable beach directly on property or prefer to be in the heart of Cabo's nightlife district.
Best for: families + couples seeking views
Best vibe: hillside luxury + ocean panoramas
Best length: 4–6 nights
Not ideal for: swimmable beach seekers
Tip: This resort's signature appeal is "dramatic ocean views + hillside tranquility"—perfect for travelers who want Cabo proximity with a peaceful retreat atmosphere.
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Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada with these quick guides. Explore suite categories and ocean view options, browse restaurants and bars, preview activities and family amenities, and learn about the spa, weddings, and meeting spaces—so you can book the best experience for your Cabo getaway.
Is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada Worth It?
For most travelers looking for an all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas with spectacular ocean views, El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada is worth it because it delivers the unique combination of dramatic cliffside setting overlooking the Sea of Cortez, spacious suite accommodations, diverse dining options at eight venues, proximity to downtown Cabo, and a tranquil hillside atmosphere—all within an all-inclusive package that welcomes families and couples.
Worth it if you want…
- Stunning ocean views from your suite and throughout the resort
- Close proximity to downtown Cabo San Lucas (5-10 minute drive)
- Spacious suite accommodations with full kitchenettes in many categories
- All-inclusive value with eight dining venues to explore
- Peaceful hillside setting away from beachfront crowds
- Family-friendly amenities with facilities for children
Not worth it if you want…
- A swimmable beach directly on property (this is a cliffside resort)
- Walking distance to Cabo nightlife and downtown restaurants
- Beachfront romance over hillside ocean views
- Maximum seclusion from Cabo San Lucas activity
- Direct beach access for daily swimming and water sports
Best-trip formula: Book 4–6 nights, plan 1-2 off-site activities (beach club day pass, arch tour, or desert adventure), balance resort pool and spa time with exploring downtown Cabo dining and nightlife, and enjoy the sunset views from your suite.
El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
Top pros
- Spectacular ocean views of the Sea of Cortez from cliffside location
- Close to downtown Cabo (5-10 min drive) for dining, nightlife, and marina access
- Eight dining venues including Los Riscos, La Trajinera, Las Marías, Barolo, La Pérgola, El Patio, El Edén, and Il Forno
- Spacious suite categories from Garden View Studio to Two Bedroom Suite options
- All-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, and resort amenities
- Family-friendly with facilities and programs for children
- Peaceful hillside atmosphere with dramatic sunsets
- Access to Los Cabos International Airport approximately 30-40 minutes
Top cons
- No swimmable beach on property—cliffside location means pool-focused water activities
- Not walkable to downtown Cabo (requires shuttle, taxi, or rental car)
- Beach access requires traveling to nearby beach clubs or public beaches
- Hillside setting means some walking on inclines throughout property
- If you prefer beachfront resorts, this location may feel less traditional
- Water sports and beach activities require off-property planning
What to Expect at El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada
This section covers what travelers actually search for: the cliffside location advantage, ocean views, dining variety across eight venues, suite accommodations, and how to maximize your Cabo experience from this hillside setting.
The location advantage
El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada's hillside position overlooking the Sea of Cortez is its defining feature. You get dramatic ocean panoramas, proximity to downtown Cabo San Lucas, and a peaceful retreat atmosphere while staying close to Los Cabos' best attractions.
- Best for: travelers who want ocean views + Cabo proximity
- Drive to: downtown Cabo (5-10 min), marina, El Arco tours, beach clubs
- Transfer time: 30-40 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport
- Tip: rent a car or use resort shuttle/taxis to explore Cabo and surrounding beaches
Beach & pool experience
The resort features multiple pools with ocean views including infinity-edge pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez. For beach access, plan day trips to nearby Medano Beach, Chileno Beach, or Santa Maria Beach—all within 10-20 minutes.
- Pool highlight: infinity pools with dramatic ocean backdrop
- Beach strategy: plan 1-2 beach club days at Medano Beach or Chileno
- Best for: travelers who want pool relaxation + flexible beach access
- Tip: book beach club day passes in advance during peak season
Dining & drinks
El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada offers eight dining venues covering international cuisines, Mexican specialties, Italian at Il Forno, steakhouse options, and casual poolside dining. The all-inclusive package includes meals and premium drinks.
- Dining venues: Los Riscos, La Trajinera, Las Marías, Barolo, La Pérgola, El Patio, El Edén, Il Forno
- Bar options: multiple bars throughout the resort serving cocktails and premium spirits
- Best strategy: rotate through venues and explore downtown Cabo dining 1-2 nights
- Tip: make reservations for specialty restaurants early in your stay
Accommodations
The resort offers five suite categories: Garden View Studio, Ocean View Studio, Luxury Suite, One Bedroom Suite, and Two Bedroom Suite—many featuring full kitchenettes, spacious layouts, and private balconies with ocean or garden views.
