Secluded, Raw Beauty: Rancho San Lucas Resort

Cabo San Lucas has been a long-time favorite destination for many Americans and Canadians, especially those traveling from the west coast. I can certainly see why after having spent some time there in the past year. In a sense, it’s like you haven’t left southern California with its similar sunny, pacific, desert landscape but with way chiller vibes. Most who visit Cabo and come back time and again, have fallen in love with the laid back and hospitable attitudes of the locals. There are so many resorts and timeshare properties to stay at throughout Los Cabos which fits the profile of any traveler. After my recent visit, I was truly drawn to the secluded, private Rancho San Lucas Resort community (RSL).

Rancho San Lucas embodies the raw, rugged beauty that so many love about the Baja Peninsula. Yet, it provides all the modern amenities for travelers that want the finest 5 star experience. And of course, the fine dining experiences on this property.

Don Luis Bulnes, a famously known Real Estate & Hotel developer in Cabo San Lucas established the Solmar Hotel Group in the 1970s. He purchased this raw ocean-front land half a century ago with grand visions of developing it into a masterplan community. The development took its time with Rancho San Lucas, because they foresaw that it would not be any ordinary development. Officially, the Rancho San Lucas Resort community had its grand opening early 2018.

The Bulnes family name continues to carry on in Cabo, as the development group has been taken over by Don Luis’ son “Paco”. He has also established a respectable name within the Los Cabos Real Estate and Resort community.

Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas

Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort is the Hotel Resort & Spa within the RSL community. An ideal escape for those looking for a secluded luxury accommodation in Cabo San Lucas. It’s a half an hour drive from the busy San José del Cabo (SJD) International airport which takes you back to raw, desert nature but right on the oceanfront. This resort has double security (24 hours a day), 5 star amenities and gourmet restaurants to satisfy every foodies’ needs and desires.

Rancho San Lucas sits on 834 acres of raw, rugged Baja beauty that has enough space for travelers to hide out for a couple days or weeks. The community includes its only resort, the Grand Solmar, which is one of 6 in the family of the Solmar Hotel Group.

I loved my daily strolls throughout the gorgeous property. An outdoor movie theatre and entertainment area is within a 5 minute walk from the main lobby where guests can enjoy an outdoor show.

The Rancho San Lucas resort has everything from centuries old plants, swaying palm trees and beautiful architecture one can marvel at all day long. The private beach is reserved only for guests. With so many visitors who prefer to lounge by the gorgeous pools, you essentially have the whole white sand beach to yourself.

Get Around Rancho San Lucas Resort by Foot or Golf Cart

On property are various amenities including The Village, where guests can shop local Mexican souvenirs, spices and clothing. A 15 acre lake sits on the property for those wanting to continue on their active lifestyle even while on vacation. It’s an ideal space for BBQs and picnics away from the general resort space, yet still within the secluded Rancho San Lucas community. The resort also offers a local Mexican market near the entrance for all your practical needs at affordable prices.

Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas has 70 spacious, apartment style rooms.
The 3 main styles of rooms:

• Grand Studio are entry level rooms starting at 800 square feet includes a full kitchen, a spacious furnished patio with partial ocean views at $200+
• Grand Master Studio has a 1 bedroom suite, 1250 square feet, 2 large full bathrooms, full closet, spacious patio at $300+
• Presidential Suite with full ocean views, 2000+ square feet that can sleep up to 6 people comfortably at $600+

Bike Your Way through 834 Acres of Rancho San Lucas’ Raw Rugged Beauty

Book a biking tour at Rancho San Lucas during your stay! The biking path (15 mile trail) takes you from the front of the resort into the rustic desert landscape. Explore native plants and breathe in the fresh pacific breeze.

45 minutes in takes you inland to the large sand dunes.
Kick off your shoes and climb barefoot up the soft sand.
From the top of the dunes,
Relax as you enjoy at the serene view of the Cabo Peninsula
With a distant view of Land’s End.

Lounge at the Beautiful Swimming Pools

The pools runs throughout the resort community as a centerpiece for couples and families to gather. A few private cabanas are available, along with a waterpark for the children (and adults!).

Cabo weather is famously known for its perfect, pacific climate all year round.
Lounge at the pool 365 days of the year under the warm sun while sipping on fruity mojitos.

There is a mini waterpark for kids to enjoy and splash in the water. Paddle Boards, kayaks, snorkels and other water equipments are available for rent.

With the property being so large, there are various lounge chairs and areas for people to hide out. An adorable Spa Hut is located in the midst of the swimming area. Be sure to schedule an appointment ahead of time! Ask for a massage on the beach, deep tissue, body scrubs or a number of their facial treatments. This would be most ideal after your workouts at the on-property Gym facility.

