3 things your Cabo all-inclusive doesn't actually include (and how much they cost)

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The appeal of booking an all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos is the psychological comfort of paying for your vacation upfront. You get to lock your wallet in the room safe, order poolside margaritas without doing mental math, and enjoy a completely stress-free getaway.

However, “all-inclusive” rarely means that every single amenity on the property is free to use. Even at the most luxurious five-star resorts in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, there are a few standard resort features that are almost never rolled into your nightly rate.

If you want to avoid a frustrating surprise on your final folio, here are three things your Cabo all-inclusive probably doesn’t cover, and exactly how much you should budget for them.

1. Spa Treatments and Hydrotherapy Access

When you look at the resort’s official website, they will undoubtedly heavily promote their massive, state-of-the-art wellness centers. While your all-inclusive wristband will get you free access to the fitness center and perhaps the steam room, the actual spa services are strictly à la carte.

Massages, facials, and specialty wellness treatments are never included in a standard resort package. Furthermore, many luxury properties in Cabo now charge an entrance fee just to use their hydrotherapy circuits (the collection of vitality pools, cold plunges, and saunas), even if you aren’t booking a massage.

• The Cost: Spa services at luxury resorts carry a heavy premium. You should expect to pay between $150 and $300+ USD for a standard 60-minute massage. If you simply want to access the hydrotherapy circuit for an afternoon, resorts typically charge a day-pass fee ranging from $40 to $80 USD.

2. Premium Poolside Cabanas and Bali Beds

When you walk down to the main pool in the morning, the standard lounge chairs lined up around the water are completely free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

However, you will likely notice a separate section of luxurious, shaded cabanas or plush Bali beds, often situated in the prime viewing locations or right on the beachfront. These elevated lounging options usually come with a dedicated butler, a private cooler, and sometimes a television. Unless you booked a top-tier VIP suite, reserving one of these premium cabanas requires an out-of-pocket daily rental fee.

• The Cost: Securing a premium cabana or Bali bed for the day will generally cost anywhere from $100 to $300+ USD per day, depending on the size of the cabana and the exclusivity of the resort.

3. Top-Shelf Tequila and Reserve Dining Upgrades

While your package absolutely covers unlimited food and drinks, there is usually a very distinct line between the “house” offerings and the “reserve” offerings.

If you order a margarita by the pool, it will be perfectly delicious and completely free. But if you walk into the resort’s lobby bar and ask for a pour of Clase Azul or Don Julio 1942, the bartender will likely present you with a separate menu featuring out-of-pocket upcharges.

The same applies to the high-end specialty restaurants on the property. While the standard menu is included, premium cuts of meat (like a 32oz Tomahawk steak) or fresh, locally caught lobster tails often require an additional supplemental fee.

• The Cost: Premium liquor upgrades usually range from $15 to $40+ USD per shot. If you want to indulge in the premium steak or lobster upgrades at dinner, expect a supplemental charge of $50 to $100+ USD added to your room bill.

By factoring these three elements into your travel budget before you fly, you can enjoy all the actual inclusions of your luxury resort without any stressful financial surprises on your final morning.

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