Peebles on PTO

Spring Break is synonymous with adventure, relaxation, and family bonding, and while our trip to the Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, definitely delivered on these, it most delivered on a rockstar Spring Break party! Nestled along the stunning coastline of Baja California Sur, this resort promised an unforgettable escape, and while we didn’t necessarily get the escape we were thinking, we certainly walked away with unforgettable memories. Here’s a glimpse into our sun-soaked, music-filled getaway.

Arrival and First Impressions

When we arrived at the Hard Rock Resort, we were immediately amped up to join the party. The grand entrance, with its chic modern design and vibrant rock-themed decor, set the tone for the rockstar living we were hoping to live in for the week.

The downside of our first hour in the resort was the push for a membership. We chose this resort specifically because it didn’t offer timeshares, and what we most dislike in a vacation is being pushed to purchase something over and over during our stay. The blogs were right; this resort doesn’t offer timeshares. What I hadn’t read anywhere is that they offer memberships (which are basically the same thing). We were firm up front, which held them off until we left (when they tried again!), but it put an immediate sour taste in our mouth after our initial excitement to enter the incredible space.

After brushing off the frustrating membership discussion, we made our way to our suite. Our swim-up suite was beautiful and perfectly fit our family. We loved having a pool to immediately access away from the crowds, with more space to lounge and eat any room service snacks. While the water in the swim-up was a little chilly, it didn’t stop our kids from jumping right in. The kids were thrilled with the fun, rock-inspired room decor, while we appreciated the the large, beautiful bathroom and minibar.

Dining Delights

One of the highlights of our time at the resort was the incredible dining experiences. With multiple restaurants on-site, we loved trying new things each day and felt every place had something for everyone. The family favorite was Zen (where we returned twice!) where we had one night of incredible sushi and another night of hibachi. The chef put on quite a show and both of our kids had the time of lives catching shrimp and sipping mocktails.

Activities and Entertainment

The pool’s activity lineup kept everyone entertained and dancing. Of course, one thing we hadn’t thought about what that we were coming during Spring Break… and so was everyone else. We were a little overwhelmed by the amount of high school seniors and college students that were taking advantage of the all-inclusive bar scene and 18-year-old drinking age, but these moments provided for some good teaching conversations with the kids, and more than a few laughs between my husband and I.

• The Beach: Quick reminder that the ocean on this side of Cabo is not swimmable. It was extra hazardous while we were visiting as we experienced extreme winds for most of the trip. While we had an opportunity to go check out the beautiful water and roaring waves, a quick walk and back was all we got. 99% of our time at the resort didn’t involve the beach at all.
• The Pool: The infinity pool overlooking the ocean was definitely a favorite hangout for our family. With a swim-up bar and plenty of loungers, it was easy to spend an entire day just relaxing in the sun (which we did a lot!). The foam party may have been a kids favorite of the whole trip!
• Live Music: As a Hard Rock Resort, the music theme was prominent throughout our stay. From live bands playing classic rock to DJ sets by the pool, there was always something groovy happening. Everywhere we went there was a little music – keeping the rockstar vibe no matter where we explored.
• Bowling Alley: We were a little disappointed that bowling came at an extra charge, but it was a great escape from the sun! That being said, since it was at a charge, we found ourselves as the only users, with the attention of a personal waiter we definitely took advantage of!

Exploring Cabo San Lucas

While we could have enjoyed a stay fully at the Hard Rock, we also took some time to explore downtown Cabo San Lucas. The area down by the marina offered appealing shops, vibrant markets, and local eateries that allowed us to experience a bit of Mexican culture. We definitely couldn’t get out of the area before purchasing some coconut drinks for the kids! We also loved exploring the mall attached to the outdoor shopping area and everyone found something fun to take home or use during the rest of their time in Cabo.

We also took the time in town to try local ceviche, have our hair braided, and meet some engaging locals who loved telling us about the area. Throughout our time downtown, we were blown away with how friendly and helpful the people we met were. We all agreed that in our next visit to Cabo, we’d love to stay closer to downtown to make it easier to come back and visit the shops and restaurants in this area.

Boating Adventure

One of the best parts of our trip was taking the trip into downtown Cabo for a boat rental. We used Eco Boat Rentals for the incredible experience, and it was an adventure I would book 100 times again. They were easy to communicate with and clear about expectations. We were blown away by the two-tier boat, with both a captain and bartender at our whim! They were perfect hosts for creating a memorable experience on our day in town. Stocked with fresh guacamole and drinks for all, we enjoyed an amazing day whale-watching (the closest any of us had ever been to one!), exploring a small island off the coast, lounging on the toys the boat provided, and relaxing with great music.

If I had advice for anyone in their Cabo planning stage, it would be to make sure you get out on the ocean! The water was beautiful, the sites were incredible, and the price tag was worth it. We loved having this time away from the craziness of the resort as a family and my biggest regret was not booking more than one day during our week stay!

Final Thoughts

Our spring break at the Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resort in Cabo San Lucas was a party all around. Given this was our first time in Cabo as a family, we learned a lot about what we liked and what we’d try differently next time – but that was the fun of the adventure! As we left, we all talked about how grateful we were for the incredible memories we made and the quality time spent together. We were already talking about planning our next trip back!

If you’re considering a family getaway with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll, the Hard Rock Resort in Cabo San Lucas is an awesome choice. Be ready to be firm about brushing off the membership experience, but lean into the party rock vibe in the sun! It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Want to chat about planning your next family trip? Let’s chat! Send me an email at peeblesonpto@gmail.com!