World Class Greg Norman Golf Course in Cabo San Lucas

A Greg Norman Designed Golf Course is one of the many reasons so many passionate golfers are drawn to staying at Rancho San Lucas. This is the only golf course in all of Cabo San Lucas with 7 oceanfront holes with a diverse range in topography from desert, sand to sea. The summer months are approximately 10 degrees cooler than the rest of Cabo due to it’s setting which is ideal for those worried about golfing in the dry desert heat. The official launch of this Golf Course is expected to be in October 2019.

Read more on Rancho San Lucas Golf here: https://www.ranchosanlucas.com/golf.

6 Restaurants at Rancho San Lucas

Start your morning by ordering breakfast in bed or on the patio. Or head on down to either the Deli Cafe or Anica Restaurant for a breezy, ocean view while enjoying a gourmet breakfast with freshly squeezed juices. Lounge by the pool while catching up on that book you’ve been lagging to finish.

• Anica: Alfresco fine-dining restaurant offering international cuisine. Serves breakfast and dinner daily in a classy, romantic, spacious setting.
• Aqua Grill: Poolside restaurant. Serves lunch and light fare daily until 6pm.
• Bacari: Theme restaurant that serves dinner on select days. Reservations required.
• Deli Cafe: Quick, casual small cafe serving up breakfast, coffee, juices and lunch. Right next to the gift shop near the lobby.
• Lagoon Bar: Serves lunch and light fare daily.
• The Tide Bar: Poolside Bar.

A Fine Dining Experience in Cabo: Anica Restaurant

Besides lounging poolside and ordering casual bites, I spent my breakfast and dinners feasting at Anica Restaurant. A large outdoor patio setting allows you to lounge on the comfortable white couches or any of the luxury dining furniture. The indoor dining area is cozy with private dining room options for larger groups. Be sure to taste their variety of Mexican Wine and Tequila. Live entertainment is available several times a week during dinner.

Breakfast at Anica

Lunch & Dinner at Anica

Swim Up Restaurant: Aqua Grill & Tide Bar

Access to the Other 6 Solmar Hotel Group Resorts,

Restaurants & Exclusive Events

Ready to socialize, explore or want some night life? Hop in a shuttle or cab to downtown Cabo just 15 minutes away. As a guest (or Timeshare/Real Estate owner) of Rancho San Lucas, you have access to any of its sister properties. Just show them your wristband.

Dine at any of the affiliated restaurants at a discounted rate. One I highly recommend is Romeo y Julieta, an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Downtown Cabo in an upbeat environment.

4th Annual Cook Out at Grand Solmar “Land’s End Terrace”

Access to sister properties are not limited to restaurants. It also includes invitations to exclusive events such as the BBQ Cookout we attended at Grand Solmar Land’s End. The 4th annual Cookout at Land’s End Terrace included some of Mexico’s most famous Chefs which allowed us to taste a selection of the finest Latin American Gastronomy. Chefs included Alberto Collarte, Colibri Jimenez, Pablo Dias, Pedro Arceyut, Gonzalo Cerda and Kris Kabush.

Invest in Cabo San Lucas Real Estate & Timeshares at Rancho San Lucas Resort

In addition to the gorgeous Grand Solmar Resort, there are two main Real Estate Developments at Rancho San Lucas:

• “The Villas“, individual customized houses ranging from $600,000 to $1.5 million
• The most recent Real Estate launch in all of Cabo San Lucas: “Norman Estates” (the very first Greg Norman Real Estate Development in Mexico)
  • Includes 36 High-Rise Luxury Condo Units + 32 Oceanfront Villas. Condo pricing range from $1.5-$3 million while Villas range from $3.5 to $7 million. Approximately 40% of properties have already been sold in the Phase 1 development.
    • In March 2019, the Norman Estates had its unveiling of their Luxury Oceanfront Villas which a few of us had the privilege in attending. For pricing, photos and to learn more, go to: https://www.bohemianvagabond.com/norman-estates-rancho-san-lucas

How to Get to Rancho San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas has endless activities for any adventurers wanting to explore. For those needing pure relaxation, there are gorgeous relaxing resorts such as Rancho San Lucas to hide out for days. It’s a perfect destination for whale watching, sailing and relaxing along Baja California where temperatures average 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Non-stop 2 hour flights are available from LAX to Cabo San Lucas for an average of $250 roundtrip.

Rancho San Lucas is located conveniently 30 minutes from the airport. Or a quick 15 minute drive to Downtown Cabo. Airport shuttles ($60 roundtrip per person) and private cars are available with pre-reservations through the resort. Shuttles are conveniently available 24 hours a day to any of the sister properties or throughout town. Renting a car is recommended if you want to save money. And driving gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore all that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. Free parking is available on the Rancho San Lucas property.