Grand Velas Los Cabos
Grand Velas Los Cabos is one of the newer entrants to the Mexican peninsula’s resort scene. An oasis in the middle of the contrasting landscapes of beaches, boulders, and desert, Grand Velas removes any stigma attached to the phrase “all-inclusive.” As we found out during a recent stay, the experience starts upon arrival. With an awe-inspiring entryway and soaring ceilings, jaw-dropping views of the Sea of Cortez, and an eclectic collection of curated art and furniture, no expense was spared in Grand Velas Los Cabos’ architectural and interior design.
And then there’s the food. With five fine-dining restaurants, be ready to embark on an inspired culinary adventure—without ever leaving the property. Nothing could prepare us for the resort’s Cocina de Autor, which offers what’s called a “sensorial dining experience.” Instead of menu choices, this “gastro-journey” consists of a multicourse tasting menu showcasing the Baja region’s cuisine.
Another crown jewel of the resort is the 35,000-square-foot spa. Signature treatments make use of Mexico’s native blue agave plant and include a seven-step water journey featuring a eucalyptus-scented steam room and multi-sensory pool. Outside the spa is the resort’s centerpiece: three tiered infinity pools with a five-foot difference between each level. Ample rows of loungers ensure that every space is front row with unobstructed views of the sea and horizon. On the pool deck, three pergolas provide shaded relaxation. And one of our favorite perks: the pools are kept at different temperatures to suit guests’ preferences of warm to cold. It was very hard to leave. loscabos.grandvelas.com
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences
Another recent entrant to the Baja luxury scene is Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, an Auberge Resort that’s bringing modern luxury to Los Cabos. The property is set on a protected cove, on what many refer to as the “best beach in Cabo,” and is being constructed in phases. When complete, the resort will include 60 guest rooms and 32 villas with two, three, four, or six bedrooms. We stayed in an expansive ocean- and pool-view room and were well taken care of—our butler offered a full orientation to our suite’s features and amenities and prepared a welcome cocktail with mescal.
All rooms are well-appointed and outfitted with electric blinds, private terraces, and, our favorite features, pedestal bathtubs and outdoor garden showers. The property is anchored by its spectacular zero-edge, three-tiered pool, which developers and owners Mark Cooley and Edward Hooten of SV-RED Management say was designed to be a bold centerpiece of the resort. The pool’s upper section near the wellness building is family-friendly; the middle and lower oceanfront tiers have cabanas with curtained privacy.
Of special note is The Auberge Spa at Chileno Bay, home to a salt inhalation room, the only one of its kind in Mexico. It may seem as if we only fixate on spas, but with facilities like these, we would be remiss not to share the experience. Beginning in a refreshing mist alcove and ending in the serene reflexology pool, the full spa journey at Chileno Bay includes moments in the aromatherapy steam room, ice fountain, and salt inhalation room, which all serve to benefit the mind and body. chilenobayresidences.com
Cuvée in Los Cabos
Cuvée is a Colorado-based company with a reputation in Los Cabos for not only featuring ultra-exclusive properties, but also for delivering exceptional personal service to ensure guests’ needs are always met. After visiting several properties and experiencing a “Cuvée welcome” firsthand, we can say their reputation is well earned. Local destination managers Michelle and Esteban Pelaez do more than just take care of everything. They make you feel at home in these unique vacation properties that are out of this world.
Brisas Del Mar Beach Oasis
This large property in Palmilla has pools, putting greens, direct beach access, a spa, world-class golf, and plenty of room to party. If you’re a celebrity—of if you want to just live like one while in Los Cabos—this is the place for you.
Seaside La Casita
Carved into a cliff and located within the gated resort community of Villas Del Mar, Seaside La Casita enjoys a panoramic view of the Sea of Cortez and the privacy that many high-net-worth guests appreciate. But those who get a peek behind its traditional Spanish-style walls are treated to innumerable amenities, luscious accommodations, and a pool (see page 64-65) that is simply spectacular.
Casa Cuvée
This is the place for those wanting to be close to the party pulse of Cabo but still enjoy the luxury and privacy of Cuvée properties. It has direct access to Cabo’s highly sought-after Médano Beach, a view of Cabo’s famous arch, and exclusive access to the Hacienda Beach Club’s amenities, including spa, fitness center, and fine restaurants. cuvee.com/destination/mexico/los-cabos
Villas del Mar
After speaking with Villas del Mar founder Ron Hatfield in one of his homes that has everything—infinity pool, panoramic view of the Sea of Cortez, and easy access to the best that Cabo has to offer—it’s easy to see why Villas del Mar has such a stellar reputation for oceanfront luxury. But what really impressed us was his description of the warmth and sincerity of the Villas del Mar community. Plenty of resorts deliver “luxury,” but only a special few can really make you feel like family. villasdelmar.com
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
Situated on its own beach within the residential development of Quivira Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is an all-inclusive resort that caters exclusively to adults seeking a tranquil oceanfront retreat. Guests enjoy private beach privileges and exclusive access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Quivira Golf Club, in addition to the resort’s sophisticated architecture and multiple pools and restaurants. pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica
Querencia
Querencia is a private golf club and residential community that delivers the custom Cabo luxury that only private ownership can provide. Its large, well-appointed single-family homes and condos are set on over 1,800 acres and surrounded by ecological reserves and a pro-level golf course. Here, Cabo’s stunning landscape is the star of the show. Meanwhile, the 58,000-square-foot Q Club is equipped with multiple dining venues, an elegant wine cellar, infinity pool, hot tub, lap pool and waterfall, and spa and fitness center. loscabosquerencia.com
Grand Solmar
With accommodation choices ranging from 737-square-foot studios with balconies overlooking the ocean to the four-bedroom, 6,232-square-foot penthouse with private pool and adjoining hot tub, Grand Solmar in Cabo San Lucas has luxury options galore. grandsolmarresort.com
Esperanza
Esperanza is an oasis of soothing yoga, massage, and stunning natural beauty on the outskirts of Cabo San Lucas. In addition to its fitness center and spa, the resort also features Cocina del Mar restaurant, known for its large variety of fresh fish and seafood specialties. But Esperanza is probably most famous for its soft sand beach set between two large rock bluffs. esperanza.aubergeresorts.com
Residences at Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Showcasing the finest Mediterranean-Mexican architecture, the Residences at Las Ventanas al Paraíso span over 5,200 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. Designed for total sanctuary, these exceptional residences seamlessly transition to beautiful outdoor terraces and take advantage of all that Las Ventanas al Paraíso guests enjoy. rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos/accommodation/private-residences
Equity Estates
Equity Estates allows investors to enjoy the benefits of exclusive vacation properties all over the world without the hassle of full ownership. Their 7,000-square-foot property in Puerto Los Cabos is only one of 70 available homes in 30 countries. equityestatesfund.com
Coming attractions
Solaz Los Cabos
The new Solaz Los Cabos development will offer a sophisticated and modern take on residential and resort life in Los Cabos. And the plans look simply amazing. Watch this space. solazloscabos.com
Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas
Rancho San Lucas is designed to be the most spectacular Grand Solmar yet. It will deliver inspired dining, sumptuous spa services, and one-of-a-kind water features, including a lagoon. ranchosanlucas.com/grand-solmar
1 Hotel & Homes Cabo
Located on the site of the historic Hacienda Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, 1 Hotel & Homes Cabo is developing a private collection of 55 luxury, 1 Homes for sale, as well as a 115-room environmentally-responsible hotel on Medano Beach. 1homescabo.com