Montage Los Cabos
Halfway between Esperanza and Las Ventanas, Montage arrived in 2018 with a modern luxe vibe and indigenous landscaping. The secluded site on Santa Maria Bay boasts one of the Golden Corridor’s few swimmable beaches, framed by two hills that change color from sunrise to sunset. The Spa Montage specializes in Mexican healing arts and Mezcal restaurant runs a tequila tasting that’s as much of an education as it is a party. The tasting menu by Chef Odin Rocha traverses culinary traditions found all over Mexico. Practice yoga and stand-up paddleboarding, or camp out by the pool or in a beachside cabana. An afternoon snack at Paleta, named after the artisanal ice pops made with fresh fruit, is a refreshing delight and the Electric Array gift shop ranks among the best on the peninsula, featuring Mexican pottery, textiles, and clothing from across the country. montagehotels.com —Stacie Stukin
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
From the Golden Corridor, drive about 90 minutes across the Baja Peninsula to an underdeveloped expanse newly manicured by Four Seasons. The peninsula’s East Cape, as they call it, sits below the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range with a long, calm, swimmable beach. Coveted suites among the property’s serene, streamlined interpretations of Mexican architecture are on the top floor overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Five dining options include an outpost of the famed Greek seafood restaurant Estiatorio Milos that serves local sea-to-table catches and an open-air café for coffee and smoothies. The spa uses Tata Harper skincare products and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball are available for play. The surrounding 1,000-acre Costa Palmas development includes a yacht marina, a fitness center, private villas (some are available for rent), and soon Amanvari, the first Aman resort in Mexico. Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits between Cabo and Costa Palmas. Snorkel or dive to discover why Jacques Cousteau deemed the Sea of Cortez the “Aquarium of the World.” fourseasons.com —S.S.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Just north of San Jose del Cabo, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Mexico opened in late 2019. Developed with the intention of preserving the site’s natural landscape, paths wind among indigenous flora and fauna to frame views of the sweeping Sea of Cortez below. The rooms, most of which come with their own plunge pools, incorporate Mexican textiles, organic materials like wood and stone, and artisan details that feel idiosyncratic and chic. Spa Alkemia, a verdant wonderland to foster mindful activity, contains spaces for guests to meditate, practice yoga, enjoy a treatment, or just wade in the pool. The culinary program is varied with Humo’s pan-Latin menu served from an open kitchen and next to a well-stocked wine cave. Equis, the Peruvian raw bar, is open to hotel guests and the public, showcasing the region’s seafood in dishes that are both innovative and an aesthetic pleasure. The property invites visitors to connect with nature through its Ambassadors of the Environment program: scuba dive or snorkel in the Sea of Cortez, bird watch, stargaze, or try all of the above. ritzcarlton.com —S.S
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Opened on the tip of the peninsula in April 2019, the hotel fuses Japanese minimalism with Mexican materials. Spacious rooms are all about restrained style and each has a Japanese soaking tub. Corner rooms showcase the best ocean views. The signature Nobu restaurant serves the classics like miso black cod and new dishes created specifically to incorporate the region’s seafood. Malibu Farm restaurant serves casual California eats and the spa’s indoor hydrotherapy baths provide respite after working out at the gym. But the strongest allure may be for golf lovers. Both courses in the surrounding Diamante development are world-class. The Dunes, considered one of the top 100 courses worldwide and the best in Latin America, was designed by Davis Love III and takes you on a challenging scenic ramble with tamales and margaritas served along the way. The El Cardonal course marks Tiger Woods’ first foray into course design. Built in an Old California style, the course forces players to tackle dunes and take hilly challenges, all while enjoying the ocean view. nobuhotels.com —S.S.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
On a secluded cove just beyond the buzz of Cabo San Lucas, Waldorf Astoria debuted in September 2019, a rebrand and reimagination of beachfront icon Resort at Pedregal. The 24-acre property hugs a wide swath of beach and takes full advantage of uninterrupted water views by way of sea-facing floor plans in all 115 suites and villas. Each includes an expansive terrace and a plunge pool, and interiors highlight the diversity of Mexico’s 31 states by incorporating colorful artifacts, textiles, and statement pieces from across the nation. Treatments at the 12,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa draw on the lunar cycle and authentic Mexican rituals, reflected in treatments that use ingredients consecrated by curanderas (traditional healers). The monthly Self-Love Wellness Weekend Experience, which coincides with the new moon, cleanses mind and body through breathing work, movement, and meditation. Seven off-property adventures connect guests with Baja’s natural beauty, including swimming with whale sharks off La Paz and soaking in the hot springs of Sierra de la Laguna. waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com —Paul Rubio
