Thanks to a spate of new properties, Hollywood-beloved getaway spot Los Cabos is bigger and better than ever before. “Cabo continues to reinvent itself,” says Smartflyer travel consultant Kara Slater, adding that her L.A. clients love the sunny Mexican hotspot — anchored by the towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas — for its “stunning views of the sea meeting the mountains, reliable hospitality and unparalleled culinary offerings.”
By next year, Amanvari will also make its long-awaited debut. “All these hotels are aware that clients have so many options and are doing everything they can to keep their clientele happy,” says luxury travel adviser Michael Torbiak of M. domo Travel. Cabo is just getting the luxury party started.
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WHERE TO STAY
Zadún: Cabo’s luxury additions include Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (rooms from $1,499 a night; more options at Booking.com and Expedia), just east of San Jose del Cabo. The biggest draw at the contemporary resort — one of only six Reserve properties in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio — is its 115 ultra-private, freestanding rooms, suites and villas. These indoor-outdoor havens offer dramatic views of the Sea of Cortez and the Puerto Los Cabos coastline. The property stands out with distinctive amenities including the 30,000-square-foot Spa Alkemia, which has a Savasana room where sound therapy and a vibrational floor combine to provide guests with a unique meditation practice. In addition to chakra alignment and reiki healing, among other new treatments, the resort recently introduced a traditional Temazcal healing hut called Templo de Calor (house of heat). There, guests enter a sauna-like space, meant to purify the soul and cleanse energies, along with chanting led by a shaman.
Four Seasons Costa Palmas: Cabo also has expanded further into Baja’s East Cape with the ongoing development of Costa Palmas, a 1,500-acre destination (about an hour drive north from Los Cabos International Airport). Spearheaded by L.A.-based developers Irongate, the resort and residential community — which Gwyneth Paltrow frequents and where CAA’s Bryan Lourd has been spotted vacationing — includes the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas (from $1,250; more options at Booking.com and Expedia), which opened in late 2019 and includes a Mexico outpost of famed NYC restaurant Estiatorio Milos. Many Angelenos have bought second or third homes there, according to Torbiak. “With such a high supply of luxury properties in the area, it really makes hotels up their game in terms of offerings, service and accommodations,” he says.
With two miles of swimmable beachfront, the Four Seasons on the East Cape also launched their Private Retreats collection, a way for guests to stay at the property’s residences with a personalized butler and private chef upon request, among other exclusive amenities. Heading to Cabo in the summer? Sign up for Four Seasons’ adults luxury summer camp, Camp Verano, featuring a five-day adventure-packed program (off-roading through desert dunes, diving, hiking) available Memorial Day through Labor Day.
There’s even a new harbor with a Marina Village located within the gated commuity featuring Mozza Baja at Costa Palmas — chef Nancy Silverton’s first venture in Mexico. Other dining and shopping destinations, including Chiki cocktail lounge, located next door to Mozza and designed by Martin Brudnizki (known for his eccentric designs of private members clubs including Annabel’s in London and The Britely in WeHo). Adding to the roster of top L.A. chefs like landing in Cabo: Award-winning chef/restaurateur Ludo Lefebvre (Petit Trois) has plans to open a spot at Costa Palmas.
In 2025, Aman Resorts’ highly anticipated Amanvari property is slated to debut there, and a rumored Costa Palmas private airport is in the works. As of this winter, 75 percent of Amanvari’s residences (villas start at $13 million, with 13,000-square-feet) have already been sold. The resort will comprise 20 two-story pavilions dotted throughout the property with an indoor-outdoor feel and wraparound decks. Amanvari will be centered around a main pavilion housing a library, lounge, three restaurants and a 100-foot infinity pool, all just steps from the beach. In addition, Costa Palma’s more casual Casa Blake residences overlook the marina and start at $700,000.
“If they weren’t flying private pre-COVID, they are now,” says lifestyle and travel guru Jaclyn Sienna India, founder of Sienna Charles membership club, of her clients (who include former President George W. Bush, studio titans and major producers). Of the destination’s appeal, she says, “Cabo was always huge with the L.A. market, but it became even bigger [post-pandemic].”
