Late Checkout: How Auberge Chileno Bay Balances Baja Soul With Five-Star Finesse

It’s rare to find a resort that nails every detail–from freshly blended poolside fruit plates to spa robes warmed just before your treatment–and still manages to be deeply kid-friendly. But Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Cabos pulls it off so seamlessly, I’m almost tempted to gatekeep it forever.

Nestled along one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches, the resort offers laid-back luxury with the kind of thoughtful programming, intuitive service, and beautiful design that has become Auberge’s signature. I recently stayed with my mom, husband, and two kids for a 4-night escape, and it quickly became clear: this isn’t just a vacation–it’s a full-body exhale. I felt it right as I arrived and told my mom the energy of the property is just different. Sometimes it takes me longer to fully “arrive,” but there, I felt immediately on vacation.

A Lasting First Impression

We took an early flight (6am wake up time, helllooo!) from Los Angeles’ LAX to Cabo San Lucas. By the time I had answered a few emails, set my kids up on their iPads, and ate breakfast – we’d arrived. Upon arrival, we were greeted by cold beers and an air-conditioned suburban, outfitted with pre-installed kids' car seats and boosters. The transfer was quick and seamless, just how we like it–30 minutes, door to door.

We arrived to warm greetings, margaritas, chilled hand towels, and activity bags for the kids. Within minutes, the stress of travel melted away. The landscaping was SO lush and manicured without feeling sterile. Every plant seemed perfectly placed, and I started compiling mental notes (and camera roll inspo) for our backyard.

The suite we booked was next-level. It not only included a full kitchen with Wolf appliances, but also a spacious living area, outdoor BBQ grill and dining table, ocean-view balcony with a private jacuzzi, indoor/outdoor showers, and a washer/dryer (bless–wish I had known this before packing, I would have brought 1/2 of the amount of stuff!). 

The layout works incredibly well for families – it’s essentially a massive 1-bedroom apartment that converts to a 2-bedroom with privacy (my husband and I enjoyed letting my mom handle the kids’ bedtimes a few nights and politely closing the door).

The room was calm, quiet, and spacious. Even with the windows open, it felt incredibly private. And for a resort that was technically at full capacity, we rarely saw a crowd anywhere. This makes such a huge difference in the overall experience. I noticed this while recently traveling to another Auberge property in Punta Mita, Susurros which I reviewed here last year. They just have the experience formula down.

Kid-friendly Without Sacrificing Style

The Pescadito Kids Club is what sold me. Most luxury resorts in Mexico either don't allow kids to be dropped off without a nanny present or charge an arm and a leg for supervision. Here, as long as your kids are potty trained, they can come and go freely for a lesser charge than you’d spend on a babysitter. The staff is warm, engaging, and clearly loves kids–not something I say lightly. Most of the days, it was three staff members for our two kids.

Programming runs on the hour with rotating daily activities like cookie decorating, origami, bracelet making, scavenger hunts, and tie-dye shirts. Our kids were busy and very happy for hours, which allowed us to genuinely relax.

The teen game room was technically out of their age range, but it was quiet and accessible, so they happily played Jurassic Park pinball, Pac-Man, and air hockey while we lounged nearby.

The cost? $160 for two kids for a half day (they did this routine about every day). Compared to needing a full-time sitter or forgoing downtime, this felt like an incredible value–and the freedom it gave our family made the trip.

The Pools, the Spa, the Food (a Trifecta)

The resort has three pools: a sleek adult pool, a family pool, and a lively kids’ pool (which, ironically, was the least crowded). The layout makes it easy to keep everyone happy. The family pool was close to our room, gym, and the kids' club, making for an efficient and kid-friendly triangle of movement throughout the day.

The food poolside was as good as the restaurant. After a late breakfast, I had a fruit plate and side of yogurt for lunch–everything beautifully plated and refreshingly simple. All Auberge property food is just so fresh–it’s hard to describe but it's noticeably different. My kids munched happily on quesadillas, shrimp, and fries–not a seed oil in sight (per our request). The staff had no issue accommodating any of our cliché LA requests.

The spa is the best I’ve experienced in Mexico, hands down. Before my treatment, I lounged in the meditation area, then took a cold plunge and steam. My 90-minute massage with Lorena deserves its own review: she used a heated table that lifted at the neck, placed warm pads on tension points, and ended with a sound bath. I fell asleep (this never happens). She even warmed my robe before handing it to me and had a watermelon drink waiting when I emerged. My mom, who had a massage the next day, called it her best massage ever.

The facial was equally impressive–they used Biologique Recherche products, skipped extractions (praise be), and incorporated one of the best neck massages I’ve ever had.

Dining was a daily highlight. Breakfast at Comal included a standout citrus butter biscuit, avocado toast with creme fraiche and poached eggs, gluten-free pastries, and some of the best coffee I’ve had at a resort. The Mediterranean dinner at Yaya featured grilled steak, fresh seafood, sourdough pita, and a dessert menu I’m still dreaming about — specifically the Basque cheesecake and an absurdly good chocolate chip cookie bigger than my son’s head. I’d honestly go back JUST to dine at Yaya again.