Vista Encantada Spa Resort and Residences

[Scotten]

We just got back yesterday (4 October 2024 - stayed in a 4 bedroom). I'm not good at writing a trip report but I'll put a few things we noticed:

• We were told that AI includes room service but you need to pay an additional 15% service fee.
• Unit has washer and dryer but laundry detergent is not included. I was a little surprised at that.
• Coffee maker was drip not Keurig pods. With our AI - they gave us coffee in those prepackaged mesh bag things but it's typical timeshare coffee (IE not that good). It uses basket filters, which were also included.
• No dishwasher. Housekeeping would replace or clean our dirty dishes.
• Balcony has a really nice grill that appears to be barely (or never used).
• No Lyft in Cabo, only Uber. Pickup is in a very strange location: it's just outside the property, on some dirt 'road' that looks and feels like it survived a war. Hotel staff would drive us to the pickup spot. Also strange: Uber is allowed into the property for dropoffs.
• The view posted above by @hapstersmom from July 2023 remains the same: the plots of land have been flattened and we saw intermittent work being done on the road itself but no construction on the sites.

Post up any questions and I'll try to answer. We enjoyed the room, the view, the area and the entire trip.

 

[PamMo]

We’re just wrapping up two weeks here with DH’s family - first time getting them all together in five years. Thanks to the Sightings Board, I was able to exchange into a 4BR for two weeks and a 3BR for one week to accommodate everyone. This is exactly why I LOVE TUG and timesharing! Everyone had a fantastic time and loved the units, the staff, and the resort. Our experience was 180 degrees different from our stay last year with my sisters, after a hurricane shortened our trip. I’m so glad we gave it another try!

We had cars, so only had one dinner in the resort at Barolo (which no one liked), but enjoyed many lunches at the rooftop pool. The Fresko supermarket is nearby and has a nice selection of produce, fresh fish and baked goods. We went fishing on Blue Sky, so enjoyed fresh dorado for a couple of meals. The four marlin we caught were all released.

The lots on the beach below Vista Encantada are all marked out for individual homes now. Every couple of days an SUV brings a buyer out. They even set up a shaded golf mat to hit balls out to sea. Rumor is some of the lots are $18 million USD, but you know how rumors are down here.

 

[WorldT]

@Scotten and @PamMo
Any resort fees for exchangers? And what do parking fees look like?

Thanks

 

[PamMo]

@WorldT, I wasn't charged any resort fees, and valet parking was free (well, sort of, there's tipping to account for). There is a mandatory USD$2.50 nightly tax.

 

[Scotten]

We exchanged into Vista. I'm looking at our receipt and for the 4 bedroom, we were charged the following fees per day:

$14.00 Service Charge
$ 5.00 Disinfection & Cleanliness
$ 2.50 Impuesto Municipal

 

[WorldT]

We exchanged into Vista. I'm looking at our receipt and for the 4 bedroom, we were charged the following fees per day:

$14.00 Service Charge
$ 5.00 Disinfection & Cleanliness
$ 2.50 Impuesto Municipal

This sounds like a $19 per day resort fee. Anything you did that @PamMo didn't do that may have triggered the resort fees?

 

[hurnik]

This sounds like a $19 per day resort fee. Anything you did that @PamMo didn't do that may have triggered the resort fees?

No, that's not a resort fee. That's a daily CLEANING fee. If you don't want to pay it every day you need to tell them to NOT clean the room.

Then they only charge on the days you want cleaning or forget to cancel the cleaning.

 

[WorldT]

Thanks. That clears that up. Now off to set up an exchange for something in the winter months.

 

[PamMo]

Our concierge/butler let us know that we would not be charged any extra fees by signing a note stating, ”We do not want to pay these charges.” We tipped our housekeepers generously every day - I want to see it go directly to them!

 

[easyrider]

Our concierge/butler let us know that we would not be charged any extra fees by signing a note stating, ”We do not want to pay these charges.” We tipped our housekeepers generously every day - I want to see it go directly to them!

We tipped heavy too. I felt bad that the cart guy that took us back to the Vista Encantada caught us without and dollars. I told him I would catch him later. When we finally crossed paths all I had was $10's as my lowest bill so he got a $10.

The extra charges didn't add up to much. Our pool tabs were our biggest expense.

Bill

 

[WorldT]

Do not mind paying the cleaning fee. Like you guys, I also would rather it go to the people doing the cleaning,

 

[Beefnot]

My parents and other family will be staying here in July in a 4BR.

If a 4BR house is available and offered for upgrade, anyone know current pricing?

