Honestly, choosing a place to stay in Cabo San Lucas can feel like a full-time job. You have the rowdy party spots near the marina, the ultra-luxury escapes that cost a month’s salary per night, and then you have the places that actually find a middle ground. Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa is exactly that middle ground, but it’s definitely not "average." It’s tucked away on Medano Beach, which is basically the only swimmable beach in the area. Most people don't realize that a lot of those stunning Cabo beaches have currents so strong they'll pull you out to sea before you can say "margarita." Staying here means you actually get to touch the ocean, which is kind of the point of a beach vacation, right?
What’s the Vibe at Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa?
It’s family-friendly but doesn't feel like a chaotic playground. The architecture is that classic Mexican hacienda style—lots of warm tones, arches, and a massive pool that serves as the heart of the property. You’ve probably seen photos of the "Bucaneer" pirate ship in the middle of the pool. It’s a bit kitschy, sure, but it’s a hit for a quick lunch or a drink while the kids are splashing around.
The resort is part of the Villa Group family, sitting right between its sister properties, Villa del Palmar and Villa La Estancia. This is a huge perk because you can actually use the facilities at the other spots. It's like a three-for-one deal. If you want a rowdier, high-energy pool day, you walk over to Palmar. If you want high-end dining, you head to Estancia. But most people end up retreating back to Villa del Arco because it hits that sweet spot of being upscale without being stuffy.
The Swimmable Beach Factor
Let’s talk about Medano Beach for a second. If you stay on the Pacific side of Cabo—the "Corridor"—the waves are terrifying. Beautiful to look at, but deadly to enter. Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa sits on the Sea of Cortez side. The water is calm. You can rent a paddleboard. You can swim out a bit. You’re also looking directly at El Arco, the famous Land’s End arch. Seeing that rock formation every morning while you drink your coffee is a flex that never gets old.
The beach here is public, as all Mexican beaches are. You’ll get vendors selling hats, silver jewelry, and boat rides. Some people hate this. Others find it part of the charm. If you aren't in the mood to haggle, just stay up on the resort’s elevated beach deck. You get the view, the breeze, and the service without anyone asking if you need a new poncho.
Room Layouts and the "Hidden" Kitchen Perk
One thing that sets Villa del Arco apart from the standard Hilton or Marriott down the road is the room configuration. Most rooms aren't just a bed and a TV. They are suites. We’re talking full kitchens, stainless steel appliances, and actual dining tables.
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This matters. Even if you aren't planning on cooking a four-course meal on vacation, having a full-sized fridge for beers, snacks, and leftovers is a game changer. It makes the space feel like an apartment rather than a shoebox. The balconies are usually massive, too.
- Studio Units: Good for couples. Small kitchenette.
- One and Two-Bedroom Suites: This is where the resort shines. Separate living areas and multiple bathrooms.
- Penthouse Options: If you’re really splashing out, these have private hot tubs on the terrace.
The decor is a little "old world Cabo." Expect heavy wood furniture and travertine tile. It isn't that minimalist, stark-white "Instagram" aesthetic that’s trendy right now, but it feels solid and authentic to the region. It’s comfortable. It’s clean. Everything works.
Eating Your Way Through the Property
Food at all-inclusives can be a gamble. Sometimes it’s "school cafeteria" quality, and other times it’s genuinely great. At Villa del Arco, it’s surprisingly high-end.
La Perla is the spot for breakfast. They do a buffet, but the chilaquiles are the real reason to show up. Seriously, don't skip the green salsa. For dinner, El Patron offers more traditional Mexican cuisine. It’s refined. Think mole that’s been simmering for hours and fresh catch-of-the-day.
If you want something fancy, you go to The Neptune. It sits right on the edge of the property overlooking the water. It’s seafood-centric and has a dress code (no flip-flops, please). It feels like a "real" restaurant you’d find in a major city, not just a hotel dining room.
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The All-Inclusive vs. European Plan Debate
This is where people get confused. You can book Villa del Arco as a standard hotel room (European Plan) or go All-Inclusive.
If you plan on drinking more than three cocktails a day and eating every meal on-site, the All-Inclusive plan pays for itself. Cabo is expensive. A single cocktail at a nice bar can easily run you $18 USD. However, if you want to explore the downtown Cabo San Lucas food scene—which you absolutely should—the All-Inclusive might feel like a trap. The resort is only a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute cab ride from the marina. There are taco stands and world-class sushi spots just minutes away.
Pro tip: Do the All-Inclusive for a few days if you want to rot by the pool, then switch to the room-only plan when you’re ready to explore.
Desert Spa: More Than Just a Sauna
You can’t talk about Villa del Arco without mentioning the Desert Spa. It’s shared between the sister properties and it’s massive—31,000 square feet. This isn't just a room with a massage table. It’s a full hydrotherapy circuit.
They have these "Water Journeys" where you go from a sauna to a steam room, then a pressure shower, then a cold plunge, and finally a hot jacuzzi. It sounds like a lot of work, but it actually works. The treatments often use local ingredients like agave, lime, and sea salt. It’s one of the highest-rated spas in the entire Baja California Sur region for a reason. Even if you aren't staying at the resort, people fly into Cabo and book appointments here.
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Logistics: Getting There and Getting Around
Flying into SJD (Los Cabos International) is easy enough, but the airport is about 45 minutes away from the resort.
- Don’t take a random taxi at the curb. You will get overcharged.
- Pre-book a private transfer. Companies like CaboViVO or TransCabo are reliable.
- The "Shark Tank." When you walk out of customs, you’ll pass a room full of people offering "free breakfast" or "discounted tours." They are selling timeshares. Walk straight through, don't make eye contact, and head to the outdoor bar where your driver is waiting.
Once you’re at Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa, you don't really need a car. The resort has a shuttle that runs between the properties, and the water taxis on the beach can take you to the Arch or Lover’s Beach for a few bucks. It’s easy. It’s efficient.
Is it Worth the Price?
Look, Cabo is not cheap anymore. The days of $2 beers and $50 hotel rooms are long gone. Villa del Arco is a premium experience. You’re paying for the location. Being able to walk off your patio and onto the sand of Medano Beach is a luxury.
Some guests complain about the "timeshare pitch." Yes, they will ask you if you want to attend a presentation. A firm "No, thank you" usually does the trick. Don't let it ruin your vibe. The staff here are generally incredible—many have worked at the property for over a decade, which says a lot about how it’s run.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
- Book a Room with an Ocean View: The garden views are fine, but the Land's End view is world-class. It’s worth the extra $50 a night.
- Hit the Grocery Store: There’s a Walmart and a luxury grocery store called Fresko nearby. Use that in-room kitchen! Buy some local fruit, yogurt, and snacks to save some cash on the small stuff.
- Reservations are Key: If you want to eat at Neptune at sunset, book it the day you arrive. Those tables go fast.
- Check the Calendar: Cabo gets busy during Spring Break and fishing tournament weeks (like the Bisbee’s in October). If you want peace and quiet, aim for May or early November.
- Bring Cash for Tipping: While many things are billed to the room, the housekeeping staff and pool servers appreciate pesos. It goes a long way.
Villa del Arco isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a home base for everything Cabo has to offer. Whether you’re there to deep-sea fish, hit the spa, or just stare at the Arch until your tan sets in, it delivers a consistent, high-quality experience that avoids the frantic energy of the downtown core while keeping you close enough to join the party whenever you feel like it.