Los Cabos ~ June 2017

In June 2017, I had the opportunity to travel to Los Cabos to discover the area’s top luxury resorts and experience some of the best service and hospitality in the country.  Los Cabos, an area made up of two cities – San Jose del Cabo & Cabo San Lucas, is a quite different than the tourist areas in the Yucatan.  Where Cancun is lush, green and tropical, Los Cabos is the total opposite.  Here you will find desert, mountains and dry, sunny conditions year-round.  It is also a convenient destination for those living in the Southern US, with daily flights operating that can get you there just in time for lunch.

My first stop was Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, a relatively new kid on the block which opened in February 2017.  This resort is doing something a bit different and I love it.  The light-colored architecture and dry climate landscaping fit perfectly with the desert surroundings.  The vibe is cool, clean and comfortable – Baja California Chic.  The property sits on a swimmable beach with relatively calm waters ideal for snorkeling, which is complimentary with your stay.  Chileno Bay is a good fit for couples, families and small groups of friends.  The staff go above and beyond ensuring that you have everything you need for a relaxing stay.  The resort is currently expanding and guests can see some construction at the back of the property but nothing that will disrupt their stay.  I would recommend this property to frequent visitors of Los Cabos for a uniquely different sort of resort stay.

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The dramatic cliffs and rock formations near the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas is the perfect setting for The Resort at Pedregal, a luxury resort property catering to a more exclusive lifestyle.  There is a mountain separating the resort for the city center which provides the perfect escape for those looking to get away.  Great for honeymoon couples and even small families (they both have their own sections of the resort), this resort is very in tune with traditional Baja culture and has the décor to match.  Most of the rooms feature a private terrace complete with plunge pool and fire pit.  Unlike Chileno Bay, the beach here is on the Pacific Ocean side and, therefore, not swimmable.  Conditions were quite windy, too.  The beautiful infinity pools, gorgeous dining venues and Beyond the Beach excursions will prove to be enough to keep everyone busy.  Additionally, all our guests at The Resort receive complimentary daily breakfast, a spa credit and possible upgrade upon check-in.

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Back on the Sea of Cortez side of The Arch, you will find the newly renovated Esperanza, An Auberge Resort.  This tropical and green resort is comparable to The Resort at Pedregal with its traditional Baja feel, just in cooler tones.  However, at times I felt as though I was in a gated apartment complex with guest rooms and suites split up into separate a dozen or so 4 story buildings, all with ocean view accommodations.  This resort has the only private beach in the tourist area, making it a great place to relax oceanside without the distraction of public beach goers.  One side of the property is reserved for resort guests and the other half is made up of 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom Residences.  For those looking for a laid-back, private retreat, Esperanza meets all your needs.  Our guests at Esperanza, not only will you be treated like a VIP but you will also receive exclusive amenities such as breakfast daily, resort credits, welcome amenities and a possible upgrade.

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We go from relaxing to retro with The Cape, A Thompson Hotel.  Also on the Sea of Cortez side, this resort must be one of the coolest properties in Los Cabos – a definite must for the super hip and millennial-minded traveler.  This beach front resort is full of urban style and eclectic design.  You will find lots of unique wooden furniture and funky art in the guest rooms and public areas.  There is a certain casual masculine feel to this boutique resort and perfect for independent guests that like to entertain themselves.  It is also good for young couples or group of friends.  You will find incredible views of The Arch from the pool and funky rooftop bar.  The ocean is surf-able but swimming is not permitted due to the large, crashing waves.  As with The Resort & Esperanza, our guests will receive amenities here such as daily breakfast, food and beverage credit and possible upgrades.

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There are a lot of amazing properties in Los Cabos but one of the most iconic is the One&Only Palmilla, located right outside of San Jose del Cabo on the Sea of Cortez.  Once the former home of the President of Mexico and complete with its own church, this resort is extremely inviting and full of Mexican charm.  Attention to detail was everywhere, even with something as small as the tiles in the bathroom or the chocolate truffle tree in the living room to the beautifully landscaped grounds and unbelievable dining.  Each room and suite that I visited felt like a homecoming, it was that serene and cozy.  This resort is constantly winning awards for top choice and best resort experience and it is easy to see why.  Almost completely rebuilt after Hurricane Odile in 2014, you will not find massive resort complexes here; accommodations are spread out over the property, creating an air of seclusion.  This favorite is also in our hotel collection so guests can enjoy extra amenities here, as well!

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​The final stop on my whirlwind tour was the new (December 2016) Grand Velas Los Cabos, the only all-inclusive resort I was able to see during my stay.  You will find many very nice 3 and 4 star all-inclusive properties but the Grand Velas is your best bet in terms of 5-star experience.  However, I would have to say some of the Mexican ambiance is lost in the trade for 24-hour food and beverage.  The Grand Velas was one large 10-story building wrapped around three large swimming pools – one for kids, families and adults.  Although very beautiful and lavishly decorated, the resort felt more like a Miami Beach property with its modern and contemporary décor.  Regardless, that didn’t stop me from enjoying one of the best spa experiences that I have ever had.  The spa has a fantastic hydrotherapy pool and their treatments focus on local ceremonies and rituals for unique relaxation.  Our clients can enjoy the spa, too, with a complimentary spa credit, in addition to an airport transfer, other resort credits and possible upgrade.

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It is obvious that, like most resort destinations, there is a property in Los Cabos that can fit every desire, need, travel type and budget.  Most, if not all, have stunning views of the coast with the mountains behind.  Some have swimmable beaches but all have great pools.  These factors keep people coming back year after year and with an average of only 15 days of rain a year, there is never a wrong time to visit!  For me, it was the combination of the dramatic coastal landscape and exceptional service and hospitality that made this trip so memorable.  Muchas Gracias, Los Cabos!