¡Hola! I’ve just returned from an incredible 5 days in Cabo where I experienced three resorts – Montage, Four Seasons Los Cabos and Las Ventanas – and did site visits of three others: Esperenza, Chileno Bay, and One&Only Pamilla. Rather than give you all the facts you could find on-line, I’m sharing my impressions and takeaways of each property. There are so many wonderful options in Cabo and there is truly a resort for everyone here. I am always happy to assist with selecting the right accommodations for your needs and travel style, and through careful planning, ensure your trip is a memorable one. Enjoy!
Montage Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico
Loved the posh vibe at this boutique resort – feels casual, yet exclusive. Its buildings are low-rise and the décor of the property is more of a modern Mexican design. All of this is set in a stunning desert landscape, with the most beautiful indigenous plants at every turn, and overlooking the Sea of Cortez in the distance.
The rooms are spacious and uncluttered, with soft, light-brown hardwood paneling throughout. The wood elements carry through to the bathroom where the long, marble, double sinks add a nice texture contrast. Loved the soaking tub and completely private outdoor shower!
My favorite of the private residences was Casa Santa Maria, a luxurious 5-bedroom home on the hillside with amazing outdoor space for dining, relaxing or enjoying your private infinity-edged pool.
The Montage is only one of a handful of Cabo properties with a swimmable beach and because it’s nestled in the Santa Maria Bay, the waters are calm and shallow, making this a perfect place to swim, paddleboard and snorkel. As the beaches in Mexico are public and few in Cabo are swimmable, locals enjoy this beach too, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Baja California Sur, Mexico
This property’s beachfront location on the Sea of Cortez is a stunner, with the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range in the distance. The beach itself is 2 miles long and super wide – great for sunbathing, walking, swimming, volleyball – you name it!
The décor is sleek, airy, and contemporary with Mexican influences. It is rich in both culture and aesthetics.
All of the rooms have sea views and many have plunge pools, too!
The East Cape where the Four Seasons is located is pristine, dotted with small fishing villages and far from the maddening crowds, which makes the area very appealing. It’s a destination unto itself with plenty to do and see – from golf (Robert Trent Jones II designed) to snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo, a protected marine park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
Baja Peninsula
Nestled on a cliff edge overlooking the ocean, Las Ventanas is beautifully designed to embrace the natural environment – the desert, the ocean, and mountains – as well as the history and culture of the Baja peninsula. Here, the white buildings and curving pathways reflect the sand and waves. Pink bougainvillea is everywhere, spilling from terraces and balconies, adding fragrance and color. It’s quite a sight!
The service at Las Ventanas is impeccable and for sure the industry gold standard. The slightest movement from a lounge chair at the pool or beach will send an attendant running your way. Uniformed staff is everywhere (even if you don’t see them!) and cater to your every whim. Anything and everything is possible here.
Suites are gorgeous, spacious (900 + sf) and tastefully decorated with traditional Mexican design elements and motif. Thoughtful touches include a telescope (for star gazing and whale spotting), adobe fireplaces and even a cute sewing kit with threads to match your wardrobe.
The villas (1, 2 and 3 bedrooms) are stunning and private, and in a self-contained area of the resort.
Each has an ornamental gate and stain glass front door. Some are beachfront while others are oceanfront or oceanview but all have their own private infinity pool and enormous bathrooms with outdoor showers.
Looking to bring the outside in? Just slide the floor to ceiling doors completely open between the inside and outside living spaces to make the villa open air.
A new addition to Las Ventanas is La Botica, an apothecary-themed speakeasy bar! Loved the live jazz and Cuban music reminiscent of the 20s. This was a fabulous AND fun spot for a nightcap and entertainment.
The dining experience and cuisine are exceptional. Arbol offers innovative India and Asian cuisine and the atmosphere is magical as you dine among a forest of trees adorned with twinkling lights. It’s breathtaking.
I’m still dreaming about the fish tacos and signature margarita at Sea Grill.
There are two pool areas at Las Ventanas, the newest is Oasis Pool and Lazy River*. This is perfect for families as there is something for everyone from music (there’s a DJ) to a swim-up bar to laid-back dining to ice cream.
