This Baja California Sur resort sits on 1.2 miles of pristine Pacific Ocean beach. Guests can meander through the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa’s extensive grounds, which include a saltwater lagoon, four pools, six jacuzzis and a mini waterpark with two slides and a rope swing. Is this resort right for your next getaway? Here is my Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Review for a recent stay.
This luxurious resort is conveniently located less than 30 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, with its world-class fishing and stunning Cabo Arches. The Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa is about 45 minutes from the international airport, which has many U.S. nonstops.
This resort offers a subtle sense of luxury and is located in a secured complex with privately owned homes and an 18-hole links course. It is surrounded by a rolling desert landscape rich in wildlife, including deer, colorful cacti and succulents.
The Gathering Spaces at the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa
Guests enter the resort building from a large, covered porte cochere. The lobby is at the top of the hill and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort’s architecture melds design details like arches, tiled roofs and artisan-created ironwork.
The lobby area offers a muted palette of desert tones and uses tactile textures to exude calm. The barrel-vaulted ceiling showcases a leather chandelier.
Outside, guests will find a courtyard with a traditional Mexican fountain. The Garden is a special events area with landscaping and grass, suitable for weddings. It is also the place for movie nights.
During my visit, the bellman escorted me to my room on a golf cart. I passed several of the multi-floor buildings. All suites are entered from the rear and feature an ocean view.
Suites at Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa
Guests can choose a room that fits their needs, from a studio to one-bedroom suites and two, three and four-bedroom penthouses. All 145 accommodations offer an ocean view with furnished balconies to enjoy the amazing Pacific Ocean sunsets.
Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa offers three levels of accommodations: Grand Studios, One-Bedroom Master Suites and Two-Bedroom Presidential Suites. Each features a kitchen outfitted with designer details, like marble countertops and high-end appliances.
The Grand Studios offer a generous 828 square feet of space, complete with a king bed and a Murphy bed. The One-Bedroom Master Suites boast nearly double the space at 1,245 square feet with a separate bedroom and bathing suite, paired with an additional full bath and Murphy bed in the common area.
The Two-Bedroom Presidential Suites offer two private bedrooms, three bathrooms, a larger kitchen with a hand-hammered copper sink, a dining area, a living area and a marble wet bar. The outdoor balcony spans the unit and offers unparalleled views. The total space is 2,038 square feet for living and lounging.
For a penthouse experience, the spaces are more luxurious and have additional space. The Two-Bedroom Penthouse boasts 2,701 square feet, and the three-bedroom penthouse is 3,644 square feet.
The Four-Bedroom Penthouse is the most luxurious property with 5,540 square feet and can accommodate up to 10 people. It offers its own infinity pool and Jacuzzi on a private terrace.
The Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa is part of Preferred Residences, a division of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Review
My Master Suite at Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa
During my stay, I enjoyed a Master Suite with an equipped kitchenette, a Murphy bed, a separate living area and a full bathroom. My sleeping and bathing suite offers views of the Pacific Ocean from the sweeping balcony.
The Master Suite features a full kitchen equipped to prepare small meals. The appliances with a mix of Cuisinart small appliances with GE Profile major appliances. Guests will find cookware, serveware and dishes, silverware and glassware for four. It is worth noting that this suite doesn’t offer a small dishwasher or automatic ice maker.
Meals can be taken at the kitchen bar, which has four bar stools. Guests can also enjoy a meal al fresco on the balcony, which offers a table and four chairs.
There is a full bathroom next to the kitchen and gathering area. It features a glass-enclosed shower. For additional guests, there is a Murphy bed with additional bedding.
The entire suite offers many decorative accents and beach-inspired artwork. There are two fans in the suite, and it is air-conditioned.
Sleeping and Bathing Suite
The separate bed and bathing suite offers luxurious appointments with understated design notes. My Master Suite features a king bed dressed with luxury white linens and pinstripe detail. Across from the bed, there is a large-screen TV mounted on the wood paneling.
The bedroom has its own sliding glass door to the balcony. The resort was quiet throughout my stay and I could see how you could fall asleep to the crash of waves outside.
The bathroom features a large jetted soaking tub with a shaded chandelier light fixture above. Next to it, the glass-enclosed shower is big enough for two.
On the opposite wall, the vanity features two vessel sinks and designer bathroom storage on the counter. There is also a make-up mirror and storage underneath.
The mirror spanned the entire space and is well-lit. Next to the sinks, the reach-in closet offers a combination of hanging storage and drawers. Additionally it offers white Terry robes, slippers, an in-room safe and iron plus board.
Outdoor Spaces at the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort
The showstopper is the saltwater lagoon that anchors the outdoor space at Pacific Dunes. This feature offers Balinese day beds floating over the water, two infinity pools and a mini waterpark.
