Esperanza, An Auberge Resort

The most laid-back of Cabo’s luxury resorts, Esperanza offers spacious accommodations and sprawling grounds with dramatic views.

• Large residences that can house extended families
• The dramatic cliff setting of romantic restaurant Cocina del Mar
• Ample space in the villa area for children to play

Perched on a rock formation near Cabo San Lucas, Esperanza, managed by renowned Auberge Resorts, of Napa’s Auberge du Soleil fame, doesn’t have much of a sandy beach but boasts dramatic vistas of the crashing Sea of Cortez. There’s something about the property that feels instantly easy and welcoming: guests, many of whom have been coming back annually since it opened in 2001, mingle over breakfast at one of the resort’s excellent outdoor restaurants and walk barefoot down to the pool.

The casitas are housed in one of several three- and four-story thatch-roofed stucco buildings that cluster around a manicured lawn and small cove. Every accommodation is spacious (the smallest room is 925 sq. ft.), has in-room iPads and regional art and sculpture, offers a view of the sea and features a private terrace or patio with either a hammock or a hot tub. The resort used the renovation process after Hurricane Odile in September 2014 to improve on public spaces and completely redo all of the soft goods and decorations in each of the rooms.

The newest offerings, also completed after the hurricane, are the multi-bedroom Luxury Suites, each equipped with private butler service, a full kitchen and private pool. Couples craving privacy should go for one of the recently redone suites or the penthouse, which has its own elevator entrance and two outdoor terraces.

The residences, on the other side of the 17-acre property and part of the Auberge Residence Club, consist of two-, three- and four-bedroom suites also situated in the multilevel structures and featuring a similar design scheme (the flexibility and space of the residences are ideal for large families traveling together). The property has several pool areas, including a gorgeous multilevel space in the family-friendly Residence Club section.

The spa features 14 treatment rooms and a lengthy menu of destination-specific offerings, such as the Margarita Medley, a scrub with moisturizer made from local Baja limes. The gym offers 15 complimentary fitness classes a week, including yoga and Pilates. While the property does seem a little outdated in comparison to some of the others in the area, the sprawling layout, multiple pools and dining venues and excellent babysitting service make Esperanza a solid option for families. There is also a kid’s program with activities ranging from ceramic painting and piñata parties to yoga classes and stand up paddle boarding.

Visitors not staying on-property can still enjoy dinner at fine-dining Cocina del Mar, which has a dramatic, romantic setting: tables on three tiers built into the side of the cliff and offering sweeping views of the sea. Diners seated on the bottom tier should be aware that more aggressive waves may get their feet wet.

Families looking for spacious accommodations, a family-friendly vibe and a slightly more affordable room rate. Couples looking for a more romantic vibe should consider Las Ventanas or Resort at Pedregal and those with teenagers and who need the absolute in hand-holding and service should consider One & Only Palmilla.