I received the email below from the result regarding the all inclusive plan. Is this a good deal? Is there opportunity to negotiate on price or extras?

Thank you for choosing Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences for your next vacation.

I hope this message finds you eagerly anticipating your upcoming trip. I'm reaching out to share an exclusive opportunity with you: our Premium All Inclusive package at Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences.

Indulge in a culinary adventure like no other with our package, which includes:

• Fine Dining: Experience exquisite cuisine and beverages at our onsite restaurants and bars, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortes and Land's End.
• Local Flavors: Explore the vibrant culinary scene of the Golden Zone at the Cabo San Lucas Marina with access to select restaurants.
• Convenience: Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to our sister resort, Marina Fiesta, and take advantage of room service included with a 15% delivery fee.

Lock in your package now to enjoy these incredible experiences at our current rates.

SUMMER | MAY - SEPTEMBER

	Base	3 nights (15% OFF)	4-6 nights (25% OFF)	7+ nights (35% OFF)
Adults (18+ years old)	$203.00	$173.00	$152.00	$132.00
Juniors (13 - 17 years old)	$166.00	$141.00	$125.00	$108.00
Children (4-12 years old)	$95.00	$81.00	$71.00	$62.00

Prices are shown in USD. Price per person per night, tax included. Selected nights have to be consecutive. Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure your rate and ensure an unforgettable culinary adventure during your stay. Contact me today to book!

 

[Scotten]

I can't answer your first question, but we found the price to be better for the all-inclusive when we arrived. We balked on the pricing and they reduced it pretty significantly (can't remember the dollar amounts, sorry). I remember we did the math and it was within reason to have 3 or 4 days all inclusive.

 

[easyrider]

My parents and other family will be staying here in July in a 4BR.

If a 4BR house is available and offered for upgrade, anyone know current pricing?

I received the email below from the result regarding the all inclusive plan. Is this a good deal? Is there opportunity to negotiate on price or extras?

Thank you for choosing Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences for your next vacation.

I hope this message finds you eagerly anticipating your upcoming trip. I'm reaching out to share an exclusive opportunity with you: our Premium All Inclusive package at Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences.

Indulge in a culinary adventure like no other with our package, which includes:

• Fine Dining: Experience exquisite cuisine and beverages at our onsite restaurants and bars, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortes and Land's End.
• Local Flavors: Explore the vibrant culinary scene of the Golden Zone at the Cabo San Lucas Marina with access to select restaurants.
• Convenience: Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to our sister resort, Marina Fiesta, and take advantage of room service included with a 15% delivery fee.

Lock in your package now to enjoy these incredible experiences at our current rates.

SUMMER | MAY - SEPTEMBER

	Base	3 nights (15% OFF)	4-6 nights (25% OFF)	7+ nights (35% OFF)
Adults (18+ years old)	$203.00	$173.00	$152.00	$132.00
Juniors (13 - 17 years old)	$166.00	$141.00	$125.00	$108.00
Children (4-12 years old)	$95.00	$81.00	$71.00	$62.00

Prices are shown in USD. Price per person per night, tax included. Selected nights have to be consecutive. Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure your rate and ensure an unforgettable culinary adventure during your stay. Contact me today to book!

We took a tour of the four bedroom residences and they are really nice but some have way better views than others. The unit we checked out had privacy issues as both sides of the deck can see right into the next door pool areas and deck area.

The views from the Vista Encantada units are pretty good, some better than others, and the roof top pool , hot tubs and restaurant views are spectacular and easy to access from any room. The balconies or decks are very private. We had a three bed unit a floor below the pool and our view from the huge balcony was spectacular.I think the best views from this resort are in the upstairs hot tub looking at Land's End at sun rise and sun set. The night view of Cabo is pretty nice too.

We didn't do AI but did go to the main restaurants on site. I did like the restaurant on the roof of the VE and the rest were ok. Because we had a BBQ on our deck we did BBQ items bought at Costco. Most of the beverages were bought at Costco as well. We also dined in the Marina a few times. I'm not sure the AI works unless you plan on staying on site.

Bill

 

[JanT]

To my knowledge there are only two 4 bedrooms in the actual Residences. Both owned by the same person but one never rented out because the owner lives in it.

We have stayed in the other 4BR in The Residences twice and LOVED it. If I could outright buy it, I would. Private pool, big bedrooms, outside private shower off one of the master suites. I could go on and on about the positives but I’ll just say it was worth the upgrade. The first year they charged us $800 to upgrade to it but it was a new resort trade via II so I think they were generous. Last year we stayed in it and they charged us $1800 to upgrade. That’s US$. A little pricey but for us, well worth it. That Residence is just the epitome of relaxation.