Adds Torbiak, “You’re going to Cabo because you want the comfort and safety of feeling like you’re in Hawaii, but it’s a shorter flight. You go there and switch off, you don’t have to leave your resort.” Many resorts in Cabo are known for their personal concierge and butler services. “Mexican hospitality is just off the charts,” says Torbiak. With new direct flights from New York City and Las Vegas, Torbiak notes that Cabo is a “no-brainer for luxury travelers, seeking a luxe beach and warm weather vacation.”
Four Seasons Cabo del Sol: And, as though one Four Seasons resort weren’t enough, there’s another slated to open this year. Four Seasons Cabo Del Sol (rooms from $1,600), located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, is in development within the exclusive Cove Club, a 500-acre private club and community. The project will have 96 modern hacienda-style hotel rooms, a rooftop bar, as well as more than 61 residences, villas and estates, which will range between $9.5 million and $20 million.
Soho House Los Cabos: Signaling the ever-growing popularity of the Baja region, is the opening of Soho House Los Cabos, also under the Cabo del Sol complex, where a shopping center with ultra-luxury retailers is also in the works. Opening in the latter half of 2024, the Little Beach House membership club will be outfitted with an oceanside restaurant, bar, fitness center, guest rooms and more.
Upcoming Park Hyatt and St. Regis: By 2025, Cabo del Sol will also house Park Hyatt Los Cabos with 163 rooms and five restaurants and the St. Regis Los Cabos — what will become Baja’s largest property — with seven pools, three restaurants, a St. Regis bar, 120 rooms, 64 residences, nine beachfront villas and the Astor mansion, pavilions, and ballrooms.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos: Another newer kid on the block is Nobu’s first hotel in Mexico, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos (from $415; more options at Booking.com and Expedia). Only 30 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, it opened in late 2019 just before the pandemic. The hotel includes the Mediterranean-inspired Muna restaurant and a Nobu restaurant, so Angelenos can feel like they’re home — minus the PCH traffic.
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection: All of these newer hotels join a host of luxe Cabo properties that include Auberge Resorts’ lushly landscaped Esperanza (from $1,650 high season, $1,050 after May; more options at Booking.com and Expedia), which boasts an oceanfront infinity pool. One of the original luxury hotels in Cabo, Esperanza was Auberge Resort’s first foray into Baja California. The family-friendly luxury property offers the only private beach resort in the region, plus dramatic coastline views. The resort recently debuted a newly revamped spa and fitness center. Drawing from the many indigenous tribes in Mexico, the spa focuses on the medicine wheel with holistic rituals, incorporating the four elements into treatments.
Chileno Bay, Auberge Resorts Collection: Sister property to Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection’s contemporary Chileno Bay Resort & Residences (from $1,275 high season, $925 after May) is only 30 minutes from the San Jose Del Cabo International Airport and includes just 60 hotel rooms, plus infinity pools and a private 18-hole golf course.
One&Only Palmilla: A stand-out for its very family-friendly atmosphere, One&Only Palmilla (from $1,240; more options at Booking.com and Expedia) has drawn such vacationers as Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher and Eva Longoria. Privacy and luxury go hand in hand at this sprawling property with several pools, restaurants and multiple beach access points. Dining includes cliffside Agua restaurant, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Seared restaurant, Suviche for Japanese fare, and the more casual Breeze. This spring, the hotel will debut Hoshi, a new Japanese-inspired restaurant with an omakase menu. The resort is also hosting pop-up cocktail events with top Mexican bars from across the country.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: Another favorite is Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (from $850-$2,500 for an oceanview king; more options at Booking.com and Expedia), which features rooms with private pools and sweeping Pacific Ocean views, nestled in the Pedregal neighborhood in Cabo San Lucas. Unique touches include afternoon Coronas, guacamole and chips delivered to every room. This year, in addition to their always-packed cliffside El Farallon restaurant, the property is debuting new culinary and libations offerings such as its Agave Study spirit tastings and mezcal blending experiences while overlooking the Pacific, the opening of Neutral Coffee Lab cafe, a redesign of the property’s signature restaurant Don Manuels and Travesía, a nine-course tasting menu centered on tacos. The luxury resort also just announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Alo Moves for an in-person on-property retreat (June 20-23, 2024) with yoga, sculpt and meditation experts and experiences; and a new Intuitive Ritual virtual workout series shot in Cabo San Lucas, on the Alo Moves platform.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort: The serene Las Ventanas al Paraiso (from $1,190; more options at Expedia) is a popular destination particularly for its celeb-loved oceanfront Ty Warner Mansion, frequented by the Kardashians, among others. The resort boasts several pools, Sunset sand bar, and plenty of culinary options. The resort is known to tailor unique experiences for its guests, such as a swimsuit-required private dinner in the lazy river’s grotto. Plus, there’s a new on-site speakeasy piano bar, La Botica, with a secret entrance and a lively Cuban band.
