Club Cascadas de Baja

Upon arrival, guests might mistake the pedestrian entrance as a turnaround driveway; the entrance for cars is slightly hidden next to the resort and can be hard to spot. A gate leads to an open-air lobby that is staffed 24 hours a day, with neat stone and bamboo architectural elements not found at newer resorts. On the other side of the lobby is an indoor coffee shop, convenience store, and tour desk, as well as a lounge area for using Wi-Fi. There are several rounded buildings that lead to the beach, separated by meandering pathways with palm trees and flowering plants. The resort suffered damage during Hurricane Odile and there was some rehab work in 2015 (visible in some photos); in addition, a few apartments are being renovated each year and there may be minor construction disturbances. 

Guests typically arrive on Thursdays and stay for week-long increments (this is time-share property). An orientation on Friday provides information about the activities and events for the upcoming week. This a home away from home for many, and changes to the resort tend to be subtle so as not to upset the regulars who like things just as they are. Many of the staff have been here just as long as the owners and everyone seems to be on a first-name basis -- perhaps another reason why so many keep coming back. 

At the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula is Cabo San Lucas -- a beach town on the stretch of coastline collectively known as Los Cabos (The Capes). This has long been a popular vacation spot for sun-worshipping party seekers, but offers plenty of other activities like diving, golf, and whale watching. Club Cascadas de Baja is located slightly away from the main action on Medano Beach, which is great for families looking for more peace and quiet (beach vendors still make their way here, however.) 

The resort is reached by the Transpeninsular Highway that connects San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. Guests arrive to Los Cabos International Airport, about 35 minutes away, and either take a taxi or rent a car to get to the property. For those who choose the latter, free parking is protected by a gated entrance and security guard, but it can be hard to spot, and perhaps even harder to communicate that you are a guest. Taxi fares can get expensive, but there's a local bus that makes regular trips into town. Guests can also walk along the beach to get to downtown (only recommended during daylight hours) or take a water taxi into the marina. 

The resort's 113 units have been regularly updated since they were first built in the 1980s, and have rustic Mexican design: arched doorways, stone and bamboo accents, and mosaic tiles. Apartments include air-conditioned bedrooms with mosquito net bed canopies, seating and dining areas, kitchenettes, and balconies. Signature rounded shelves in kitchens and bedrooms have been built into the walls. Many guests tend to make breakfasts and lunches in their units, and then enjoy dinner at the restaurant or in town. Those looking to unplug will appreciate that there are no TVs or phones, but those who want to communicate with the outside world can visit the clubhouse or coffee shop for Wi-Fi (there are also TVs here). Wi-Fi may reach certain units. Daily maid service to the apartments is included.  

Most apartments are equipped with standard kitchenettes (without stoves or ovens). Some larger units have full kitchens with more space, and a few units a year are receiving renovations to include a stove and oven, as well as marble floors, granite countertops, and upgraded appliances. Some bigger units, like the Estrellas and Perlas, have a hammock, whirlpool tub, and/or private pool. Balconies may have views of a garden, the sea, the tennis court, or a neighboring building. 

There are two outdoor pools: the Shark Pool in the center of the property (denoted by the shark icon in the center) and one the Turtle Pool, adjacent to the beach. Both have swim-up pool bars, which also have on-land bar chairs around the other side. The pools are surrounded by cushy lounge chairs and umbrellas, and neither feel crowded where reserving spots in the morning is necessary (especially with so much space on the beach). 

There is a beauty salon and spa for massages, nail care, and hairstyling, as well as an indoor fitness center. The clubhouse offers a TV, pool tables, and book exchange; this is where Friday orientations are held to educate guests about activities for the coming week, such as bingo, Spanish lessons, water aerobics, and cooking classes. Babysitting services are also available. 

Near the lobby is Muchas Cosas boutique and market for sundries and cooking necessities. There are also a coffee shop, tour desk, car rental, Internet station, and free Wi-Fi in common areas. Laundry service is also provided.

A well-maintained tennis court, which enjoys central positioning on the property, is popular with guests. Parking is free. 

From the resort's beach, there are beautiful direct views of El Arco rock formation, an icon of Cabo San Lucas. Cruise ships often dock nearby and humpback whales might be spotted in the vicinity. This shoreline is open to the public and leads to a swimmable but deep area of water where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean (there are ropes for safety). Fringed palapas and cushioned lounge chairs are sectioned off, though these are not quite as nice as the pool chairs. This section of beach is not as crowded as others closer to the marina and town -- both walking distance away -- but it does see some action from neighboring resorts and jet skis. Vendors selling henna tattoos, jewelry, hats, and excursions may also be a nuisance.

There is a convenience store on-site selling basic food items to stock kitchenettes, or guests can head to Costco nearby. Many guests eat breakfast and lunch in the privacy of their units and then head out for dinner. Sushi is served by the pool and every Saturday there are two-for-one specials. 

The resort's only restaurant restaurant, Cascades Beach Grill, is next to the Turtle Pool and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ambience becomes for formal for evening service, with turquoise tablecloths, candles, and live music, and many guests choose to start the night with a cocktail at the bar. Several tables are set up right in the sand for more of those El Arco views (especially stunning at dusk when the moon and stars start to appear). The a la carte menu during dinner offers gourmet seafood, steaks, and Mexican cuisine; there are rotating specialty nights.