- Suite categories: Garden View Studio, Ocean View Studio, Luxury Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Two Bedroom Suite
- Family tip: One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Suites ideal for larger groups
- Ocean View upgrade: highly recommended for maximizing the cliffside experience
- Kitchenette feature: convenient for families and extended stays
How to Decide If It's Worth It (Fast Value Checklist)
| Question | If "yes"… | If "no"… |
|---|---|---|
| Do you prioritize ocean views over beachfront access? | El Encanto's cliffside setting is an excellent match. | Consider beachfront resorts in San José del Cabo corridor. |
| Do you want proximity to downtown Cabo San Lucas? | 5-10 minute drive provides easy access to marina, dining, nightlife. | More remote locations may offer greater seclusion. |
| Will you balance resort time with exploring Cabo? | This location maximizes your flexibility for day trips and nightlife. | All-resort stays might prefer beachfront or more isolated options. |
| Are you comfortable with pool-focused resort activity? | Multiple pools with ocean views provide excellent alternatives to beach. | Beach-dependent travelers should plan beach club excursions. |
| Do you value spacious suite accommodations? | Five suite categories with kitchenettes offer excellent space and flexibility. | Travelers seeking standard hotel rooms may find alternatives. |
Tips to Make Your Stay Feel More "Worth It"
Book the optimal length of stay
Most travelers maximize value at 4–6 nights. This gives you time to enjoy the resort's pools and dining, experience sunset views from your suite, explore downtown Cabo nightlife and marina, and take one or two day trips to beaches, desert adventures, or El Arco tours.
- 3-4 nights = quick Cabo getaway with resort focus
- 5-6 nights = ideal balance of resort relaxation + Cabo exploration
- 7+ nights = maximum pool time with multiple beach and adventure excursions
Plan strategic beach access
Since the resort is cliffside, plan 1-2 beach club days at Medano Beach (Cabo's main swimmable beach), Chileno Beach (excellent snorkeling), or Santa Maria Beach (calm waters). Book beach club day passes or explore public beach access.
- Medano Beach: 10-15 min drive, multiple beach clubs and restaurants
- Chileno Beach: 20 min drive, protected cove with great snorkeling
- Santa Maria Beach: 25 min drive, calm water ideal for families
- Best balance: 60% resort pools, 40% beach and Cabo exploration
El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada vs. Beachfront Resorts: Location Comparison
One of the most common questions: "Should I choose a cliffside resort or beachfront property in Los Cabos?" Here's how El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada's hillside location compares to corridor beachfront resort options.
El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada (Hillside)
- 5-10 min from downtown Cabo San Lucas
- Dramatic ocean views from cliffside perch overlooking Sea of Cortez
- Multiple pools with infinity edges and ocean backdrop
- Peaceful, tranquil setting away from beach activity
- Best for: travelers who want views + Cabo proximity + pool focus
- Beach access: 10-20 min drive to Medano, Chileno, Santa Maria beaches
Corridor Beachfront Resorts (San José–Cabo corridor)
- 15-30 min from downtown Cabo or San José del Cabo
- Direct beachfront access (though many corridor beaches aren't swimmable)
- Beachfront ambiance with waves and ocean proximity
- More isolated from downtown Cabo activity
- Best for: travelers seeking beachfront setting and maximum seclusion
- Swimmable beaches: many require beach club access or travel to protected coves
Quick recommendation: Choose El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada if you want dramatic ocean views, proximity to downtown Cabo, and don't need daily swimmable beach access on property. Choose corridor beachfront resorts if you prioritize beachfront ambiance and prefer more seclusion from Cabo San Lucas activity.
FAQ: Is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada Worth It?
Is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada worth it for families?
Yes—El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada welcomes families and offers facilities for children, spacious suite accommodations including One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Suites, multiple pools, and family-friendly dining options. The cliffside setting means pool-focused activities, so plan beach club days for swimmable beach access.
Is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada worth it for couples?
Absolutely—especially for couples who want romantic ocean views, sunset experiences from private suite balconies, spa services, and intimate dining. The hillside setting provides a peaceful retreat atmosphere while staying close to downtown Cabo for date night dining and marina excursions.
What's the best length of stay at El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada?
4–6 nights is optimal for most travelers. This length allows you to enjoy the resort's pools and ocean views, rotate through dining venues, explore downtown Cabo nightlife and marina, and include one or two beach club days or adventure excursions while still feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
How does El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada handle beach access?
As a cliffside resort, El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada does not have a swimmable beach on property. Guests enjoy multiple pools with ocean views and plan beach access to nearby Medano Beach (10-15 min), Chileno Beach (20 min), or Santa Maria Beach (25 min). Beach club day passes and resort shuttle services make beach visits convenient.
When is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada NOT worth it?
It may not be worth it if you want daily swimmable beach access directly on property, prefer walking distance to downtown Cabo restaurants and nightlife, need beachfront romance over hillside views, or want maximum seclusion from Cabo San Lucas activity. Travelers who require daily beach swimming should consider corridor beachfront resorts or plan frequent beach club visits.
How far is El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada from downtown Cabo San Lucas?
Approximately 5-10 minutes by car, making it very convenient for exploring the marina, downtown restaurants, nightlife, and booking water activities like El Arco tours or sunset cruises. The resort offers shuttle services, and taxis are readily available. This proximity is a major advantage for travelers who want both resort tranquility and easy Cabo access.
What suite categories are available at El Encanto at Hacienda Encantada?
The resort offers five suite categories: Garden View Studio, Ocean View Studio, Luxury Suite, One Bedroom Suite, and Two Bedroom Suite. Many suites include full kitchenettes, private balconies, and spacious layouts. Ocean View categories are highly recommended to maximize the cliffside location and dramatic Sea of Cortez views.