Montage Los Cabos: The Montage (from $1,200; more options at Booking.com and Expedia), the first international expansion of the brand, has made its mark in only six years of being open, with luxury accommodations and services, plus Los Cabos’ largest spa — a stunning 40,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space. There’s also an activity center that arranges everything from scuba diving to desert camping, though the real draw of the 39-acre property is its famous Santa Maria Bay, a swimmable white sand beach with some of the best snorkeling in the region.
WHERE TO EAT
The area continues to up its game on the culinary front. Farm-to-table fare is common at most high-end resorts, like at the picturesque Arbol at Las Ventanas or award-winning chef Enrique Olvera’s Manta at The Cape (from $539 a night; more options at Booking.com and Expedia), a Thompson Hotel. The Cape also has the open-air lobby’s Sunken Bar with a new look and green tiles handmade in Oaxaca and a new cafe serving all-day fare, also helmed by acclaimed chef Olvera.
Restaurants worth venturing off resort for include Flora Farms (where Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo tied the knot); the bustling Office on the Beach or sister restaurant Edith’s; and chef Thomas Keller’s favorite taco spot, La Lupita.
Acre Resort (from $245, summer low season to $425 for a Treehouse; villas from $1,800) — where the chef gets ingredients from the on-site garden — is doubling down and unveiling 10 new villas from famed Mexican architect Hector Esrawe, a new wedding venue, pool and an expanded animal sanctuary. There’s also a Japanese themed ramen and dumpling bar and new cocktails, plus a mezcal tasting room.
Adding to the farm-to-plate fare is Hierbabuena, located more northwest and closer to neighboring town Todos Santos as well as the newer Monte Cardon, located about 25 minutes north of San Jose Del Cabo and owned by Ubaldo Martinez (the former GM of One & Only Tamarindo) and his wife Orem.
A trend among luxury resorts in Los Cabos is flying in award-winning chefs for exclusive collaborations. Auberge Resort’s Chileno Bay regularly brings in culinary talent for its guest chef series. The event’s tasting menus are prepared for unique dinners by world-renowned chefs like Michael Anthony of New York’s Gramercy Tavern (March 24-30) showcasing his plant-forward approach to food using local Mexican produce. Both Chileno Bay and Esperanza debuted new chefs, chef Juan Pablo Loza and chef Raul Soto, respectively. Chileno Bay’s YAYA Mediterranean restaurant shines a light on female rising star chef Eliana Godinez. Jumping on the bandwagon, Las Ventanas hosted Michelin-starred chef Matteo Temperini from their Italian sister property Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (named the world’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2022) in January. For guests who missed the collab, the special menu is now available at the A-list beloved Cabo resort’s La Cava wine cellar restaurant.
Most of the Cabo resorts pour Mexican wines, but at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, they also pour their own Private Pedregal Collection of wines as well as mezcal spirits. The hotel’s wine cellar is home to the second-largest collection of wine in all of Mexico with more than 3,500 bottles and 450 labels. The Festival of Flavors is their guest chef series with four weekend festivals planned for 2024. Each weekend features a different Michelin-awarded chef from some of the world’s top restaurants, and who will be cooking alongside the hotel’s executive chef Gustavo Pinet.
Over at the Viceroy Los Cabos, located a quick bike ride away from San Jose del Cabo’s idyllic town square and art-gallery lined streets, a new culinary outlet is debuting — Mexican restaurant Awacate, with recipes passed down through generations.