Several of the lagoon’s entry points are zero-entry with a sand beach. This is where kids (or the young at heart) can build sand castles. With kayaks and paddleboats available, guests can navigate the lagoon in style.
The saltwater lagoon connects several of the pools and the mini waterpark. There are two heated infinity pools: one for everyone and one that is adults-only. Each offers shaded loungers with small tables. Cabanas are available by the day.
There is an activity hut next to the saltwater lagoon with games, crafts and equipment rental. Readers can find a little free library with a beach read.
Two bars, with chair service and a menu of cocktails, Mexican beer and snacks, keep the area fun. Ancira and the spa are located nearby.
In total, the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa features four pools, six Jacuzzis, a mini waterpark and a saltwater lagoon.
Where to Eat at the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa
There are several dining options at the resort. It offers 24-hour in-suite dining and a Deli Cafe in the lobby for quick bites and ice cream.
The Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa offers a meal plan for guests. This allows for an all-inclusive option for their vacation and is convenient. The restaurants also offer a la carte pricing for those who want to pay for meals as they go.
Ancira
With its indoor-outdoor dining space, Ancira offers a convenient yet elegant space to enjoy most meals. It takes its flavor inspirations from Mexico yet has an international flair.
During my visit, I enjoyed breakfast every morning at Ancira. Each morning, I was greeted with a bread basket with pan dolce and toast, paired with a trio of composed butter.
I appreciated the freshness of Mexican avocados, so I ordered avocado toast one morning. The presentation was artful, and the avocados were excellent—so creamy.
The next morning, I ordered the Eggs Enmoladas, corn tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs and topped with a rich mole sauce and avocados. Muy excellente and I recommend it if you appreciate traditional mole sauce.
Its dinner menu is seafood-focused, and I sampled the Chocolate Clams, a regional specialty. During my stay, the resort hosted an outdoor wine tasting overlooking the saltwater lagoon. They can be arranged for groups and feature many Mexican wines.
It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bacari
This restaurant offers theme nights during the busy season. Guests will enjoy different menus on select nights.
For scheduling, consult the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa during your stay. A sampling of the theme nights includes a taco night, a grill night, an Asian night and burgers.
Aqua Grill and Bar
This space serves light meals al fresco and is close to the pools and saltwater lagoon. Guests can order popular options like salads, sandwiches, wraps and burgers.
The Aqua Grill and Bar offers sushi. This is also the place to find fruit and vegetable smoothies.
Picaro
If you are celebrating a special occasion, Picaro is a place to enjoy a memorable meal with your loved ones. This stunning space is perched on the hill and offers unparalleled sunset views as you dine and enjoy a signature cocktail or glass of wine.
Under the helm of Chef Christian Ricci he draws on his native Italy to create an Italian-inspired farm-to-table menu. Sourcing local ingredients like organic produce, the entrees at Picaro are as delicious as they are artfully arranged on the plate.
During my visit, I started with the grilled Sol Azul oysters flavored with guajillo and mezcal. I followed that with its Naan bread stuffed with tzatziki and eggplant.
For a salad course, I enjoyed the Grilled Hydroponic Romaine, a decomposed version of the classic that adds an element of smoke. My favorite was the Beets and Tomato Carpaccio with local strawberries and finished with flowers.
As the sunset, I enjoyed a sampling of Picaro’s signature entrees; many finished with a wood fire. Chef Ricci’s homemade Rigatoni with a Pomodoro sauce paired with smoked ricotta satisfied my soul since I love pasta. The roasted lamb chops are seasoned with ginger and rosemary and paired with roasted cipollini onions. Another group pleaser was the pork shank roasted in a house cider, served with Brussels sprouts.
The hours melted away during our meal and I managed to save room for dessert—my secret obsession. Chef Ricci presented each of my fellow diners with a profiterole with dark chocolate and espresso. It was decadent yet overwhelming in size or sweetness.
Picaro is not part of the meal plan. Reservations are recommended, especially for al fresco dining at sunset.
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The Poolside Bars at Grand Solmar Resort Golf and Spa
The resort is centered around a saltwater lagoon that connects the pools. Many of the pools offer a bar with lounge service. This is one of my favorite ways to relax at a resort.
Saltwater Lagoon Bar
During my stay, I enjoyed the main pool. Snagging a lounger next to the saltwater lagoon, I enjoyed one of the jacuzzis before letting the sun dry me off.
I ordered a cocktail from the Saltwater Lagoon Bar. I sampled its Paloma and then had one of its signature cocktails, the Elder Flower Blush with Tanqueray Gin, Mint, Strawberries and St. Germaine. To top off the experience, I enjoyed guacamole with house-made chips, a personal tradition with visiting Mexico.
