Staff Spotlight: Los Cabos with Apple Leisure Group Vacations
"As a travel professional, I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Los Cabos, Mexico, with ALG Vacations to tour resorts firsthand. This 5-day, 4-night experience wasn't just a trip — it was an immersive education that completely transformed how I approach all-inclusive travel for my clients.
Why Los Cabos is a Hidden Gem for Midwesterners
Let me start by saying: Los Cabos is still remarkably underrated, especially among Midwestern travelers. While many flock to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos offers something distinctly different. This resort city sits on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and is known for its picturesque beaches, water-based activities, and vibrant nightlife. From Playa El Médano—Cabo's main beach lined with outdoor restaurants and bars—to the iconic Land's End promontory featuring Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) and El Arco, a stunning natural archway carved into the sea cliffs, there's so much to explore.
Southern Californians have already discovered this secret — they flock to Cabo on weekends, and for good reason. It's understated, beautiful, and cool, while still maintaining an authentic Mexican experience that feels genuine and welcoming. The weather during my July visit was absolutely perfect — breezy, sunny, and warm with little-to-no humidity. The destination has enormous potential, and I'm excited to share this discovery with my clients who are looking for something beyond the typical Mexican beach vacation.
My journey began smoothly from the moment I landed. Los Cabos International Airport is refreshingly easy to navigate thanks to its compact size—no marathon walks through endless terminals here. This convenience extends to the transfer experience as well. ALG Vacations used AMSTAR for all our ground transportation, and I cannot emphasize enough how impeccable their service was. From courtesy to timing, they were flawless in getting us to and from the airport and between all seven resorts. For clients who worry about the logistics of getting around, AMSTAR eliminates that stress entirely.
Immersion at RIU Palace Baja California
I was hosted at the stunning RIU Palace Baja California, which served as my home base throughout the trip. Located directly in front of the heavenly El Médano beach on the south of the Baja California peninsula, this was the nicest property of the three RIU resorts I visited—an adults-only retreat with a sleek, modern vibe and exceptional amenities.
The All-Inclusive 24-hour service truly means 24 hours—from room service available around the clock to free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The culinary selection is extensive and impressive. Dining options included an authentic American breakfast buffet with show cooking in the main restaurant, to specialty dining featuring Italian, Japanese, Indian, and fusion cuisine. The poolside steakhouse offers an elevated dining experience, and the hotel bars and patisserie provide perfect spots for snacks and aperitifs throughout the day.
Entertainment options are plentiful with a lineup of activities, live music, and shows. The gym allows guests to maintain their fitness routine, while the Renova Spa offers a wellness sanctuary with massages and beauty treatments. As a RIU Palace guest, I also had resort privilege access to neighboring properties: the RIU Santa Fe and RIU Cabo San Lucas — which included the Splash Water World water park located just meters away and a nightclub for evening entertainment. This interconnected experience across all three resorts adds tremendous value to staying at a RIU Palace property.
Staying at the Riu Palace Baja California was a perfect setting to truly experience the RIU brand's attention to detail and quality. But the real value of this FAM experience came from what ALG Vacations had planned for us travel professionals: comprehensive on-site inspections at seven different resorts, each offering unique experiences and catering to different traveler profiles.
RIU Palace Baja California
The Resort Tour: Finding the Perfect Fit for Every Traveler
One of the most valuable aspects of this trip was visiting multiple properties and truly understanding what makes each one special. Here's what I discovered:
RIU Properties - For the Social Traveler
To start, I took an extensive tour of the two neighboring RIU resorts from RIU Palace Baja California: RIU Santa Fe (where I attended an unforgettable RIU white party) and RIU Cabo San Lucas (where I enjoyed a pleasant sunset view dinner at one of their signature restaurants). Both properties are perfect for friends, families, couples, and solo travelers who want a lively, fun atmosphere. The energy is infectious, as there's always something happening.
RIU Santa Fe particularly impressed me as the largest of the three RIU properties I visited. The rooms and dining options have all been recently refurbished, giving everything a fresh look and feeling. Due to the size of the resort, there is now a thoughtfully featured second check-in desk on the opposite side of the property for guest convenience. An insider tip: some room categories are closer to where the RIU parties happen, which is perfect for guests who want to be in the heart of the action and don't want to miss a moment of the fun.
RIU Cabo San Lucas is the original resort property of the three and will be undergoing refurbishment in the next two years, which will further enhance an already solid experience.
Beyond the gorgeous views and exciting features of each RIU property is their valuable location. With just 10 minutes away from downtown Cabo San Lucas, these resorts offer the perfect balance of resort relaxation and easy access to the town's vibrant scene.
RIU Santa Fe
RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa - The Culinary Star
Terraced into the desert hillside, this resort blends seamlessly into the natural landscape of the region and offers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez. The property features a contemporary Mexican ambiance with free-form pools and a variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges. There's also a kids' club for families, a fitness center, a fire pit for cozy evenings, and a nightclub for those seeking late-night entertainment.
Hands down, this resort served the best food I have ever experienced at an all-inclusive property. Cabo is known for its seafood, and Grand Fiesta Americana showcased it phenomenally — not just a meal, but a true culinary experience. For clients who prioritize dining quality, this is a game-changer. I am still dreaming about that ceviche!
Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Grand Fiesta Americana impressed me with its newly refurbished spa and fitness center, which are absolutely stunning. But what truly sets this property apart was the hospitality. While every resort I visited offered excellent service, I felt like Grand Fiesta Americana welcomed me as a good friend or family member immediately upon arrival. The warmth and genuine care from the staff elevated the entire experience to something truly memorable.
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa
ME Cabo by Meliá - Boutique Luxury
For couples and friends seeking a more intimate and relaxing experience, ME Cabo offers sophisticated luxury in a boutique setting. It contrasts greatly from the big, bustling resort experience — and that's exactly its appeal. All of the rooms and common areas looked like they came straight out of Architectural Digest, with their immaculate interior design and furnishings.
However, I would not mistake intimate for quiet. ME Cabo is the epicenter of Cabo's bold and high-energy lifestyle, where days flow seamlessly into vibrant nights. Perfectly positioned on the only swimmable beach in Cabo, this resort is steps from the heart of downtown. The striking design blends music, style, and vibrant social spaces where connection thrives. For those who want to be immersed in the destination's energy without sacrificing sophistication, this is the place to stay.
ME Cabo by Meliá
Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa - For the Trendsetter
This was my favorite resort to visit – I would genuinely love to go back here someday with some friends! The contemporary design and elevated aesthetic immediately captivated me. Also, as an on-the-go traveler, I absolutely loved the proximity to the marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas. It's perfect for those who want to explore beyond the resort.
This chic adults-only property offers gourmet eateries, infinity pools, an open-air lobby, and an award-winning rooftop lounge with stunning views. There are photo opportunities everywhere (thanks to the gorgeous scenery and stylish design at every turn). Beyond pampering sessions at the spa, there's a thriving entertainment scene that keeps the energy alive. Their social calendar is packed with DJ pool soirées, live music, performances, fashion shows, and rooftop celebrations at sunset.
Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort – For the Relaxed Couple
This property hosted our education and training day, providing the perfect setting to deepen our product knowledge in a beautiful, tranquil environment. Located on the Pacific coast side, in the exclusive Puerto Los Cabos community, the resort is beautifully maintained with lush landscaping, ocean views, and a calm, adults-only atmosphere. The architecture blends romantic traditional Mexican design with modern touches, creating an elegant and timeless aesthetic.
With fine dining, shimmering pools, and the beautiful beachfront setting, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos is perfect for couples truly disconnecting from everyday life in an elegant, serene atmosphere. While the beach here is beautiful for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery, swimming isn't recommended due to strong undertow and rough waves. However, the resort can arrange excursions to nearby swimmable beaches for those seeking that experience.
During our training day, I sampled some of the cuisine and fell in love with the adorable on-site coffee shop (truthfully, I would have stayed here for that alone!) Guests can enjoy gourmet à la carte restaurants without reservations, top-shelf spirits, attentive pool and beach service, 24-hour room and concierge services, daily refreshed mini-bars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Daytime activities, theme parties, and live nightly entertainment also complete the experience.
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos - Ultimate Family Fun
On the last day, I attended a bohemian-themed farewell dinner at Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. It was nothing short of magical. Live music played as the sun set, a bonfire crackled on the beach, white lanterns strung overhead created an ethereal glow, and lush cushions were scattered across the sand where travel professionals from all over gathered to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. The atmosphere felt like a celebrity soiree. Tents were set up along the beach for resort guests as well, seeking their own private picnic experience. It was the kind of setting that immediately made me think this would be a stunning venue for a destination wedding or vow renewal.
While Hard Rock is the furthest property we visited from downtown Cabo San Lucas, its location along the coast (shared by several other resorts in the area) offers some of the best sunset views in the entire Los Cabos region. This expansive property has endless activities and entertainment options, making it ideal for families that prefer to stay within resort grounds. There's truly something for every age group, catering to multigenerational travelers. As someone who has a very big family myself, this was another resort I personally would love to go back to someday with them.
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
Beyond the Resorts: The Sea of Cortez Adventure
Our last day also included a Snorkel Fun Cruise excursion, which showcased why Los Cabos is more than just beaches and resorts. We set sail on the Sea of Cortez, visiting the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters of Chileno Bay. The snorkeling was incredible. While the waters were a little murky from a storm that had passed through earlier in the week, I was grateful to spot so many different types of fish and could have stayed in the water forever. Afterwards, we enjoyed an onboard taco buffet lunch, open bar, and the best dance hits as we made our way back to the marina. This is a perfect excursion I cannot recommend enough to adventurous clients who want to experience the infamous Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
Giving Back: Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas
Beyond learning all we could about ALG Vacations and the resorts in Cabo, we also got to know more about Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas A.C., a nonprofit organization that ALG Vacations partnered with for this trip. Casa Hogar provides a home and care for vulnerable children between 4 - 18 years old, offering love, affection, support, and the opportunity to pursue professional studies to become contributing young adults in the local community.
Their mission is powerful yet simple: Educate and Elevate. They educate in academics, life skills, moral values, spiritual values, and social values. It was meaningful to see ALG Vacations' commitment to supporting the local Los Cabos community by giving back to the destination that hosted us with travel professional donations that included school supplies, hygiene supplies, and monetary contributions.
The Real Value: Confidence and Connection
Ultimately, what made this trip truly invaluable was the combination of experiencing these properties firsthand and connecting with travel professionals from across the country. There's something irreplaceable about walking the grounds yourself, tasting all the cuisine, experiencing the culture, and getting a feel for each property's unique personality and service.
Every resort I visited offered outstanding value in its own way. Each property knew exactly what it was and delivered authentically — whether that was lively social energy, culinary excellence, family-friendly fun, gorgeous views, or sophisticated relaxation. Nothing felt lacking or overpriced. They simply serve different travelers beautifully.
What This Means for My Clients
As someone who has now experienced Los Cabos firsthand, I can match you with the perfect resort based on your travel style, priorities, and who you're traveling with. Whether you're seeking:
- A lively social atmosphere
- World-class dining experiences
- Family-friendly amenities
- Boutique luxury and relaxation
- Proximity to downtown action
I've seen it, tested it, and absolutely recommend it. Los Cabos is truly a special place that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Ready to explore Los Cabos? Let's find your perfect all-inclusive match."
Interested in seeing what Los Cabos has to offer? Contact Maria today!
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