We were a group of 11 from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and stayed at the Riu Santa Fe from Feb.16~23. Our overall experience was very good. This all inclusive is 5 star in many ways: the room, view, service, food. We were located in Building 7 facing the ocean and the view was fantastic, I would recommend to spend the little extra to get the ocean facing rooms. The room itself was a good size, excellent king size bed, double sinks, and lots of marble. The service everywhere was great, the only downside was some of the bars were quite busy and you had to wait 5 minutes at times but that is not bad. The food was also very good with plenty of variety to choose from. We ate at 3 resturants: Italian, Steak House, and Oriental which we all OK but had to wait in line early in the morning to book for them. Next time I would probably only go to the Oriental and the regular buffets for the rest. The swimming pools were fantastic with lots of swim up bars. We mostly relaxed and tanned and had a great time. Some people who have poor reviews of this hotel must have expectations that are way above ours since all 11 of us had a great experience and would recommend to others.

was in cabo from 16th to the 23rd, flew direct with westjet from winnipeg (sunquest vacations)... I will breakdown the various aspects of the trip.

Flight/Airport
The direct flight was very comforable, tv's in every seat, sandwiches were included, and the flight was 4 hours. WAY better than a skyservice/air transat charter. Los Cabos airport is very small, and there is really no problem there, not even many guys trying to sell stuff (nice surprise). Return home they will look in every suitcase before checking the luggage. Only complaint is that we arrived for the return flight VERY early (via shuttle), and had to sit around for more than 2 hours. 5/5

Arrival/Hotel
Checkin was a breeze as they had everything prepared for us, did a quick look around, and by the time we got back to our rooms, the luggage was there. First impressions were really good, huge open air lobby, and "main courtyard" area. The interior pool area was very nice with plenty of seating around the pool. Beachside pool area(s) were very nice, with tons of chairs, and really nice pools. As this place is brand new, everything is in immacuate shape. 5/5

Hotel Room
we were in standard room in the 4000 building. Great location, as it is in between the beach and the lobby. Rooms were very clean, bathrooms were spotless, shower pressure/heat were also great. Beds are a little hard, but its not a big deal. 5/5

Pool Area/Beach
We would set up shop at the far Infinity pool/swim up bar and loved the atmosphere. The bartenders were great, and they were really efficient. The pools are unheated, but you adjust really quickly. They are a welcome relief to the heat. The beach is quite large, and coarse. The closer you go to the water the more fine the sand will get. We didnt spend much time on the beach, as swimming is rather perilous as the water gets really deep, really quickly, as well as the undertow. There is also alot of boat "traffic" on the water. Sales people on the beach are plentiful, but I didnt find them pushy, a simple "no thank you" and they will leave you be. 4/5

Food
Well, it is mexico, so I didnt expect too much, we mainly did the buffets, but did also try the Mexican restaurant, and the Asian Restaurant. To book the a-la carte restaurants, you would have to get in line at around 730am.. wasnt too bad as we were up early anyways. Breakfast was consistant. I really didnt like 80% of the food, but there were some jems: quesidillas (would modify them), curly fries, pork donair's, grilled chicken breasts, guacamole, salads, sushi, sesami chicken, and more. 3.5/5

Ate out at a place called Alexanders, in the Marina.. was fantastic.. Had a "dinner for 2", included: 2 Steaks, 2 Lobsters, 2 Fish filets, and Shrimp... Was way too much food for 2 of us.. also had a shrimp appitizer that was served in a half cocount, was really-really good.. Would definitly suggest checking it out, lotsa flambee's, and such. Caesar salad dressing was made from scratch at the table (nice touch). 5/5

Excursions
Water Taxi to Lovers/Divorce Beach - caught the taxi from our beach (was pretty intense, would not recommend in rough waters, and it could be dangerous), our driver - Isreal, was fantastic, for $10 round trip per person, he took us to see some "mexican piranas" who would fight the birds for the food he threw in the water, than took us to the sea-lions, there is a small channel on the left of the sealions, he actually took us THRU that channel, bringing us right next to the sealions, and dangerously close to the rocks on each side.. thrilling to say the least.. we were than taken to the famous arch... again, he was bold and took us THRU the arch.. damn exciting stuff! After a great 3 hours at lovers beach (divorce beach is the pacific side, and great waves there), he picked us up on time, and at no charge took us to the marina.. Couldnt help but tip him well after such a great taxi-ride.

Also went on the Pez Gado snorkeling excursion. $45 per person, for 5 hours. Great boat (loved the nets at the front), great crew, great trip. They took us to see some whales, we actually got very close on a few occasions. Snorkeling was alright.. water was cold, and there were some tiny jelly fish that a few people were stung by. No big deal, wasnt expecting much as it isint the caribbean. Food and drinks were great. Sandwiches were some of the best food we had all weekend. I would definitly recommend the Pez Gado. Seemed like everyone was having a really great time. 5/5

Weather was amazing, 7 days of sun and 28-29 degree highs. Nights were a little chilly, but it was expected.

On a side note, our final night we went to Cabo Wabo, and were treated to a 6-song set by none other than Samy Hagar. Fantastic.

Would definitly recommend Cabo to ANYONE.

4.5/5 for the trip!

We spent the last two weeks at this resort and found nothing controllable that could be significantally improved. We did note however that those that did complain, complained about everything. We therefore concluded that for the most part these people complain where ever they are. My wife and I had a great vacation in a beautiful clean resort with good food and a great staff.

As a travel agent I can tell you this is a great place
Good food, nice clean rooms and a great beach
Not great for swimming but a beach walkers paradise
You can walk to Cabo in about 45 minutes
You have access to the Riu Palace next store but you cannot eat over there
If you have any questions on this property feel free to email me
martino_1969@hotmail.com