At the edge of the Baja Peninsula, just 15 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes offers polished solitude. This isn’t the Cabo of high-rise nightlife and crowds. This is quiet luxury, where fairways meet the Pacific and desert light bathes the expansive sand dunes in shades of gold.
At its heart is Solmar Golf Links, a Greg Norman-designed course ranked among the top in Mexico. It’s a Golf Digest Editors’ Choice course, ranked #12 in Mexico/Caribbean/Atlantic courses by Golf Week. Opened in 2020, it stretches 7,240 yards across rolling dunes and cactus forest. Five holes frame the sea directly. Whales breach in the distance—the inspiration for the logo. Wind shapes every swing.
Norman’s “least-disturbance” approach is clear from the first tee. Rather than carving through the land, he followed it. The course flows between three ecosystems—desert, dune, and coast—without disruption. Native vegetation borders the fairways. SeaDwarf Paspalum grass keeps the greens resilient, even in harsh sun and salty air. It’s a beautiful, sustainable design. And with Audubon International certification, it leads the region in eco-conscious golf.
But the experience doesn’t end at the 18th hole.
Just a short cart ride away, Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes offers something rare: a luxury resort that balances the needs of serious golfers, traveling couples, and families with equal precision. The resort opened in 2017, but it still feels new. Clean lines, coastal textures, and Baja-inspired design give the spaces a sense of calm. The suites are expansive—ranging from 743 to over 2,500 square feet—and each features kitchens or kitchenettes, terraces, and ocean views.
From my large studio suite, I watched the sun rise and set over the Pacific. I lingered over long breakfasts. I wandered miles of expansive beach. One morning, I booked a massage in a dune-side palapa at the Spa by the Ocean and let the sound of crashing waves lull me into total relaxation. The spa's central hot tub provided further post-treatment bliss.
Still, the Lagoon Pool might be the resort’s greatest surprise.
Set against a backdrop of sand dunes and desert mountains, the salt water Lagoon is massive—so large you can kayak across it. One edge has a beach-style entry with soft sand. Another has twin waterslides and a rope swing. Shaded cabanas circle the perimeter. Paddleboards glide past swim-up bars. It’s active without being chaotic. Families find space to play. Couples find space to retreat.
It’s a rare thing for a resort pool to feel like a destination in itself. Here, it does.
Dining is equally thoughtful. Anica, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves refined Baja cuisine in a sumptuous space that’s elevated, yet unpretentious. Seafood is the standout. More casual fare is available poolside or through the in-room dining service. Guests can choose between Meal Plan options, depending on how they prefer to structure their days.
Families will appreciate the wide range of on-site activities. In addition to the Lagoon, there’s a kids’ club, state-of-the-art fitness studio, and a new sports bar that features multiple televisions set to the days’ sporting events. The large space also features games like pop-a-shot and air hockey. The concierge can arrange excursions to nearby adventure parks, including Cactus Tours, where I found myself riding a camel along the dunes at sunset—a surprisingly tranquil experience. Horseback rides, ATVs, and the world’s longest Skybike course round out the options.
The service across the board is gracious and genuine. The Solmar Hotels & Resorts group has built a reputation over the decades for warm hospitality, and it shows in every interaction. Many employees have been with the brand for years. That continuity shapes the guest experience in quiet but meaningful ways.
Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes is part of the larger Rancho San Lucas development, which includes residences, a village center, and additional real estate under construction. But it never feels crowded. The design emphasizes space and privacy. Even at full capacity, the resort maintains a sense of ease.
For guests traveling as a couple, the Grand Studio and Grand Master Suite offer sleek, ocean-view comfort. For families or small groups, the Two-Bedroom Presidential and Penthouse Suites provide ample room to stretch out. All are beautifully appointed with rich textiles, plush bedding, original artwork, and ornate tilework. All include complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and free parking. The kitchens come fully equipped. Every suite has a balcony or terrace with sweeping views.
The brand’s roots run deep. Solmar Hotels & Resorts began in the 1970s with a small inn built by Don Luis Bulnes, a Spanish immigrant and sportfishing enthusiast. His vision helped shape Cabo’s transformation from sleepy outpost to sought-after destination. Yet, even as the company grew to six properties, it held onto a personal approach. Each Solmar resort feels different. Each reflects its setting.
Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes is no exception.
It’s easy to arrive and stay put. The property functions like a self-contained village, but never feels isolated. Cabo San Lucas is close enough for day trips. The concierge can arrange private drivers or excursions. But many guests choose to stay on property—drawn by the stillness, the service, the sea.
For golfers, the experience is complete. You can wake early, play 18 holes in the cool morning light, and be back poolside by noon. For everyone else, days unfold however you like. Swim, spa, hike, or simply watch the sunset from your terrace with a chilled glass of local wine.
There are many places to stay in Cabo. But few offer this particular mix of nature, design, and hospitality. Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes makes room for both energy and ease. It honors its surroundings and welcomes every kind of traveler—from couples escaping the city to families reuniting in the sun.
It’s a resort where golf isn’t the only game, but it might be the most scenic one you’ll ever play. Come for the golf; stay for everything else.
Photos courtesy of Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes and Solmar Golf Links
