Krystal GrandAlison Karlene Hodgins

When I fall asleep, it’s to the melody of barreling waves, the ocean rolling salty white water onto the sand outside my window.

In the morning, the sun paints the horizon in hues of pink and orange. Multiple pools sparkle below; the ocean continues to roll. I glance around and see guests in white robes and slippers sipping coffee on their balconies, admiring the spectacle before breakfast.

San Jose del Cabo, Mexico draws international travellers craving good weather and great beaches. I spent three nights at the recently opened Krystal Grand Los Cabos for a little taste of overnight excellence.

The Property

poolAlison Karlene Hodgins

Previously, this property contained timeshares and condos. Today, it has been transformed into an all-inclusive resort with 454 rooms. The property opened to resort guests on October 15th, 2017.

Krystal Grand has four pools, including a kid’s pool (with water playground) and an adults-only with a swim-up bar. But just because the tequila is flowing doesn’t mean the party is bouncing—the adult pool is all about relaxing, so you’ll find no rowdy music (or juvenile splashing) here.

tequila krystal grandAlison Karlene Hodgins

There are eight restaurants and five bars including an international buffet, grill with poolside service, restaurants with à la carte dishes, a deli/coffee shop and tapas bar. Currently, only Ayami, which serves Asian fusion, requires reservations. Director of Sales Rafael Sanchez Navarro told me they’d like to keep it that way.

Next to the adults-only pool is Risotto, the Italian restaurant, and Time Out, the sports bar with a pool table that is open the latest (until 1 a.m.)

Couples, families and groups of tipsy twenty-somethings wander the resort, sprinkled around submerged lounge chairs and beach cabanas. Karaoke in the lobby shuts down at 10 p.m. and besides one wild bachelorette party, it seems most people aren’t here to party: just to soak up the sun and sip slushy beverages. 

 

Room Review

roomAlison Karlene Hodgins

Swim outAlison Karlene Hodgins

Krystal’s rooms come in a variety of price ranges and styles, from Standard Deluxe Rooms with partial ocean views to Altitude Swim-Out Suites with private concierge service.

My favourite? The mid-range Junior Suite Swim-Out King. For approximately $250 a night, these 38-square-metre rooms located on the first floor feature a sparkling swim-out pool instead of a balcony.

My sleep

“Comfortable” seems an inadequate word, but it will have to do. Aided by more sun than I’m typically exposed to in a year, I fell into my bed each night exhausted. The perfect balance between firm and soft, the bed was remade for me every morning and evening. My mini bar and bathroom with a rainfall shower was also cleaned and restocked, although sometimes I had to remind the front desk staff first.

Amenities & extras

sky loungeAlison Karlene Hodgins

Every guest at Krystal enjoys all-inclusive perks, but those seeking a VIP-experience can book a stay in the Altitude Tower. These ocean-facing rooms include access to Sky Lounge, which contains sun loungers and a private rooftop pool.

Kamp Krystal entertains children aged 4 to 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with painting, soccer games and puppet shows. The teen’s club offers activities for adolescents. Several other activities take place every day, from beach yoga to water aerobics. There is also an air-conditioned fitness room next to the spa.

The Eternity Spa offers relaxing packages such as facials, massages and pedicures. I opted for the 60-minute massage on the beach and relished every second of it.

Krystal caters to companies in need of a convention centre or conference rooms with their ballroom that accommodates up to 1,000 guests. Conference rooms are included in packages sized to correspond with the number of rooms booked.

Vitals

Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 29, La Jolla, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.
Website: 
Click here 
Tel: 
+52 624 163 4750
Budget: From $190 per night

The verdict

poolside KrystalAlison Karlene Hodgins

Because Krystal Grand is so new, they’re still working out a few kinks. Still, this resort is a dream for budget travellers seeking sunshine and good vibes. I would certainly return for more poolside bevvies and deep sleeps in luxurious suites.

Disclosure – Accommodation was provided by Krystal Grand Cabo, but all options are my own.

Do you have a question about my visit? 
Tweet me: @AlisonKarlene

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