The main pool in the center of the property is stunning with its infinity edges and the beautiful reflections cast in its water. You’ll be spoiled for choice between a pool lounger or a beach cabana – so why not experience them both?
The beach is not swimmable, but it’s wide, pristine and perfect for sunbathing.
*At the time of writing, this area was not in use. Instead, they’re using this as a stage for Rosalia de Cuba, the resort’s first artist in residence. Normally, she performs at La Botica.
I toured the following properties on my visit to Cabo. Below are my impressions and takeaways!
Esperanza
Los Cabos, Mexico
(Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection)
Start your vacation with a signature cocktail (or two) at this resort’s lantern-lit bar before enjoying dinner at the beautiful and newly reimagined Cocina del Mar. The restaurant’s multiple terraces and setting on the cliffsides overlooking the Sea of Cortez will take your breath away!
The 1-bedroom Oceanview Spa Suite is amazing, complete with sweeping ocean views, an expansive terrace and an infinity-edged hot tub! It is decorated with soft beachy colors, Mexican art, and the king bed is draped with a light canopy netting – very romantic.
Cabo Esperanza Resort is the only private beach resort in Cabo, which is important to know. Like most properties in Cabo, however, the beach is not swimmable due to the strong undertow and currents in the Sea of Cortez. No need to worry though! There are several places to take a dip, including an adult only pool with an infinity edge overlooking the gorgeous sea.
Chileno Bay
Los Cabos, Mexico
(Auberge Resort Collection)
Chileno Bay is a chic, sophisticated boutique property with an unpretentious and laid-back beach vibe. The heart of the resort is the palm tree-lined, zero-edged pool with its three tiers and killer ocean views. The blues of the sky, pool and sea are punctuated by white – umbrellas, cabanas and lounge cushions. What a sight!
The room décor is modern and oozes of understated elegance. The color palette is soft and I love how they subtly add pops of color with pillows, lamps, tile and artwork. The rooms are huge (~800+ sf), with floor to ceiling windows to let all that incredible Cabo light in, outdoor terraces and spacious bathrooms with indoor AND outdoor showers. In addition to rooms and suites, Chileno Bay has villas with 1-4 bedrooms, fully-equipped state of the art kitchens, and plenty of rooms to spread out and relax. These are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.
This resort is blessed with a fabulous beach location on Chileno Bay, where you can swim, sunbathe, kayak, paddleboard and snorkel – a rarity in Cabo! And if you need more activity, a bit down the beach, on the public side, you’ll find lots of water sports to keep everyone entertained.
Chileno Bay’s teen club, Escondite, is impressive. There’s a pool table, foosball, ping pong, gamer stations and even an recording studio! How cool is that? For the whole family, there’s a movie theatre complete with a popcorn and candy bar.
One&Only Palmilla
Los Cabos, Mexico
As you drive into the One&Only, the first thing you’ll see is the stunning, lush, jungle vegetation – quite the contrast to the desert look and feel of many of the other Cabo resorts. Your gaze turns next to the white-washed stone chapel perched on the hilltop and staff waiting to greet you, hand over heart.
When your feet hit the ground in the entryway, with the sea in front of you, it feels like you’ve been transported to a magical place. Indeed, you have!
This property boasts two beaches, both gorgeous. Pelican Beach, located on the north side of the property (best for families), is swimmable and though it is small and only has a few cabanas, the water is calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
On the south side of the property (best for adults), is Turtle Beach. While not swimmable, this beach is wide and long, making it feel very private.
And if sitting poolside is more your thing, there are two on property, one that’s family-friendly and the other that is adult-only, complete with swim-up bar, plenty of lounge chairs and spectacular sea views.
All the rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated and have ocean views. The décor is a mix of traditional Mexican and contemporary design. I really loved the Casita Suite, which sits beachfront on Turtle Beach. The views from the terrace or private plunge pool are simply sand and sea and couldn’t be more amazing or romantic.
Like the rest of the property, the spa is spectacular – a blend of lush vegetation and intricate stonework – both indoors and outdoors. Apart from treatments, here is where you’ll find the fitness center, yoga area, salon and even a barber shop!
