Published on June 6, 2025 at 11:45 AM
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Of the many popular destinations to visit in Mexico, Los Cabos is emerging as one of the most relaxing and restorative. While it has its fair share of bars and nightclubs if you venture out into town, its villas are known for pure luxury and ease, whether you prefer to unwind with a massage at the spa or lounge at a cabana poolside. And though it's true you can't swim at every beach in Los Cabos, due to the rocky waters of the Pacific Ocean, you can get your fill of water activities, from floating in the pool to — my favorite — sailing past the stunning rock formations of Lovers Beach. With an endless array of relaxing activities to choose from, deciding what to pack for Los Cabos revolves around nailing down an itinerary and preparing for each moment.
If sailing is also at the top of your list, you'll want to prioritize the basics: sunscreen, a straw hat, flat sandals, and your best swimsuit. For tanning by the pool at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria where we stayed, I added a tote bag, a cover-up, and my favorite body oil to the mix. I recommend including a fancy restaurant visit in your schedule for at least one evening, and the Ardea Steakhouse restaurant at the Nobu Hotel is always my top choice. A cocktail dress, replete with a clutch and comfortable heels, is the perfect outfit for a night of indulging in their signature flavorful dishes. And if you do hit the bar scene, you can keep it comfy with a cutout top, denim shorts, and heels you don't mind walking around in. I would also bring a portable fan because the weather can be hot and humid, even at night.
Keep scrolling for everything I packed for a trip to Los Cabos, plus travel tips.
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Where to Stay in Los Cabos
Los Cabos has plenty of luxurious lodging options but my favorite by far is the Waldorf Astoria. The gorgeous resort features private plunge pools attached to the rooms (pictured above), three outdoor pools (and one with a swim-up bar), and a full-service spa where you can enjoy facials, hot stone massages, a sauna, and more.
After you get your fill of unwinding and lounging by the pool with stunning views of the ocean, you can sign up for any number of activtities from beach yoga on the property to snorkeling or whale watching nearby. It's also family- and pet-friendly with food and water bowls for pets and babysitting and supervised children's activities available for an extra fee.
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Where to Eat in Los Cabos
Los Cabos has every type of restaurant you can think of, whether you prefer steak, seafood, vegetarian and vegan options, or a combination of all four. My two favorite restaurants were the Ardea Steakhouse (pictured) at the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos and El Farallon at the Waldorf Astoria.
At Ardea, we enjoyed the most savory, tender steak, stuffed salmon, and slow-cooked braised short rib alongside butter and truffle mashed potatoes and corn cooked with bacon and lemon — all packed with flavor and made with fresh, local ingredients.
El Farallon was magical from the setting to the dining experience. The beachside restaurant is nestled in the mountains with a view of the ocean stretching out before you as you dine. A live band performs near the dining area, their music blending with the peaceful sound of waves crashing near the edge of the cliff. There was even a fireworks display while we ate! The ceviche was so flavorful, I took some to go — and we also enjoyed the sea bass, red snapper, tender rib eye steak, and a delectable chocolate dessert.
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What to Do in Los Cabos
My ideal Mexico trip is less about bars and nightclubs and more about unwinding, lounging, and enjoying nature. If you have similar preferences, you'll love the many relaxation opportunities Los Cabos offers. From lounging by the pool in a cabana at the Nobu Los Cabos hotel with a never-ending supply of seafood and cocktails to booking a hot stone massage at the Waldorf Astoria, there are so many ways to unwind.
As a nature junkie, I especially loved our day sailing along the Sea of Cortez and taking in the view of Lovers Beach with its breathtaking rock formations. I am a huge fan of snorkeling so I enjoyed chasing sea turtles and schools of fish while my friends lounged on the boat — one of the highlights of our trip.
Keep scrolling for everything I packed for Los Cabos.
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A Hydrating Lip Oil
Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil ($20)
I'm all about regular hydration for my lips especially in warmer climates. My go-to lip oil is Ami Colé's bestselling lip treatment, which boasts baobab seed, camellia seed, and passionfruit seed oil for shine, softness, and lasting hydration. Our former editor raved about the viral find in her review of the Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil.
Editor Quote: "Ami Colé's Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil is so effective that I use it more than my actual lip balms. It has a thick, goopy texture that glides smoothly onto my lips and delivers a deep conditioning feel. At first, it may seem like the product is just sitting on your lips topically, but within minutes, the hydration penetrates, slowly softening the lips for a healthier, nonsticky feel. Because of its thicker texture, the hydration is actually pretty long-lasting — I can go a few hours without reapplying." — Anvita Reddy, former assistant editor, Shopping
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A Portable Charger
iWalk Portable Charger 4800mAh Power Bank ($27, originally $30)
In a destination like Los Cabos, you want to spend as much time outside of your hotel room — and lounging by the pool — as possible. That said, keeping your phone plugged into the wall just isn't ideal when there's sunbathing and swimming to do. I'm able to avoid that by bringing along portable chargers. This option is small, convenient, cordless, and powerful — it fully charges my phone in less than 30 minutes. A former editor praised the tech gadget in her iWalk Portable Charger 4800mAh Power Bank review.
