Paradisus by Melia Los Cabos

Set along a wide, sandy beach, the Paradisus by Melia Los Cabos is a luxury all-inclusive resort with a casual yet stylish design both indoors and outdoors. With just over 300 rooms, the resort is somewhat smaller than some of its competitors in the area, lending the property a quieter, more relaxed vibe. There are daily entertainment, music around the pool, and even DJ sessions every now and then, but the lower room count and ample grounds make for a less crowded feel than some of its neighbors. Rooms are housed in a large U-shaped building set around a huge central pool, with grass lawns dotted by palm trees taking up the rest of the 18.5 acres of land.

The lobby features chic decor touches, such as live-edge wooden tables and benches, metal and polished wood accents in lamps, soft lines throughout, and brightly colored area rugs over sandstone-like floors. Soaring ceilings and wall-to-wall windows let in lots of light, creating a bright, airy space that opens onto a deck overlooking the gardens and the sea. Indoor restaurants have a sleeker feel, thanks to a darker palette, oversized ornaments on walls, and bold combinations of gold, white, and brown accompanied by pops of orange, black, and purple. The outdoor areas are decorated in a more casual style that feels upscale and beachy, with clean lines, a softer color palette of white and neutral hues, and a subdued design that doesn’t try to compete for attention with the scenery.

This is an excellent family-friendly all-inclusive pick in San Jose del Cabo and the greater Los Cabos area, but families seeking a comparable stay for cheaper should look into the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, though its beach is not swimmable. Couples, meanwhile, may prefer the more romantic, adults-only Marquis Los Cabos All-Inclusive Resort & Spa.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the Paradisus Los Cabos sits almost exactly between the two cities. Restaurants and bars aren't within walking distance, but taxis are always available, and with the wide range of dining and drinking options on-site, few guests feel the need to leave the resort during their stay. The main attraction here is the beach, which unlike others in the Los Cabos area, is swimmable.

San Jose del Cabo, located about a 15-minute drive from the resort, is the quainter, historic option. There's less of a nightlife scene, but the area retains its Mexican flair and features numerous restaurants and galleries. Cabo San Lucas, also about 15 minutes from the resort, presents visitors with stunning scenery and a distinct Mexican charm, especially around the coastline. It takes about 25 minutes by car to get to the beautiful cluster of rock formations on Land's End. Paradisus Los Cabos all-inclusive resort is a 25-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport.

The hotel’s 300-plus rooms are housed in a long four-story building creating a sort of “U” shape around the beachfront pool and the gardens. Although there are three main categories -- the adults-only Royal Service, the Family Concierge, and the standard Paradisus – all have the same stylish design. The color palette combines whites and neutrals in an elegant, modern style that makes spaces feel airy and fresh. White bedding, sofa beds, and pillows are offset by cream-colored walls, beige marble-like floors, and natural wood accents. Simple furniture with clean lines leaves rooms uncluttered.

Starting at 435 square feet, rooms offer lots of space. Big glass doors slide open to furnished balconies or patios, and Swim-Up units offer direct access to a shared pool. All rooms -- which are divided into Junior Suites, Suites, and Master Suites -- are outfitted with either two double beds or a king-size bed, plus a sofa bed for additional guests. Standard amenities include Nespresso machines, smart TVs, robes, slippers, and safes. Minibars are restocked daily with sodas, water, and beer free of charge. Bathrooms have colorful mosaic tiles in tropical hues, walk-in rainfall showers, and big backlit mirrors. Additionally, some units have soaking tubs in the bedroom.

Royal Service at Pardisus Los Cabos Suites are for adults only and include perks such as butler services, access to a lounge with snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a private pool, plus an exclusive restaurant. Family Concierge units offer a similar experience (minus the exclusive pool), but for families, with extras such as kiddy toiletries, welcome backpacks with games and toys, Xbox 360s, kid-friendly minibar items, and evening milk and cookies.

Turndown service is provided in all room categories daily.

One of the resort’s top features is its swimmable beach, which is a rarity in an area known for its strong undertow. There are a couple dozen loungers and a handful of umbrellas available for guest use, as well as a beach volleyball court and a few palm trees. Set overlooking the sea, the main pool has a pleasant, relaxed vibe and features a swim-up bar, lots of loungers, and a number of cabanas. It is huge but mostly shallow. Additionally, there are two long, skinny pools exclusive for guests staying in swim-up units, plus a more secluded, adults-only one for Royal Service guests, compete with a pool butler and free sunscreen.

YHI Spa offers six treatment cabins (two of which are for couples’ massages), a salon with nail and hair services, a hydrotherapy area, and steam and sauna rooms. The adjacent gym is equipped with a wide range of cardio and strength-training machines. Outdoor fitness classes are available daily as part of the entertainment program, which also includes activities such as cigar rolling workshops, wine and tequila tastings, movie nights, dance and yoga classes, games, and live music. Kids have their own age-appropriate activities and a full kids’ club with indoor areas.

The hotel also offers 1,100 square feet of meeting space outfitted with a full range of audiovisual equipment. Catering services are available on request.

Paradisus Los Cabos restaurants are varied and well-regarded. They include a large buffet and several a la carte restaurants, serving Asian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines, plus La Palapa Restaurant is exclusively for Royal Service guests. The most outstanding option, however, has to be the Gastro Bar, a formal Basque restaurant helmed by Spanish chef Martin Berasategui, who has been awarded 10 Michelin stars over the years. There are also seven bars -- including two adults-only options and a Royal Service Lounge -- plus 24-hour room service.

As an all-inclusive resort, all meals, snacks, in-room minibars, and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic such as juice and coffee) are covered in the room rate.