Cabo San Lucas has changed. It's gotten expensive—really expensive. While shiny new ultra-luxury builds pop up every few months along the Corridor, Villa del Palmar Cabo San Lucas remains parked right on the sand of Medano Beach, looking back at Land's End like it owns the place. Because, in a way, it kind of does. It was one of the original big players that defined the "Cabo vacation" before the area became a playground for billionaires and tech moguls.
Most people booking a trip to Cabo today get overwhelmed. You're looking at photos of infinity pools and wondering if you're actually going to be able to swim in the ocean. Spoiler: at most resorts in Los Cabos, you can’t. The Pacific currents are literally deadly. But Villa del Palmar sits on a rare "swimmable" stretch. That’s the big draw. Honestly, though, it isn’t perfect. It’s a bit older than the neighbors, the timeshare pitches can be aggressive if you don't know how to say "no" firmly, and the vibe is definitely "family-friendly chaos" rather than "silent zen retreat."
If you’re looking for a marble-clad sanctuary where nobody speaks above a whisper, this isn't it. But if you want to be able to walk from your room to a beach where you can actually jump in the water without a lifeguard blowing a whistle at you, it’s a top contender.
The Medano Beach Reality Check
Location is everything. I can't stress this enough. When you stay at Villa del Palmar Cabo, you’re on the shores of Bahía San Lucas. This is the heartbeat of the city. You can walk to the marina in about 15 or 20 minutes along the sand, which saves you a fortune in Cabo’s notoriously overpriced taxis.
The water here is calm. You’ll see paddleboarders, flyboarders, and people getting dragged behind boats on giant inflatable bananas. It’s loud. It’s vibrant. It’s exactly what Cabo was meant to be before it got all "boutique" and serious.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don't expect ultra-modern minimalism here. The rooms at Villa del Palmar are spacious—way bigger than your standard hotel room—but the decor leans toward traditional Mexican style. Think heavy wood furniture, tiled floors, and warm earthy tones.
One thing that really stands out? The kitchens. Most units, even the junior suites, have at least a kitchenette. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas have full kitchens with full-sized refrigerators. This is a game-changer for families. Cabo prices for dinner can easily hit $100 per person at the high-end spots like El Farallon or Edith’s. Being able to whip up breakfast or keep a stash of cold Pacificos and snacks in your own fridge saves a massive amount of money.
Dealing with the All-Inclusive "Trap"
Villa del Palmar offers both European Plan (room only) and All-Inclusive options. This is where people usually get confused. Unlike some resorts in Cancun that force you into the all-inclusive model, here it’s optional.
Is it worth it? Maybe.
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If you plan on drinking margaritas by the pool from 11:00 AM until sunset and eating every meal on-site, then yes, the math works out. The food at the signature spots—like Bella California or the Taco Bar—is actually quite good for resort fare. The Bella California restaurant, specifically, has this outdoor seating area that overlooks the Arch (El Arco). Eating wood-fired pizza there while the sun goes down is basically the peak Cabo experience.
However, if you’re the type of person who wants to explore the local taco stands in downtown Cabo—places like Tacos Guss or Gardenias—then paying for the all-inclusive plan is a waste of money. You’re basically paying twice for dinner.
The "Whale" in the Room: Timeshare Sales
We have to talk about the "Blue Chairs." When you arrive, you’ll likely be steered toward a desk to get your "welcome pack" or "shuttle information." These are the Villa Group’s sales reps. They are incredibly good at their jobs. They’ll offer you free breakfasts, discounted tours, or resort credits if you just "attend a short presentation."
The presentation is never short. It’s usually 90 minutes to three hours of high-pressure sales.
Look, some people love the Villa Group’s membership—it gives them access to sister properties like Villa del Arco (right next door) or Villa La Estancia. But if you aren't interested in buying a timeshare, just say "No, thank you" immediately and keep walking. You don't owe them your vacation time. Once you’re past that initial gauntlet at check-in, the rest of the staff is genuinely some of the friendliest you’ll meet in Mexico.
Amenities and the "Kid Factor"
The pool scene at Villa del Palmar Cabo is legendary, specifically because of the whale slide. It’s a giant, iconic structure in the middle of the main pool. If you have kids under 12, they will spend 80% of their vacation on that slide.
- The Pools: There are multiple pools, including one that is slightly quieter, but generally, the main pool is the hub of activity. Expect water aerobics, loud music, and "pool games."
- The Desert Spa: This is located at the sister property next door (Villa del Arco), but guests have access. It is massive—31,000 square feet. If you need a break from the kids and the beach vendors, get a hydrotherapy treatment here. It’s one of the best spas in the Baja Peninsula.
- The Gym: It’s functional. You’re on vacation, though. Go for a walk on the beach instead.