And in 2021, tequila brand Clase Azul unveiled an invite-only dining experience at its A Taste of Culture experience (located in The Shoppes at Palmilla), where rare pours are paired with delectable eats ($400 a person). Today, the spirit company has since pivoted to become more of a luxury lifestyle brand. While A Taste of Culture is still introducing people to the variety of Clase Azul spirit and the story of the brand’s roots, the boutique has expanded to a full restaurant and omakase sushi bar. Snag a table at the contemporary La Terraza, a picturesque restaurant with ocean views and Michelin star-worthy food, service, and cocktail pairings, of course. Opt for the tequila pairing menu.
WHAT TO DO
Slater, who is married to WME partner Brad Slater, recently helped plan a trip for a top talent agent who wanted to take a small group of friends away for a long weekend. “The convenience of a quick flight from L.A. along with something spiritual and unique to add into the mix was the request. A shaman fit the bill,” Slater says. The One&Only Palmilla’s Temazcal Ritual (starts at $650 for 120 minutes) was her solution. The stunning property’s iconic spa features a traditional temazcal hut (similar to a sweat lodge) where the resort’s dedicated shaman leads groups in the ancient Mayan ceremony with drumming, chanting and intense perspiring. Slater’s other option for her clients was at Chileno Bay, where the spa, a wellness destination called The Well, has experiences like the Celestial Bathing evening ritual, which harnesses the energy of the moon with guided movement in water.
Over at Clase Azul’s boutique at The Shoppes at Palmilla, experience Cosmos — a unique experience to create your own ceramic Clase Azul Cosmos bottle ($850). Take the one-of-a-kind quiz to find the perfect personalized bottle made just for you, on the spot. This monogrammed bottle is the best Cabo souvenir as it’s the only place in the world to get it.
“The food is so good at these hotels as are the spas and they all have various activities like golf and boating. Los Cabos really have everything in one spot and it’s also really great for intergenerational groups,” adds Torbiak.
Located just 10 minutes away from the Dos Arroyos Adventure camp, Montage Los Cabos offers guests an alfresco paintball arena where teams can battle it out in the desert. For the outdoorsy types, there’s also glamping along with an attendant, amenities, activities (axe throwing, archery, mountain biking, and more) and of course it being a Montage activity, a personal glamping attendant. The property also unveiled its new Twin Dolphin Yacht, setting sail on the Sea of Cortez in partnership with VanDutch, for snorkeling, swimming or sunset cruise expeditions.
HOW TO FLY
Semi-private luxury jet service Aero, popular with everyone from Emma Roberts to Diplo, touches down in Los Cabos from Van Nuys Airport. Service on the shared 16-seater planes ($975 one way) includes wines and cocktails curated by Wally’s Wines and Catch LA. and local fare from Erewhon on Los Angeles flights and Sadelle’s from Dallas departures.
This winter season, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos partnered with JSX. The semi-private jet company is offering Nobu guests 10 percent off flights as well as guaranteed complimentary room upgrade, daily F&B credit, and discounted nightly rates through March 17.
Like. Nobu and JSX, Cabo’s Waldorf Astoria partnered with Aero for direct semi-private flights from Dallas or Los Angeles. The Elevate Your Experience package includes 10 percent off roundtrip flights and room rates at the resort as well as car service airport transfers, daily breakfast for two and a Clase Azul signature bottle.
And One&Only Palmilla also has jumped on the private jet bandwagon with a partnership with JVP Aviation. The private air charters range from 8, 12, 16, and 50 passenger aircrafts (starting from $17,100 one way) and will fly directly to both Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta (for Palmilla’s sister property One&Only Mandarina).
“There are so many different properties to choose from depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for — maybe you go and celebrate an anniversary at Las Ventanas, but then you take your kids on spring break to One&Only because there’s a swimmable beach there. There’s something for everyone at all ages — you can be as lazy or active as you want while being ensconced in a lovely luxurious resort with great amenities,” says Torbiak. “It’s just that ease and the variety — there are so many different places to try that you’ll never get sick of Cabo.”
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A version of this story first appeared in the March 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
