You don’t need to be convinced by Los Cabos’ charm; this exclusive resort at the very tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula has been an enclave for US high flyers for over 70 years. Its continued success, however, is down to its ability to continually reinvent itself and remain relevant. Today, Los Cabos is home to some of the best forward-thinking luxury hotels in the world.
Whether you last visited in 1990 or 2020, it’s likely things have changed. New resorts are popping up on an annual basis as the biggest names in the business fight for a slice of the reliable tourism trade. Here, we take a look at a mix – the old favorites and the newcomers – to give you a wide selection of the best hotels in Los Cabos.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
If you ever have the opportunity to sail into Los Cabos, then Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal will catch your eye from some distance. The resort is seemingly carved into the rocks behind it, giving it an outer-space colony vibe. It has operated as a hotel since 2009 but only became a Waldorf Astoria in 2019. It has had some life and endured significant damage during Hurricane Odile in 2014. Today it shines like a beacon out across the Pacific.
The hotel is best known for its 900-ft-long, chandelier-adorned tunnel, which ends at the tip of the beach. The accommodations aren’t bad either. The Presidential Beachfront Suite is situated right on the beachfront and offers private beach waiter service throughout your stay. It also offers guaranteed reservations and preferred seating at any of the resort’s four restaurants.
The best time to visit is Memorial Day Weekend when the resort hosts its annual Festival of Flavors culinary weekend. Guests can usually rub shoulders with esteemed Michelin-starred chefs during in-demand residencies.
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Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Set within the more secluded East Cape on the Sea of Cortez, the contemporary architecture of the Four Seasons Costa Palmas fuses seamlessly with the desert terrain. The 1,000-acre resort boasts a two-mile stretch of pristine beach, and the turquoise waters are swimmable – a rarity in Los Cabos.
All 141 of the sleek, light-filled guest rooms have terraces with ocean views, as does the magnificent Presidential Villa, with more oceanfront private residences set to open soon. Guests have their pick of five restaurants that source ingredients from nearby organic farms and orchards.
Boredom is not an option, as the resort boasts six pools, a superyacht marina, a Robert Trent Jones II golf course as well as an adventure concierge to organize whatever off-the-beaten-track exploration your heart could desire.
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[See also: The Best Golf Resorts in Los Cabos]
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Winning top resort in Latin America in the World Biennial of Interior Design and Landscaping 2018–2019, the Grand Velas Los Cabos is as stunning as its beautiful natural surroundings. Expansive ocean views await you from each of the resort’s spacious suites, all over 1,000 sq ft in size, with special touches like original artwork and binoculars for observing marine life.
Your every desire can be met within the parameters of the family-friendly resort, from restorative ceremonies at the spa to dining at one of seven restaurants, including a 10-course tasting menu at fine-dining restaurant Cocina de Autor, helmed by acclaimed Dutch chef Sidney Schutte.
[Read more: The Three Finest Luxury Hotels in Belize]
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
We promise we haven’t duplicated an entry here. This all-inclusive, adults-only hotel is a more romantic and boutique option, which, with 79 opulent suites, feels more intimate than its sister property, and yet benefits from access to the larger Velas resort’s amenities and facilities.
Personalized experiences and attention to detail are paramount here — the hotel staff specialize in knowing what you want before you do. Whether that’s in the property’s wellness center, which specializes in luxurious tailored treatments and programs, or in the array of experiences on offer, including cooking classes, tequila tastings and more.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort
When it comes to luxury travel, Las Ventanas al Paraíso helped put Los Cabos on the map. Since opening in 1997, it has been joined by numerous competitors but retains its status as one of the area’s most popular resorts thanks to its effortless combination of hacienda-style living and modern design.
It is the ultimate pampering destination – every detail is taken care of, from your welcome tequila to what your pet would like to eat during their stay. A butler can arrange virtually any experience: couples tennis lessons on a championship court, private yacht charters or snorkeling in Chileno Bay. Those looking for a beyond-exclusive experience may consider the $35,000-a-night Ty Warner Mansion, one of the biggest properties in the entire region and one of Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Suites in the World.
[See also: The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotels]
Montage Los Cabos
Montage Los Cabos is situated in the most serene of spots, where the Baja desert meets the golden shores of Santa Maria Bay. Opening its doors in 2018, the secluded beachfront resort spans 39 acres and offers walk-in access to some of the finest swimming, diving and snorkeling in the area.
Whether staying in one of the 122 elegant guest rooms or a spacious private casa, floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking your private terrace will create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Guests can choose from an enormous list of activities, from golf at the Fred Couples-designed course and scuba diving at Cabo Pulmo National Park to kicking back on a chic beach bed with a margarita or relaxing at the incredible 40,000-sq-ft spa.
One&Only Palmilla
The One&Only Palmilla has a glamorous past. The first resort in Los Cabos, it started life in the 1950s as a luxury 15-room hideaway and soon drew in the jet set, with John Wayne, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lucille Ball among previous guests. The resort has changed, but the captivating desert surroundings, swaying palms and the cascading ocean vista remain.
The hotel combines bold Mexican style with chic contemporary design, and its suites offer breathtaking ocean views. The most splendid of all the resort’s accommodations is the four-bedroomed Villa Cortez with a huge 804-sq-ft infinity pool and direct access to a secluded beach cove.
[See also: Casa di Langa Balances Luxury With Sustainable Design]