Editor Quote: "I love the easy functionality of the product and the fact it's compact (and stylish!), so it doesn't feel like a nuisance to have to travel with it. I recently relied on my iWalk charger while attending back-to-back shows at NYFW, and it proved to be a lifesaver for those longer days outside of my hotel when my battery life would be drained from taking photos, notes, or just responding to emails." — Kyley Warren, former assistant editor, Shopping
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A Body Oil
Saltair Pink Beach Jumbo Nourishing Body Oil ($39)
I have been obsessed with body oil on vacation lately — it just complements sun-kissed skin perfectly. This find from Saltair has a delectable coconut and vanilla scent, but it also boasts a hydrating blend of oils that gives your skin a natural, dewy glow.
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A Strong SPF
Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 ($48)
SPF is a necessary part of your skin-care routine — no matter the destination or time of year. But if you are planning on sunbathing in Los Cabos, it's even more critical that you apply and reapply throughout the day (every two hours to be exact). This treatment protects the skin from harmful UV rays while locking in moisture. Learn more in our Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 review.
Editor Quote: "First and foremost, it gives me sun protection in the morning from harmful UVA/UVB rays, which is your greatest defense against signs of aging and skin cancer. But that's only the beginning. Bakuchiol, a plant-based bioretinol, addresses dullness and uneven skin tone just like a serum does. [...] The formula leaves behind a glowy sheen that feels lightweight and hydrating." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty
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A Portable Fan
Jisulife Portable Handheld Fan ($53, originally $66)
One thing you can count on is that I'm going to pack a portable fan anywhere I go. Sticky, humid temps are no match for my Jisulife portable fan, which comes with a powerful motor (up to 15,000 revolutions per minute), a strong battery which lasts up to 12 hours, and a digital display which keeps track of the battery power and wind speed. It fits comfortably in my bags due to its compact size and comes in blue, gray, brown, and white colorways (but, of course, I adore the pink style).
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Fancy Flip-Flops
Sam Edelman Remi Leather Flip Flops ($80)
I always pack double duty shoes on vacation, AKA flip-flops that are fancy enough to go from the beach to brunch. This pink leather pair from Sam Edelman fits the bill. The sleek design is perfect for easy summer outfits, and pairs well with sundresses and denim shorts alike.
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A Cutout Swimsuit
Villa Fresca Chocolate Amara Bikini Top ($92)
While I have nothing against basic swimsuits — especially when I'm swimming as exercise — I do reach for more stylish and unique styles on vacation. I instantly fell in love with this cutout bikini from Villa Fresca, the swimwear line founded by mega influencer Gabi Fresh, who created the "fatkini." The gold trim and cream beads are such an elegant touch, and the suit goes up to size 4X, a rarity in the swimwear market (more of this, please!). Grab the Villa Fresca Chocolate Amara Bikini Bottom ($64) to complete the look.
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A Packable Sun Hat
Hat Attack Whipstitch Roll Up Travel Visor ($112)
Besides SPF, another way I shield my face from the sun is with a good sun hat — whether it's a full floppy style or a travel visor. It keeps you cool and provides your own personal shade in the most stylish way. This option is made from raffia straw and boasts cool contrast stitching for a unique touch. The best part? It rolls up so you can tuck it into your suitcase or personal-item carry-on bag with ease.
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Comfortable Heels
Aerosoles Camera Platform Sandals ($135)
It's rare that I put on heels and go to a bar or nightclub on vacation, but when I do, said heels simply have to be comfortable. Between the wrapped platform and the padding at the ball of your feet, this slingback sandal is both painless and chic. Style it with all your favorite bright cocktail dresses, printed maxis, or crochet two-piece sets for a stylish finishing touch.
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A Foldable Straw Bag
J.Crew Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag ($140)
I always carry a tote bag with me at home, but they're not the easiest to bring on vacation if you want to conserve space. This packable tote saved the day; it's foldable so it tucks right into your luggage and emerges unscathed once you pull it out at your destination. What's more, it features an interior pocket so I can easily keep track of my hotel keys, lip oil, and sunglasses.
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A Cocktail Dress
Andrea Iyamah Turi Mesh Dress ($390)
When it's time to head to dinner at a fancy restaurant, I like to arrive looking like a sunset. This Andrea Iyamah dress is an instant head-turner from the gradient orange, yellow, purple, and red hues to the one-shoulder neckline and ruched fabric. Add gold or neutral accessories and some body oil for glowing, tanned skin — and you're good to go.
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A Luxurious Robe
Fe Noel Sola Wilted Sleeve Robe ($1,098)
One of my favorite parts about vacationing at the Waldorf Astoria in Los Cabos was waking up and ordering room service for breakfast then eating it on the balcony with a view of the beach and our private plunge pool. It was such a peaceful way to start the day. For those moments, I reached for this stunning robe from Black-owned brand Fe Noel, which is made from silk organza and delightfully comes with pockets. It's quite the splurge, but the thinking is you'll keep it forever and make a luxurious fashion statement every time you slip it on.
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Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is the senior content director of Shopping. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.