7 things to know before booking a stay at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
With seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to hotel accommodations, restaurants and fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, an all-inclusive resort might be the last thing on your mind. After all, you're incentivized to spend as much time on the property as possible because you paid for, well, everything in advance. But if you're a solo traveler looking to mingle or a couple seeking a fun getaway, the adults-only Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa may be worth considering.
Here are seven things to know before booking a stay there — and why my husband and I are already planning our next trip.
Cost
Room rates for a standard suite with a king-size bed and a marina view range from $450 to $1,150 per night. Alternatively, you could redeem between 21,500 and 29,500 World of Hyatt points per night. If you can spare them, aim to use your points on pricier nights. Doing this can get you a value of almost 3 cents per World of Hyatt point for each night you stay, which is well above the 1.7 cents per point TPG values World of Hyatt points at.
Standard room rates include meals at every restaurant except Ocote, the only Mexican eatery on-site, where meals cost an additional $40 per person unless you're staying in an accommodation with Xhale Club access. The room charge also covers most drinks (including those made with premium liquors like Anejo tequila when staying in an Xhale Club room or suite), plus $200 in resort credits that can be used for the spa, meals at Ocote and excursions. I was unaware of the latter when we made our reservation.
For what it's worth, I didn't see many people in the Xhale Club lounge, and the resort wasn't full enough to feel like the potential exclusivity the space offered would have been worth the increased expense. That said, I was disappointed to not have Anejo tequila included in the standard drinks package.
Pros
- The service was fantastic. Employees knew our names and checked in throughout our stay when they saw us in passing.
- I was pleasantly surprised by this property's food and drinks. They were delicious enough that I didn't think I was missing out by not leaving the resort.
- The main pool (and party) are far enough from the guest rooms that you'll enjoy plenty of peace and quiet when in your room.
- Every accommodation has a view of the marina.
Cons
- The aforementioned resort credits cannot be used retroactively on things like prepaid spa treatments. I did not know about the credit until arriving at the resort, so I booked and paid for spa treatments in advance based on advice noted in pre-travel emails. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a refund or credit.
- The hotel is housed in two buildings, so while the distance between the party areas and the guest rooms was great for relaxing, it wasn't always convenient to go back and forth.
Vibe: Party scene
While there were two main areas of the resort to visit, the section with the larger pool was the place to be. There was an all-day DJ until the party moved upstairs to the rooftop in the evening hours. At the pool, there were cabanas and lounge chairs facing the water, plus chaise lounges positioned to offer picturesque ocean views. Additional seats without umbrellas or palapa-style coverings were also available for those who just wanted to sunbathe.
Servers were around to take drink and food orders, but you could also grab breakfast and lunch at a poolside restaurant with a full menu.
If you are not necessarily looking for a full-blown party scene while on vacation, you could spend time at the quieter pool at the main building. This pool also had a DJ, but there were fewer guests and the view was of the marina instead of the beach.
Room
Every room at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa has a marina view — and it's beautiful. The bed faces the marina so you can watch boats come and go with your feet kicked up.
Our 484-square-foot Allure Suite came with a king-size bed flanked by nightstands, as well as a balcony with a bistro seating set and a bathroom with a large shower and double sinks. The oak wood wall decor and door that separated the front of the room and bathroom from the main bedroom and balcony were a nice touch that brought a sense of calm to an otherwise stimulating environment. I loved sitting out on the balcony first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee made with the in-room coffee maker.
In the room was a smart tablet for ordering room service and finding hotel information. It was immensely convenient to be able to order room service from the tablet instead of having to call it in.
A minifridge stocked with a few local beers, water and miniature cans of Coke products was also available by the coffee maker for whenever we wanted a quick refreshment.
Dining and drinking
The food and drinks at the resort exceeded my expectations. I'm never sure what to expect with hotel dining, but I think that the relatively small size of this resort and the clientele allowed for inspired menus and palate-pleasing culinary options.
Our first stop was at Bites, a tapas restaurant with delicious appetizers, seafood and drinks. We arrived at the hotel before our room was ready, so after leaving our bags at the front desk, we were escorted there for lunch. It was a great way to begin our time at the resort. We had fresh guacamole and chips and shrimp ceviche. The margarita was made with freshly squeezed limes — no premade mixes here. We especially enjoyed our lunch here, as well as the internationally influenced breakfast we had at Spoon.
Again, the size of the resort came into play at breakfast when there wasn't a line for the omelet station at the buffet. The servers were also very attentive and we had coffee and fresh orange juice waiting for us when we came back from getting our food.
We dined at the Italian restaurant Spumante once during our stay and I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and delicious our meal was. Room service was also fantastic. We conveniently ordered from the tablet on our nightstand and there was hardly any wait at all. Within 30 minutes, our food was delivered and set up on a table at the foot of the bed overlooking the marina.
As this was a party resort, I can't leave out Foam, the pool bar. While not a swim-up bar, servers were there to take orders so you never had to leave the water — or your cabana — if you didn't want to.
Activities
The resort doesn't specialize in many on-property activities unless you count the spa and the gym. The gym is located in the same building as the pool and most of the restaurants, a short walk from the main building and closer to the beach. The spa is also in this building and overlooks the pool and beach. There is a deck with lounge chairs that visitors can enjoy after their service.
There was a DJ at the main pool each day that we were there and sometimes a staff member would hype the crowd up with some choreography. It was actually a lot of fun.
You can use your included resort credits for off-property excursions like all-terrain-vehicle drives and a booze cruise that can pick you up at the marina. These credits could also be used toward the spa, but just remember to wait until you arrive at the hotel to reserve your spa time. I made the mistake of making a reservation before I knew I would be receiving resort credit and they couldn't give me a refund.
You can also hit up the beach, which is outfitted with lounge chairs and umbrellas, should you wish to soak up some sun.
Recommendation
I loved my time at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa, so much so that my husband and I plan to go back for two nights sometime next year. With the option to book our stay with World of Hyatt points easily transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards, there's no reason to spend cash (unless, of course, there are no award rooms available on your preferred dates).
Given that our lives are anything but a party when we travel with our two young kids — unless you consider kids clubs, shallow pools and nap times a particularly good time — we loved the lively atmosphere available here. The close proximity to our home in the Bay Area also meant that we didn't have to travel too far to feel like we got away.
If you're looking for a great time, fantastic food and a beautiful room with a view, Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa is worth a visit.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.