1BD Suite Garza Blanca

The main disappointment was the construction beside Hiroshi. Our balcony looked directly over the work area, and from about 7:45 a.m. until evening there was constant sawing, hammering, tile cutting, and other noise. It made the balcony unpleasant to use, which was frustrating since the larger balcony was one of the main reasons we chose that villa. We wish this had been disclosed before booking. The pools nearest the ocean also have loud music and lots of activities through the day, including the adult pool. Anyone hoping for a quiet, peaceful spot by the sea may find it more energetic than expected. Even with those issues, we were very happy with the resort. Our three-bedroom villa was beautiful, with amazing ocean views, and the food was very good. Hiroshi was our favorite restaurant by far. Service was a real strength: butlers Leo and Omar were outstanding, often anticipating what we needed, and we enjoyed getting to know them. Dinner reservations were surprisingly easy to get for a resort this size. Pool service was excellent too, especially from Salvador and Tomas.

We booked two rooms for our family of four, and were surprised to find them in separate towers. The second room wasn’t available until four hours after our check-in time, even though they tried to move it closer. That was unacceptable. The reception rules were rigid, with no flexibility on early check-in or late checkout. Checkout is at 11 a.m. and check-in at 4 p.m., less accommodating than at many other resorts. Those issues with reception and service are why I took off a star. The resort itself is beautiful and modern, right beside a long, wide beach. All rooms have ocean views. There are several nice pools, including a rooftop infinity pool, good restaurants, and a clean, spacious fitness center. Staff we passed around the property always greeted us, and the doormen, housekeeping team, and restaurant servers gave us good service.

This was our third visit to Garza Blanca, and it didn’t disappoint. The room, restaurants, and amenities were as good as usual, but it was the service across the resort that made this trip stand out. Victor kept finding us great chairs for whale watching. Salvador, Guillermo, Karley, and Gilberto looked after the family and were great to talk to. Antonio was wonderful with the activities. Ana, Jasmine, and Mariana at the Kids Club helped our daughter make friends and learn Spanish. Alejandra at Hiroshi had great food suggestions. We’ll be back because of them.

For a true adults’ vacation, this is the best place we’ve found in 25 years of visiting Mexico. It isn’t the cheapest, but it’s well worth it. In the mornings and again mid-afternoon, whales breach offshore around much of Los Cabos near the hotel. The meals were incredible. The Japanese and Italian restaurants were great, and the steakhouse especially served some of the best five-star food we’ve had anywhere. For a lower price, I’d recommend Costco Travel. We paid $1,000 less for five nights than people who booked through the hotel’s website. Make time for the rooftop infinity pool. The lobby bar makes an amazing smoked Old Fashioned, and it’s an unbelievable place for a wedding if you’re attending one. There are also free electronic bike rides at 8 and 9 a.m. each morning, so be sure to book.