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All-inclusives have grown up. In my youth, I approached them with low culinary expectations, bracing for bland buffets and bottom-shelf margaritas. But after decades of travel, I’ve watched all-inclusive resorts glow up. On my recent trip to Paradisus Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, the caliber of the food left me genuinely impressed. Located on the tip of Baja California Sur, this 350-suite Melia property (part of Leading Hotels of the World) sits across 15 acres of tropical gardens and mission-style architecture. Past the infinity pools, orcas breach and sea turtles bury their nests in the moonlit sand. Inside, a dining program rivaling Cabo’s best restaurants proves just how dramatically the all-inclusive experience has evolved.
Aerial view of Paradisus Los Cabos
Rooms
Booking The Reserve, the resort’s highest accommodation tier, unlocks a discreet concierge available by WhatsApp, a private check-in lounge, snacks and premium cocktails, an adults-only pool with cabana service, and access to Santé, a Mediterranean-style restaurant—only available to Reserve guests. Suites come with aromatherapy menus, oversized soaking tubs with bath salts, and private airport transfers. The welcome amenity included a large bowl of fresh fruit, featuring an already cut mango for instant indulgence, as well as a collection of whimsical artisan chocolates, including chocolate-covered strawberries, filled chocolates, macarons, and a cactus filled with cream.
The Reserve Swim Up Suite
I stayed in one of the swim-up suites, with a king-size bed and elegant design. I opted to swim in my suite’s pool most of the time; there’s nothing more convenient than stepping outside your door for a quick dip, then drying off on a private patio. Even better, the pool remained blissfully uncrowded, empty most of the time I jumped in. Even the most minor touches felt intentional: nightly turndown gifts ranged from a hand-carved alebrije (colorful papier-mâché animal) to a mini easel and paint set.
Cielo Restaurant interior
Dining
Seven gorgeously designed and distinct specialty restaurants, along with five bars, make food the centerpiece. Highlights include:
Mexican style desserts at Cielo
Cielo serves elevated Mexican fare. Don’t miss the three-guacamole sampler or trompito al pastor twirling on a miniature rotisserie.
Steak with curry sauce over coconut rice
Tokimeku serves excellent international Asian fare, plating tuna on crispy rice and serving the best fried rice I’ve tasted in Baja.
Capella’s wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas deliver casual Italian outdoors.
Steak at Sal Steak Cave
Sal Steak Cave, included for Reserve guests, pairs dry-aged cuts with craft cocktails beneath dramatic rock walls.
creme brûlée
Sante, a Mediterranean restaurant, only available to Reserve guests. Make sure to order the coconut mango creme brûlée.
Gorgeously plated salad at Agua Marina
Agua Marina serves al fresco dining with international flavors.
San Jose del Cabo sign
Activites
A highlight is Paradisus’ Destination Inclusive®. Encouraging guests to explore beyond resort walls, it includes the option to schedule a trip to San José del Cabo to meet artisans, taste hand-rolled chocolate, or join a barrio walk through one of Mexico’s original “Magical Neighborhoods.” On-site activities include floating sound baths, sunrise yoga set against the backdrop of the Sea of Cortez, a championship golf course, and the YHI Spa.
Chocolate making class
I especially enjoyed the intimate chocolate-making class by Ollin Cabo Cacao & Chocolate. We not only learned the history and origins of chocolate from Mexico, but we also sampled a tasty cold Mexican chocolate drink and varieties of cacao and chocolate. The class was hands-on, and we each had the opportunity to try our hand at grinding the cacao bean into chocolate paste, which is quite an arm workout!
baby turtles release at Paradisus Los Cabos
The resort’s protected turtle nests and seasonal releases draw crowds. One afternoon, guests watched a mother turtle lay her eggs, and another spotted orcas breaching offshore. A swimmable beach (rare in Cabo) means you can enjoy the Sea of Cortez after water aerobics or sunrise yoga. There’s also a beach bar for easy access to cocktails. At night, the Calafia cultural show fills the courtyard with fire dancing and live music under the stars.
Paradisus Los Cabos showed that all-inclusives can serve as gateways to authentic experiences without compromising luxury. Between the destination-driven activities, elevated cuisine, and small, thoughtful details, this Baja hideaway delivered, and I can’t wait to go back.
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