Spring Break- Indulging in Cabo, All-Inclusive Style

Starting back in the "good ol' college days", my husband and I would travel with friends to Cabo San Lucas every single spring break. As you might expect, Cabo is a mecca for college spring breakers with its vibrant party scene both day and night. However, Cabo isn't solely for carefree 20-somethings doing belly shots at the bar or joining beach contests; it's also a wonderful place for families to enjoy pools, snorkeling, beaches, and more. With its perfect spring weather, expansive resorts, and all-inclusive lifestyle, Cabo is an excellent destination for everyone. Below are a few key takeaways to turn your "college-days Cabo" into a family experience that will be truly unforgettable.

Location is Everything

In the spring break months of March and April, I would personally steer clear of staying close to the main Cabo downtown/strip, as it will be packed with college students. There are numerous alternatives along the Gulf (Santa Maria beach area) or the Pacific Ocean. We stayed at the Hardrock Resort near Nobu Resort and Tiger Woods' golf course, and I would absolutely choose to stay there again. The Hardrock is extremely kid-friendly with water slides, a bowling alley, arcade, poolside painting, and a very fun kids' club. But don't worry, parents, the resort also has an adult pool, multiple family-friendly pools with cabanas, a spa, numerous bars, nearby golf, and more.

Exploring the All-Inclusive Benefits

Do you recommend an all-inclusive resort? The answer is a resounding yes! All-inclusive packages eliminate the need for worrying about daily restaurant bills or activity fees. Our family was able to simply relax and enjoy each other’s company without tracking every penny and the best part about it for the kiddos, at the end of the meal you just walk away without waiting for the check, basically the legal "dine and ditch". But let me tell you, not all all-inclusives are equal when it comes to the quality of the food and beverages. Make sure you do your research before selecting the all-inclusive for you. I highly recommend the Hardrock for their culinary offerings. Every restaurant we visited exceeded our expectations, which is impressive as we are a family of "foodies."

Cabo’s all-inclusive resorts offer a wide array of choices. Imagine feasting on dishes like authentic tacos and fresh ceviche as well as endless fresh caught sushi. With several on-site restaurants, there was something new for our taste buds every day. For instance, one evening, we enjoyed a teppanyaki grill experience, while the next was filled with table-side guacamole and flaming mexican coffee desserts.

Room Service All-Inclusive Style

Family-Friendly Adventures

When booking in Cabo, it's important to remember that swimming in the ocean is restricted on most beaches because of strong undertows. However, Santa Maria Beach and Chilleno Bay are promoted as swimming beaches, and we have enjoyed the water at the main beach (known as The Office) without any problems. Additionally, there is a designated swimming area at the renowned Cabo Arch (Lover's Beach), accessible by water taxi or snorkeling charter.

During our Spring Break trip, we decided to charter a boat with friends. It was a lot of fun because the boat included jet skis, a floating pad, a masseuse, and a chef. Everyone, both adults and children, had an amazing day. We arranged for the boat to drop us off at The Office beach for a late lunch, where the kids enjoyed getting their hair braided, henna tattoos, and buying bracelets, sunglasses, blankets, cotton candy, and more from the beach vendors.

Kid-Friendly Amenities

Traveling with children means considering their enjoyment too. The all-inclusive resorts in Cabo embrace family travel with amenities designed for young guests.

Many resorts feature kids' clubs that provide supervised activities both during the day and in the evening. Some of our friends with younger children made full use of these services, and the kids had no complaints. The flexible drop-in and drop-out schedule lets you visit the gym, spa, adult pool, or even have a dinner date with your spouse while the kids engage in arts and crafts or karaoke. The Hardrock Resort also boasts exciting water slides, a bowling alley, a full arcade, and poolside pottery painting. Suffice it to say, the kids were always entertained.

Lush Beaches and Sun-Kissed Days

Although the Hardrock's beach isn't suitable for swimming, we enjoyed ourselves by playing on the sand and taking walks along the shore in the mornings and evenings. The ocean's sounds provide a stunning backdrop, and engaging in activities outside the water means less sand clinging to every part of you.

For all of the water lovers out there, don’t worry, the plethora of swimming pools and hot tubs can make up for the restricted ocean. At the Hardrock in particular, we enjoyed water aerobics, games and a poolside DJ at the more vibrant pool and then a more zen-like experience at the additional family-friendly pools that are lined with comfy cabanas. Make sure you don’t miss these pools as we had friends that stayed there for an entire week and they never knew the cabana pools existed! I also highly recommend booking the cabanas for the day, which served as a perfect meeting spot for our friends and kids as they ran around.

Last Stop- Flora Farms

Last but not least, Flora Farms is a "must" when visiting Cabo. We actually prefer to stop there on our way to the airport for our last vacation lunch. They will hold your luggage and call you a taxi once it's time to depart. Plan to be there a couple of hours to enjoy their shops, food, cocktails and many photo opp spots.

Creating Lasting Memories

For Spring Break, Cabo's all-inclusive resorts are an excellent option. Even if you can only stay for 3-4 days, it's worthwhile. This is particularly true if you're on the west coast, making travel easier. The convenience, variety of activities, and fantastic food can help you unwind and create lasting memories.

Enjoy your trip and please comment with any additional suggestions or vacation recaps of your own!!

Taryn's Travel Tips

• Book a car service for pick up and drop off through your hotel. When you arrive in Cabo, just head straight out to the arrivals location with your luggage and there will be someone waiting there from the hotel. Don't stop to talk to the people trying to sell you extra excursions.

• Bring some cash (small bills) for tipping and beach-side purchases.

• Double check that your passports are current at least two months prior to your trip. Also pack the passports in your travel bag the night before vs. that morning when things are a little more chaotic.

• Packing suggestions: Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, sun shirts and aloe for those sun-filled days. Easy swimsuits and coverups during the day and sundresses, linen pants, or skirts with a cardigan or jean jacket for evening dinners. Don't forget the accessories; a beach bag, sunglasses, and clutch as well as pool toys, playing cards, dominoes, LRC or whatever your family prefers. Also, workout clothes for the hotel gym if you're feeling ambitious.