Photography courtesy of Rocky Barnes

When Rocky Barnes escapes to Los Cabos with Exclusive Resorts, it’s not just another getaway — it’s a masterclass in living well. Between barefoot beach dinners, sea-splashed style moments, and her boys chasing friendly iguanas at breakfast, this West Coast tastemaker lets us in on what makes the Baja Peninsula her ultimate go-to. From the dreamy villas at Esperanza to curated cultural touches, Rocky proves that chic and kid-friendly aren’t mutually exclusive. Here she shares her Mexico hot tips for couples, families, and fellow cool girls.

Los Cabos is a rare destination that manages to feel both utterly transporting and blissfully effortless. For our family, this sun-splashed escape is a seamless and quick journey from Southern California, offering plenty of fun for adults and kids alike. Esperanza walks the line between polished and playful. It's luxe, sure. Visually stunning, obviously. But exudes a comfort and authenticity that is often hard to come by.

Think: wraparound views of the Sea of Cortez; margaritas that appear as if by psychic intuition; and a kids' club so thoughtfully curated, my boys asked to go back day after day. It's the kind of place where you can sip Champagne with sand between your toes. And where children are not just tolerated, but celebrated.

We didn’t expect to fall in love with the beach palapa experience — but its private, toes-in-the-sand magic was impossible to resist. Tucked into the resort’s secluded cove, each open-air palapa comes outfitted with a shaded daybed, a playful swing, dedicated butler service, and thoughtful extras like a Yeti cooler stocked with beverages or a 60-minute massage/yoga session. Morning coffees, barefoot lunches, sunset lounging — it quickly became our family’s unofficial clubhouse.

Mornings began at the breakfast buffet overlooking the ocean. With both breathtaking views and delicious food, this moment of serenity and family time was the perfect way to start each day. The boys adored the friendly iguanas who dropped by like clockwork, turning breakfast into a mini safari.

From day to night, the resort delivered peak vacation vibes — but the tequila and caviar tasting was a standout in every sense. Set against a glowing sunset backdrop, each pairing was curated with intention, surprising the palate with bold contrasts and subtle complements. The real standout? The bartender. Equal parts mixologist and storyteller, he unraveled each pour's history with the kind of detail that made every sip more meaningful. It wasn't just a tasting; it was a spirited education.

On nights when we weren’t indulging in caviar and tequila, we’d wander down to Cocina del Mar for a proper date night. The lantern-lit bar hums with energy, perched dramatically above the rocks with cinema-worthy views of the Sea of Cortez. Our evenings began with hand-crafted cocktails and ended with coastal Baja cuisine — lobster tacos for Matt and me — and the most irresistible churros you’ll ever taste. Trust me: whatever you do, don’t skip dessert.

Having been to Los Cabos before, we knew what to expect, but this time it felt different. Exclusive Resorts offers the comfort and familiarity of home, paired with the luxury and convenience of a hotel. Traveling with kids has never been easier. It was more than just another trip; it was a true vacation. The concierge recommended an in-villa masseuse who gave us one of the best massages we've ever had. On top of that, she even gave the boys haircuts! The whole experience felt personal and warm, just like being with a family.

Rocky Barnes is a lifestyle influencer, model, and cohost of the Mulholland Drive podcast, plus mom of two, known for her signature West Coast style and globe-trotting adventures. Follow her journey on Instagram @rocky_barnes.

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