A long weekend at Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas

We just got back from a fabulous family vacation in Cabo San Lucas over Labor Day weekend. We planned this trip to celebrate our daughter turning 30. It’s an easy, non-stop flight and with wonderful resort and restaurant options. I got a lot of questions on how we planned this trip while I was sharing it on Instagram so today, I’m detailing our trip details and listing a few other Cabo options.

Pete and I have been to Cabo San Lucas numerous times and in the past we have stayed at the One and Only Palmilla, Las Ventanas Resort, as well as a private home. Taylor and I did this Mom/Daughter trip at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort (all inclusive) back in 2018. I’ve also done a girls trip at Casa Del Mar in 2017 and you can find the details HERE. Cabo San Lucas is an easy destination and our 4 day/3 night trip a perfect way to maximize the Labor Day weekend. I will say this, when in doubt, book the trip! We love traveling with our adult children and it’s been such a great way to stay close and reminisce, especially since we all don’t live in the same city.

Cabo San Lucas travel tips

Getting there: American Airlines offers several direct flights from DFW to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) daily. It’s only a 2 1/2 hour flight. Our hotel was about a 30 minute car ride from the airport.

Where to stay: We chose Esperanza, an Augerge resort because they have villas and we love to be together on family vacations. We did this when we traveled on our family vacation last year to Germany. I booked a 3 bedroom villa with travel agent Melanie Lake and she got us upgraded to a 4 bedroom ocean view villa and several amenities like daily breakfast included. While the rate will be the same as if you booked online, I find that using a travel agent always gets you perks and never costs you more. I highly recommend Melanie Lake and you can e-mail her at melanie@travelwithSLT.com. Esperanza is the only private beach resort in Cabo. It offers breathtaking views, 5 pools, a kids club, beautiful spa, fitness center and yoga studio, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball court and putting green. Other ideas: Chileno Bay, Cape Hotel, Zandun, One and Only Palmilla and Las Ventanas.

Getting around: I had Esperanza book our round-trip airport pick up in one of their luxury SUV’s. If you’ve been to Cabo before, you know there are a barrage of people waiting to offer you taxi service once you exit the airport. This just seemed easier and safer. Everything you book through Esperanza can be added to your room tab so you don’t have to worry about paying in cash. I also had them arrange all transportation while we were in Cabo instead of hailing a cab.

Where to eat: We decided that we would celebrate Taylor turning 30 each night. We had dinner at Toro, which has fabulous food with a cool, hip club vibe. Our second night was celebrated at Flora Farms. This is a journey (30-40 minute car ride) so be prepared. It’s a lovely outdoor experience with live, relaxing music. Our third night was the most spectacular dinner and dessert at Cocina Del Mar which is the featured restaurant at Esperanza. We sat next to the cliffs and enjoyed the ocean view as well as the incredible fireworks! This is the restaurant where the daily breakfast is served and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Other options: Chambao, Parole, Viceroy rooftop, Delia’s, La Lupita, Yayas and Comal at Chileno, Thai restaurant at Montage, Rosanegra, Manta or the rooftop at Cape Hotel, Bagatelle, SUR beach club and Edith’s. Nobu hotel has a great restaurant but it’s on Pacific side so it could be windy.

Activities: From whale watching (in the winter months) in the gentle waters of the Sea of Cortez to horseback riding through a deep desert canyon, Baja California is a world of contrasts that beckons to be explorer. We played Pickleball on the Esperanza courts, went the to adult pools daily and certainly enjoyed the swim-up bars. Our concierge, Arturo was so helpful with everything we needed. He booked our catamaran for us and ensured we had everything we needed for our 3 hour tour. Arturo also took care of our every need.

Special Events: There a lot of big celebrations and weddings that happen in Cabo. My friend Amy Abbott at Amy Abbott Events is your expert event planner. She takes care of every detail. Lauren Lemke is on her team and helped me with dining ideas and told me what was new in Cabo. They also helped me secure a spectacular birthday cake for Taylor. Highly recommend!

Pack: You’ll find everything below under “Shop the post”. Be sure to bring lots of sunscreen!

I wore this dress as my travel look. Sheridan French makes the most beautiful dresses. It was perfect for the destination!

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I use ALTO for our round-trip airport runs. They are safe, dependable and I know when the white car shows up, its for me. I’m an inaugural member and wrote about them when they launched in 2019. Click HERE for details. Use code TANYA10 when you book your ride.

Esperanza Resort | Cabo San Lucas

I hope our trip details help you plan the perfect beach vacation. Cabo is such a great destination in Mexico and we highly recommend it!

xoxo- Tanya

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