As Los Cabos sees a swell of high-end resorts, the original grande dame—Las Ventanas al Paraíso—ups its A-game even further.
The whitewashed exterior of a suite at Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Los Cabos is a boomtown as of late. Every luxury global hotel brand is popping up on this strip of sand by the sea. Who planted a stake first? Las Ventanas al Paraíso—the original luxurious, over-the-top property that opened 23 years ago and is still keeping in lockstep with all the high-design newcomers. The oceanfront escape, which is now a Rosewood Resort, is where A-list celebs and captains of industry still head when they want privacy, authentic high-end Mexican cuisine, life-changing spa treatments or the ultimate relaxation at one of eight stunning pools overlooking the beach. That and the unequalled, uberexclusive Ty Warner Mansion ($35,000 per night) with interiors by Robert Couturier.
The living room of the Ty Warner Mansion emphasizes its oceanfront locale.
Although they rarely name the property, many Hollywood actors and producers post photos with Las Ventanas’ signature colorful Mexican tile work, Conchuela limestone floors and in-room adobe fireplaces in the background. The expansive blue-and-white terraces with private hot tubs are a dead giveaway the influencer is in one of the property’s expansive suites (from $700 per night).
The open-air resort is well-appointed with authentic handcarved furniture, as well as art and artisanry from locals and accomplished Mexican artists. Joan Warren Grady, a San Diego-based art consultant, assisted in sourcing the richly hued art that pops against the predominantly whitewashed adobe walls of the property. The original works of art she placed throughout Las Ventanas al Paraíso add subtle romance and a sense of Mexican culture to the guest experience. Pieces by local artisans and craftsmen pepper the public and private spaces throughout. A favorite? Hanging in the reception area is a vivid work by Rodrigo Pimentel, a renowned Mexican artist, which was purchased from a museum in Mexico City.
The San José del Cabo, Mexico, resort has an array of plungeworthy pools.
When you’re not strolling the grounds scoping the stunning pieces of sculpture and artisanry, there is plenty of Mother Nature to enjoy. The resort’s concierge can set you up with myriad one-of-a-kind Land and Ocean Excursions to give you a true sense of place. After an active day spent in the outdoors whale watching, ATV or horseback riding through the desert, sport fishing or scuba diving, guests will be happy to return to the cozy, homelike interiors—but even then, nature isn’t too far away.
When creating the feeling of the resort, Wilson Associates—the acclaimed Dallas-based interior designers—channeled a Mexican- Mediterranean environment that lets the landscape and architecture lead the way. With an eye toward indoor- outdoor living spaces, in the suites, sliding glass doors disappear into the wall to reveal balconies that overlook the stunning Sea of Cortez. Bright cobalt blue pillows and patterned blankets set off ornately tiled headboards, and bold oversize pottery is lovingly placed in nooks here and there, while textured wood beams float overhead.
Villas have dedicated hosts, or butlers.
The Villas and Signature Villas (from $5,600 per night) have a slightly different aesthetic. Jorge Torres of Cabo Development is the architect and designer who oversaw the Villas’ design. The 3,900-square- foot to 7,800-square-foot offerings are away from the rest of the resort with private gates, individual infinity pools and fire pits that sit right on the beach. Enormous colored-glass front doors lead to expansive spaces filled with intricate Mexican tiling, custom adobe sofas, spacious kitchens and pocket doors that seamlessly allow the outdoors in.
The menu at El Restaurante focuses on locally sourced, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Follow the private paths from the Villas back to the main property, and discover the sun beating off the white hacienda-style walls of the expansive resort. Don’t miss the tequila and ceviche bar where you must book a Tequila Sign Experience (exclusive experience $499 per person) to learn all about the local 100% blue agave offerings from a trained tequila master.
The mesmerizing view from a Signature Villa
The thatched-roof, open-air ceviche bar is one of six dining outlets on property—all uniquely designed. La Botica is a low-lit, wood-paneled speakeasy and piano bar that’s hidden behind a secret door. El Restaurante is hard to beat, with its romantic candle-lit ambiance, sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez and rich traditional Mexican dishes (the menu is inspired by cherished culinary secrets from the Las Ventanas team that the chef has recreated for guests). The rich wood tables, woven back chairs and plentiful potted cactuses sit on outdoor pavilions near the pool. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the uberfine- dining experience at Arbol, with its Asian-influenced coastal lineup—the Indian-born chef puts both Vietnamese-style summer rolls on the menu next to South Indian tiger prawn curry and even temari sushi. Every bite is a journey to the other side of the world, and so is the design. With twisting, elegant bark-bare trees filled with lanterns as the main decor and light source, it is unlike any aesthetic you’ll find in the area or even stateside.
The entrance to the Ty Warner Mansion
The most luxurious thing about the trip may not be the stunning architecture or design, but that you don’t lift a finger here. There is someone on staff to clean your sunglasses before you ask, pick up your newspaper if you drop it, bring you frozen fruit by the pool, turn your suite into a candle-lit boudoir while you’re at the spa—it’s heaven. Credit the staff’s unbelievable 5-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio as what makes this Cabo San Lucas original in no danger of losing its numero uno status anytime soon. No matter how many other brands move in.
Photography by: Courtesy of Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort
