Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos

Of the three Villa properties in Cabo San Lucas, Villa la Estancia is the most sophisticated and adult-centric, with an hacienda-inspired style that has a nice bit of character -- especially when compared to other Cabo San Lucas hotels. The architecture and decor include marble, ornately patterned area rugs, and regal wingback seating in the lobby and other common areas. The hotel’s social scene centers around the large freeform pool, which occupies most of the property’s usable outdoor space. Here, the atmosphere is reserved and relaxed. As the resort is farther from the party in downtown Cabo San Lucas, guests are most likely to be older couples quietly reading a book and a sipping a glass of wine. While children are welcome on the property, all of the most family-friendly shared amenities are located at the two neighboring sister properties.

The hotel is situated on one of the area’s most beautiful public beaches, with lovely views to Land’s End, though it can be choppier than the surf along Medano Beach in downtown. Additionally, the most popular shops, restaurants, and clubs of downtown aren't within an easy walk and guests will likely want a car. The only thing to be found nearby are a highway and other resorts. The center of town is a 10-minute drive away. The professional, 18-hole golf course at Cabo San Lucas Country Club is likewise reachable in 10 minutes by car. Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is 35 minutes away by car, north of charming San Jose del Cabo. While the hotel can arrange for paid transportation, local taxi and private bus service are often cheaper. Several brand-name providers offer rental car counters directly inside the airport terminal. Weekly rates are on par with most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

Decor is a blend of dark wood furniture, faux-finish walls, and modern accents -- all punctuated with pops of oranges and reds. The overall look and feel is sophisticated and tasteful, and continues the hacienda-like vibe found in the hotel's common areas. The hotel’s five room categories vary widely in size and configuration. Features are typical of a hotel of this class -- air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are all standard. Entry-level Deluxe Superior Rooms offer one-room layouts with enough room for a foyer, a walk-in closet, a spacious sleeping area, and a furnished balcony or terrace. One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Villas upgrade to apartment-style layouts with substantially more floor space -- between 1,731 square feet (161 square meters) and 2,790 square feet (260 square meters). These all have full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and spacious balconies with outdoor barbecues. Three-Bedroom Penthouses are massive villa-style rooms with 4,316 square feet (400 square meters) of floor space. The layout allows for multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, plus a large, open-concept living/dining area that includes a gourmet chef’s kitchen. Additional amenities include multiple balconies and oversized marble bathrooms. The spacious bathrooms are done in creamy marble and intricate tile inlays on the vanities, floors, and bath surrounds. Deluxe Superior Rooms feature standard shower/tub combos, while every upgraded category includes a separate shower, plus a deep, jetted soaking tub.

The freeform, zero-entry pool occupies nearly half of the hotel’s property. Tasteful man-made rock formations, small waterfalls, and beach-colored tile on the pool bottom all create an organic, lagoon-like atmosphere, and there are long rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas for the 150 rooms' worth of guests. A swim-up bar (with a full liquor menu) services the far end of the pool, and poolside drinks are available as well.Two full restaurants service the property and all-inclusive rates are available. La Casona offers breakfast and dinner service in an upmarket dining space. The breakfast menu is a mix of American and traditional Mexican fare. Dinner is steak- and seafood-centric, with a focus on authentic Baja Mexican cuisine. An extensive wine list and live piano performances are also provided. La Parrilla Restaurant offers casual poolside dining with ocean views and a lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, and light plates. There's also Palmita Market for deli-style bites. Food can be pricey across the board for anyone not on the all-inclusive rates.The wide stretch of sand behind the hotel is technically part of Medano Beach -- one of Cabo San Lucas’ most beautiful beaches. However, as it's a bit farther from the protection provided by Land's End at the beach closer to downtown, the water can sometimes be choppy. Still, it's more regularly swimmable than many beaches in Los Cabos. A sizable section of sand is cordoned off exclusively for guests, with a few dozen lounge chairs and umbrellas. However, the area’s hawkers hardly respect the space.Guests also have access to the shared amenities at two other Villa properties -- Villa Del Arco Beach Resort & Grand Spa and Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort. Additional pools, restaurants, beach space, and a modern, three-story spa are all a short shuttle ride away (free).Valet parking is provided free of charge in a gated lot. Wi-Fi is likewise free throughout the property and we found the service fast and reliable during our visit.