In three days, I witnessed the best three sunsets I had seen all year. I only wish there could have been a hundred more.
The spot was the beachfront Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where the experience was made even more memorable by the thunderous crash of shore-breaking waves—so powerful you could feel them beneath your feet.
It had been more than fifteen years since my last golf trip to Cabo. Back then, there were only a handful of courses; now there are nearly twenty.
The Pueblo Bonito development includes two all-inclusive hotels, the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus–designed Quivira Golf Club, full and timeshare ownership opportunities, a private beach, marketplace, and much more. None of this would work without world-class amenities and service—and my experience in both areas was exceptional.
Quivira Golf Club
Here’s the thing about courses with extreme holes like Quivira, or Cypress Point for that matter: how do you focus when you finally get there—when you’re overwhelmed by the beauty and sheer audacity of building holes on the edge of the earth? And perhaps more importantly, how do those holes fit into the overall flow of the round?
At Quivira, designer Jack Nicklaus provided not one, but three holes that could find their way onto any “extreme golf” calendar. Staying at the resort, I found myself mesmerized by the golf video running on a continuous loop on my room’s TV. Watching movie-star-handsome Antonio Reynante, the resort’s Director of Golf, navigate those holes gave me a preview of what awaited. His staff’s advice on how to play the 6th hole was spot-on: hit a 200-yard tee shot down the right side, followed by a short approach to a green that seems to perch on a precipice disappearing into the Pacific below.
The dramatic par-3 7th hole is every bit as exhilarating as it looks in photos—its green set on a narrow finger of land with the ocean as a constant backdrop. Later in the round, the shorter 14th hole demands precision, with Nicklaus’ smallest green ever—just 5,000 square feet—ready to reject any misstep. It’s a wedge shot you won’t forget.
What makes Quivira truly special, though, is that the rest of the course doesn’t take a back seat to its headliners. The opening stretch is strong and varied, offering a taste of what’s to come before the layout climbs into the cliffs. The par-5 13th zigzags downhill with strategic bunkering, leading to a thrilling run of holes capped by No. 14. And the par-4 17th, which tumbles back toward the clubhouse from the upper plateau, might be the most satisfying drive on the property. (I couldn’t resist playing from the back tee.)
Add in the amenities—a halfway house built into the cliffs that serves fresh tacos and cold drinks, a welcoming clubhouse overlooking the sea, and a staff that treats every golfer like a member—and you have a course that captures everything Cabo golf aspires to be.
While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Quivira for families with young golfers (the minimum age to play is 17), it’s ideal for couples who both love the game. Staying at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica and playing Quivira together would make for a spectacular romantic getaway—or even a honeymoon. It’s no wonder the resort hosts more than 300 destination weddings per year.
Fast Facts: Quivira Golf ClubDesignerJack Nicklaus (Signature Design)OpenedDecember 2014Par / YardagePar: 72 | Yardage: 7,085 yards from the back teesOceanfront ExposureMore holes along the Pacific than any other course in Los CabosSignature Holes6 (cliffside par 4), 7 (dramatic par 3), 14 (Nicklaus’ smallest green at 5,000 sq. ft.)Practice FacilityExpansive ocean-view range and short-game areaAmenitiesCliffside halfway house serving tacos and cocktails, full clubhouse with Quivira SteakhouseAccoladesNamed one of the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest; winner of IAGTO Global Golf Course of the YearOff-Property Adventures & Dining Highlights
For my off-property excursion, I chose a morning sailing tour with the aptly named Cabo Adventures—and it couldn’t have been a better call. What I love about this company is how seamless they make the experience: a comfortable, air-conditioned van picked us up right at the resort lobby and delivered us to their sleek marina welcome center, where guests can learn about their many land and sea excursions.
We boarded our sailboat under bright Cabo skies, and luck was on our side. There was just enough wind to raise the sails and let the crew cut the engine for a while as we glided toward “Land’s End,” the dramatic point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. From the water, we had a close-up view of the rock formations that make this coastline so iconic—especially El Arco, the natural arch carved by centuries of wind and waves. It was breathtaking to see from that perspective, surrounded by clear turquoise water and distant beaches.
While it was a bit early in the season to spot whales, we were treated to a special surprise: a pod of dolphins appeared alongside the boat, circling us playfully for several minutes and drawing delighted oohs and aahs from everyone on board. It was one of those spontaneous travel moments you couldn’t plan if you tried.
Dining at Quivira and Beyond
Every meal during our stay at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica was a highlight, but three stand out. We began with dinner at the resort itself—an elegant yet relaxed introduction to Pacifica’s culinary scene. The following night, we dined at the Quivira Steakhouse, located in the clubhouse of the Quivira Golf Club, where perfectly cooked prime steaks and a panoramic view of the coastline set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
The grand finale came at LaFrida, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant inspired by the life and art of Frida Kahlo. Before dinner, our group toured the resort’s marketplace, a lively hub for coffee, fresh pizza, and casual fare throughout the day. At its heart sits the chocolate shop, which—understandably—is the only spot not included in the all-inclusive package. (It’s probably for the best; guests would walk out with bags of truffles if it were.)
Once seated at LaFrida, we experienced a five-course dinner that ranks as the best meal I’ve had in 2025—yes, even better than a memorable dinner earlier this year at Pine Valley. The standout dish was slow-braised short ribs that melted in your mouth, paired with a lobster bisque that was as light as it was flavorful, and finished with a traditional Mexican meringue dessert. What elevated the evening was the personal touch of the restaurant’s executive chef, Anaisa Guevara, who presented each course herself, sharing the inspiration behind the ingredients and techniques. It was the perfect fusion of artistry and hospitality—a true reflection of LaFrida’s namesake.
Other Excursions and Relaxation
While I spent one afternoon on the course (more on that soon), other guests in our group explored the cultural side of Baja. They joined a guided walking tour of Todos Santos, led by local expert Max Uranga, and enjoyed lunch at Oystera, a beautiful restaurant set in the former Santa Terra Sugar Mill in the heart of town. Others took advantage of the amenities at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, including its famous Sky Pool, which seems to float above the Pacific with panoramic views.
Several of my fellow travelers also indulged in massages at the Armonia Spa, which they claimed erased every ache and sore muscle from travel—or maybe from golf. I, on the other hand, chose a different kind of therapy: an afternoon nap in a beachfront cabana. It may not have been as restorative as a deep-tissue massage, but the rhythm of the waves and the ocean breeze made it equally relaxing.
If You GoGetting There
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, about 45 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The resort offers airport transfers for guests, and taxis or private shuttles are readily available.
Stay
The adults-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica offers an all-inclusive experience that covers nearly every detail—gourmet dining, premium beverages, 24-hour room service, and access to sister resorts throughout the Pueblo Bonito family. Guests can also upgrade to the Towers at Pacifica, featuring private butlers and elevated amenities.
Play
Guests staying at any Pueblo Bonito property have access to Quivira Golf Club, the Jack Nicklaus Signature course ranked among the world’s best. Tee times can be arranged directly through the resort concierge.
Dine
Enjoy more than a dozen dining options across the properties, including Quivira Steakhouse, LaFrida, and a collection of oceanfront casual restaurants and bars. Most are included in the all-inclusive plan.
Relax
Don’t miss the award-winning Armonia Spa for a massage or hydrotherapy treatment, or spend a lazy afternoon at Sky Pool or one of the resort’s beach cabanas.
Best For
Couples’ getaways, golf vacations, destination weddings, and travelers who love combining great golf with great food and oceanfront luxury.
