Hacienda Encantada: An All-Inclusive Getaway For Foodies (Slideshow)
Like most foodies, it's important for me to eat authentic and delicious meals when I travel. I truly want to learn about and enjoy the cuisine of the culture I'm visiting. When planning a vacation to an all-inclusive resort, it's important to pay close attention to the quality and training of the chefs, because at some resorts food is oftentimes an afterthought. The Hacienda Encantada Resort and Spa located in Cabo San Lucas in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico combines perfectly prepared authentic Mexican cuisine with all the amenities of a luxury all-inclusive resort. The resort offers a unique dining experience that allows you to choose between an all-inclusive dining plan or the traditional European plan. Between the Hacienda Encantada and the Marina Golden Zone, there are 16 different dining options to please everyone.
Baja Tacos
Learn how to make authentic Baja beer-battered seabass fish tacos during a cooking class at the Hacienda Encantada Resort and Spa. The tempura batter is so light that the fish barely tastes fried. The fish pairs perfectly with the fresh lime and cilantro in the pico de gallo and guacamole.
Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast buffet at Las Marias, one of two onsite restaurants open for breakfast, offers everything from custom omelettes to savory Mexican-inspired dishes like refried beans and marinated pork.
Omelette Station
After the omelette station, it is mandatory to stop at the omelettes topping station. This station has all sorts of toppings from authentic Mexican toppings to more traditional American breakfast toppings. The peppers are so pretty and colorful that you may not want to eat them.
Fantastic Fusion
Los Deseos, the Mexican grill at the Golden Marina Zone, offers a fantastic fusion of seafood and Mexican cuisine. These bacon wrapped shrimp accompanied with refried beans and fresh guacamole are so large that they must be eaten with a fork and a knife.
Lobster Enchilladas
It's no wonder that Los Deseos is a hit among locals and tourists. Dishes like the lobster enchiladas make this a restaurant that you'll want to return to over and over again. The lobster is fresh and incredibly tender.
Made Tableside
Food becomes part of the entertainment at Los Deseos. Appetizers such as guacamole and cheese flambé are made tableside. The tequila cheese flambé is just as delicious as it is entertaining.
Chips and Dips
Chips, fresh salsas, and guacamole are served with almost every meal in Cabo San Lucas. It's possible to become extremely spoiled after eating the freshly made dips. All of it tastes great on its own, but it's even better when used as a condiment on the authentic Mexican dishes.
Cooking Class
It's impossible to get tired of the freshly made pico de gallo and guacamole in Cabo. Learn how to make these refreshing garnishes exactly how you like them by taking the cooking class on site. The chef teaches you how to make it hotter or milder depending on how you like your spice.
Wine Pairing
The sommelier at the Hacienda Encantada makes amazing recommendations for wine pairing. There are many Mexican-made wines at the restaurants that pair excellently with all the different cuisines served at the resort.
Caprese Salad
While the resort offers many great Mexican dishes, the other cuisine options are just as satisfying. This spin on a caprese salad is refreshing, especially when served waterside overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
Fresh Seafood
Like all the food served on site, the seafood is incredibly fresh. Grilled seabass served over shrimp and a mushroom risotto is both light and filling due to the welcome mix of the light seafood and savory creamy risotto.
Seared Tuna
Seared tuna with sesame seeds tastes just as good as it looks. Tuna has a long and rich history in Cabo San Lucas. It was one of the first major exports of the city, so it's only right to taste a bit of tuna at the Hacienda Encantada.
Sushi
Sushi can be ordered poolside at Sr. Sushi, located next to the adults only area that overlooks the Sea of Cortez. Relax with a drink and your favorite sushi and soak in all the relaxation you can get.
Various Options
There are so many authentic Mexican options at Los Deseos that it may be tempting to order all the dishes to share. It's almost impossible to pick one favorite dish.
Agave Plant
Agave plants line most of the walkways at the Hacienda Encantada. This is the plant that is used to make tequila. If you cut into the leaf you can see the part of the plant that is made into sugar and, eventually, into tequila.
Tequila Tasting
Learning about tequila is fun; tasting it while learning is even better! A very educational and delicious tequila tasting experience can be booked with the sommelier by contacting the concierge.
Desserts
All of the desserts at the Hacienda Encantada are mouthwatering. The chocolate dishes are definitely the ones to try because the Mexican chocolate is slightly different than American chocolate and gives it a slightly spicy flair.
Beautiful Views
Every restaurant and poolside bar at the Hacienda Encantada has an amazing view. This one is the breakfast view from Las Marias. No matter where you eat on the property, you can see a combination of water and mountain landscape.
Beautiful Pools
It's possible to eat every single meal al fresco in Cabo San Lucas. At the resort, you can even have your food and drinks delivered to you poolside while enjoying the views of the Sea of Cortez. Warning: You may get so spoiled that you won't be able to enjoy food inside ever again.