We didn’t do the AI as it’s not our thing. We don’t drink a lot and can’t justify the expense.

Your parents and family most certainly will love this resort!

 

[Beefnot]

I appreciate the insights. I will counsel my family to skip out on any unit upgrade if it presents itself only an account of the cost (although the opulence would be quite enticing). They tend to stay on site but they don't drink much, so barring an attractive offer when they arrive onsite, they will probably pass. Thanks!

 

[easyrider]

To my knowledge there are only two 4 bedrooms in the actual Residences. Both owned by the same person but one never rented out because the owner lives in it.

We have stayed in the other 4BR in The Residences twice and LOVED it. If I could outright buy it, I would. Private pool, big bedrooms, outside private shower off one of the master suites. I could go on and on about the positives but I’ll just say it was worth the upgrade. The first year they charged us $800 to upgrade to it but it was a new resort trade via II so I think they were generous. Last year we stayed in it and they charged us $1800 to upgrade. That’s US$. A little pricey but for us, well worth it. That Residence is just the epitome of relaxation.

We didn’t do the AI as it’s not our thing. We don’t drink a lot and can’t justify the expense.

Your parents and family most certainly will love this resort!

Hi @JanT . I was wondering where the 4 bed residences are. I'm thinking we viewed a 3 bed residence if there is only 1 available. Are they Sea front ?

Bill

 

[JanT]

Hi @JanT . I was wondering where the 4 bed residences are. I'm thinking we viewed a 3 bed residence if there is only 1 available. Are they Sea front ?

Bill

Hi Bill,

In your description, it did sound as if you toured a 3BR residence. The first 4BR is located after turning right on the 2nd street of the Residences - all the way down on the left hand side, last Residence on the left. It's called Mision San Francisco de Asis. It has an Ocean View to the left from the back yard of the residence. This is the unit we rented. You can do a search on Vista Encantada and my user name to see some pictures of the unit.

The other 4BR is located further into the Residences. That is the one the owner lives in exclusively and based on it's location, it must have some great ocean views but it is not sea front.

I never tire of the resort and was hoping we could get back there again this year. I'm not sure we'll make it though because of some other big trips we're taking. But, I'll be getting back there as soon as I can! Again, if I could buy that residence outright, I would. I keep hoping I can hit the lottery or a big jackpot in Vegas. LoL First thing I would do is contact the owner and offer to buy it.

JT

 

[jessgilmore]

My parents and other family will be staying here in July in a 4BR.

If a 4BR house is available and offered for upgrade, anyone know current pricing?

I received the email below from the result regarding the all inclusive plan. Is this a good deal? Is there opportunity to negotiate on price or extras?

Thank you for choosing Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences for your next vacation.

I hope this message finds you eagerly anticipating your upcoming trip. I'm reaching out to share an exclusive opportunity with you: our Premium All Inclusive package at Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences.

Indulge in a culinary adventure like no other with our package, which includes:

• Fine Dining: Experience exquisite cuisine and beverages at our onsite restaurants and bars, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortes and Land's End.
• Local Flavors: Explore the vibrant culinary scene of the Golden Zone at the Cabo San Lucas Marina with access to select restaurants.
• Convenience: Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to our sister resort, Marina Fiesta, and take advantage of room service included with a 15% delivery fee.

Lock in your package now to enjoy these incredible experiences at our current rates.

SUMMER | MAY - SEPTEMBER

	Base	3 nights (15% OFF)	4-6 nights (25% OFF)	7+ nights (35% OFF)
Adults (18+ years old)	$203.00	$173.00	$152.00	$132.00
Juniors (13 - 17 years old)	$166.00	$141.00	$125.00	$108.00
Children (4-12 years old)	$95.00	$81.00	$71.00	$62.00

Prices are shown in USD. Price per person per night, tax included. Selected nights have to be consecutive. Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure your rate and ensure an unforgettable culinary adventure during your stay. Contact me today to book!

These are reasonable prices for the AI at Vista. Some folks report being able to get lower rates directly at the resort at check-in, but I find knowing the upfront cost works for us. We were there in March. The food is AI good, mostly with some not great options. We loved the pool lunch options at the lower beach pool in the Hacienda section - especially the Governors Tacos! I would say the wine is lacking overall and we plan to do a run to the store for nicer wine the next time we stay. It just isn't worth paying the restaurant markup for premium bottles of wine not included in any of the AI.