One nuance people miss is the "exchange privileges." Because Villa del Palmar is part of a three-resort complex, you can often wander over to Villa del Arco to eat at their restaurants, though you should check your specific booking rate to see if it's included in your meal plan. It adds a bit of variety so you don't feel "stuck" in one place for a week.
Navigating the Beach Vendors
Since Medano Beach is public, you will be approached by vendors. They sell everything: silver jewelry, blankets, straw hats, jet ski tours, and "magic" brownies (avoid those).
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Initially, it’s annoying. Every thirty seconds, someone is asking you to buy a whistle or a henna tattoo. But here is the secret: a polite "No, gracias" and a smile works wonders. They aren't trying to harass you; they're just working. If you sit in the roped-off "guest only" area of the beach, they can't come up to your chair, but they will still call out from the boundary. If you want total seclusion, you’ve picked the wrong beach. If you want people-watching and a lively atmosphere, you’re in heaven.
Fact-Checking the "Old" Reputation
You’ll read reviews saying the resort is "dated." Let's be honest: it is. It doesn't have the sleek, cold, industrial look of the newer Nobu or Viceroy hotels. But "dated" also means "established." The landscaping is lush. The palm trees are actually tall. The staff has been there for twenty years and remembers your name when you return.
There is a sense of "Old Cabo" here that is rapidly disappearing. It feels like a home, not a glass box. They have been doing renovations in phases, so many of the rooms have updated appliances and fresher linens, but the bones of the building are definitely 90s-era Mediterranean-Mexican.
Getting Around: Taxis vs. Uber
A few years ago, the taxi union in Cabo was at war with Uber. It was sketchy. Today, it’s mostly settled, but there are still rules.
Ubers can drop you off at the lobby of Villa del Palmar with no problem. However, they often cannot pick you up directly at the lobby door. You might have to walk out to the main gate (a short 2-minute walk) to meet your driver.
Taxis are always waiting at the entrance. They are fast, clean, and expensive. A 5-minute ride into town will cost you $12-$15 USD. An Uber for the same distance might be $5. If you're going to a fancy dinner at Sunset Monalisa, take the taxi. If you're just heading to the marina for a boat tour, grab an Uber or just walk the beach.
Is Villa del Palmar Cabo Safe?
This is the question every first-timer asks. The short answer: Yes.
Los Cabos, and specifically the tourist areas around Medano Beach, are heavily patrolled and incredibly important to the Mexican economy. The resort has 24/7 security. You’ll see them at the beach entrance and the street entrance.
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The biggest "danger" you face is probably sunburn or a hangover from one too many "Pink Cadillacs" at the poolside bar. Use common sense, don't wander into non-tourist residential neighborhoods late at night alone, and keep your valuables in the room safe. The water in the resort is filtered, but most people still stick to bottled water for drinking—it's provided in the rooms.
When to Go (and When to Stay Away)
Cabo is a desert. It’s hot.
- July – September: It is humid and scorching. This is also hurricane season. You can get some incredible deals, but be prepared to sweat through your shirt the moment you leave the AC.
- January – March: Whale watching season. You can often see humpbacks breaching right from your balcony at Villa del Palmar. The water is cooler (around 70°F/21°C), which might be chilly for some, but the air temperature is perfect.
- Spring Break: Avoid this time if you don't like loud teenagers. Medano Beach becomes ground zero for college parties in March.
Actionable Strategy for Your Stay
If you've decided to pull the trigger on a stay at Villa del Palmar, don't just wing it. Cabo rewards the prepared.
First, skip the airport shuttle "deals" offered by people in the arrivals hall. They are almost always timeshare hooks. Pre-book a private transfer with a reputable company like CaboVillas or Transcabo. It’s a 45-minute drive from SJD airport, and having a driver waiting with a sign and a cold water (or beer) is worth every penny.
Second, hit the grocery store. There is a Walmart and a high-end grocery store called Fresko nearby. Take an Uber there on your first day. Stock up on water, snacks, coffee, and tequila. Even if you’re on the all-inclusive plan, having your preferred snacks in the room is a life-saver.
Third, book your boat tour for the morning. If you want to see the Arch and Lover’s Beach (which you should), go around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. The water is calmer, the crowds are smaller, and the lighting for photos is way better. You can catch a water taxi right in front of the resort on the beach. Negotiate the price before you get on—usually $15-$20 per person for a round trip is fair.
Fourth, don't eat every meal at the resort. Walk down to "The Office" on the beach for the experience once, but for the best food, head a few blocks inland to Maria Jimenez for authentic Mexican or Salvatore’s for massive portions of Italian.
Villa del Palmar Cabo isn't the fanciest resort in the world. It’s not trying to be. It’s a reliable, comfortable, perfectly-located basecamp for people who actually want to experience Cabo San Lucas rather than just watch it through a window. Pack your reef-safe sunscreen, bring some small bills for tipping, and prepare for the fact that you will probably come home with a little bit of sand still in your suitcase.