Sunset Bar and Tide Bar
Located next to the adults-only pool, the Sunset Bar is the destination for beachy cocktails and Mexican beer. Guests can also order snacks, like ceviche.
Tide Bar offers signature cocktails and poolside dining. It features a selection of tacos only available at this location.
The Spa by the Ocean
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa features The Spa by the Ocean, which has an outdoor pool and outdoor spa beds.
It features five ocean-front treatment cabanas, where the nearby waves are the soundtrack during your treatment. The Spa by the Ocean offers a menu of services, including facials, massages and whole-body treatments.
The Spa by the Ocean offers treatments that pay tribute to the Cochimies, a tribe native to Baja California Sur. Soaking in the private outdoor pool is an experience not to be missed.
Solmar Links at Grand Solmar
For golfers, Solmar Links is a bucket-list 18-hole golf course, a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course. With the least amount of disruption to the natural landscape, Norman created a layout that offers sweeping views of the ocean and the native desert landscape.
Golfers will travel along concrete golf cart trails as they pass three different ecosystems: its towering natural sand dunes that are federally protected, a cacti forest and the arroyos that connect them.
With a 7,210-yard, par-72 layout, five holes flank the dunes. The par-3 third hole offers amazing views of the ocean. Another favorite is the signature island green at the par-3 17th hole.
Included, golfers will find comfort stations with restrooms and snacks for an all-inclusive experience.
All holes offer an ocean view, and the Solmar Links was ranked the #16 golf course in Mexico by Golf Week. Perched above the fairways, guests can use the clubhouse, with a well-stocked pro shop. Nearby, there’s a large putting green and a dedicated chipping, pitching and sand area.
Golf Digest awarded The Solmar Links the best golf course in Mexico and Central America for the 2020 and 2021 Editor’s Choice Awards.
Grand Solmar Resort guests can arrange golf cart transportation to the course. Greens fees start at $115 USD, and reservations are required.
Other Activities at the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa
The resort offers services for extended stays. On the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa, there is a beauty salon, health clinic and laundromat.
For extended-stay guests, there is a pre-arrival stocking service to outfit your suite with groceries during your visit. The property has an on-site market with souvenirs and sundries.
It offers a kids club with an indoor area and an outdoor playground. This service is additional.
Near the lobby building, the resort offers a fitness center with Life Fitness equipment. The Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort has personal trainers on call as well.
Cabos San Lucas is a world-class destination for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. During the winter, another must is the whale migration. Visitors can arrange a cruise or sometimes see a whale beaching from the shore. The on-site concierge can arrange tours.
Other activities like horseback riding can also be reserved.
Visit the Cabo Arch
While at Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa, take the complimentary shuttle to Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort and Spa. I did this during my trip to take a boat trip out to the Cabo Arches.
For my excursion, I boarded a private charter with La Isla Tour. Our captain and steward ensured we were secure and went over a brief safety briefing. Then we left the Cabo San Lucas marina.
If you’ve never seen the Cabo marina, it is a sight. There is a menagerie of boats, from clear-hulled kayaks to mega yachts.
La Isla Tour offers private charters for your group and two group cruises: a swimming and snorkeling tour and a sunset cruise. During my visit, I enjoyed swimming and snorkeling where we ventured to the Cabo Arches and then dropped anchor for swimming and snorkeling.
The crew onboard our custom-made catamaran shared information about the marine life in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. During my excursion, I learned about the area’s rich biodiversity. To our delight, Captain Carlos, a long-time mariner in the area, shared his knowledge and photos.
He shared stories from how the landmarks got their names to stories of the big storms that occasionally swept through the area. Our catamaran offered a floating swimming mat, so I sat on the water and enjoyed the scenery. During our cruise, we saw a small shark swimming. More interesting than scary since it was small.
During our cruise, the stewards at La Isla Tour offered water, Mexican beer and snacks like tacos. Prices start from $90 per adult and $75 per child. Reservations are a must and made through its website.
The Los Cabos Airport
To reach Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas, commercial airlines use the San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (airport code of SJD). It is the fifth busiest airport in Mexico. It offers nonstop service from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, New York and Chicago. My flight from Austin was also a nonstop on American Airlines.
It is a modern airport with efficient security checkpoints and a large duty-free area. Once inside the secured airport area, you will find many dining, shopping and seating areas. There is also a lounge. It’s worth noting that there aren’t many services before security, so if you arrive early, make sure you can clear through security.
Keep close to your gate as your boarding time arrives. Most airlines don’t announce boarding groups over the loudspeaker. On my last trip, my airline’s app didn’t notify me that boarding had begun.
I recommend arranging transportation to your resort before you arrive. The Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf and Spa can arrange airport transfers, which are available for an additional charge.
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