By: Suzanne Aaronson, Lifestyle Curator
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
Los Cabos, Mexico
When you name a resort 'window to paradise', you've got to be pretty confident... My opinion? They hit the nail on the head. This is one of my favorite places to stay in the whole world (and I've been fortunate through my work to stay at the very best) Such a magical location on top of the stretched out beach, this place feels 'special' the moment you arrive and are greeted by a small cluster of smiling, helpful staff. Lionel Alvarez, the experienced and talented General Manager, tries to greet every guest himself - imagine!
Los Cabos is a wonderful and low maintenance holiday spot for...all types. Inland are mountains and desert to explore, there's a gorgeous beach to run or walk along - or just relax on - and the perfect-blue Sea of Cortez is teeming with wildlife. Organize your trip to coincide with either Sea Turtle season or Whale season, both visit the area and are magical experiences. Cabo is not in any way a culturally rich experience and most of what's nice and high end are resorts - not towns or restaurants in the towns - although some are lovely. (The restaurant at the lovely Esperanza Resort with its crashing waves and stellar cuisine - I highly recommend, and ... make time before or after for drinks at the fire pit bar)
Easy to get to from most west coast locales flying non-stop + non-stop flight from Newark to Los Cabos, Phoenix, Dallas - so many options get you there easily. The resort is just 20 minutes from the airport.
The 71 suites have Mexican touches without feeling too theme park-y: rough wood and adobe buildings, filled with treats like windows of rainbow glass made by local artisans, marble showers, traditional floors and cozy, wood-burning, terracotta fireplaces. Lots of extra, special touches: love the personal telescopes for star-gazing (or celeb spotting, still a Hollywood hotspot). Book a suite facing the sea (not all do) and if you have a private roof deck, don't miss a couples massage under the stars one early evening.
Tennis courts, gorgeous pools, wonderful walks, a charming spa and chakra room, kayaking, options for lunch & dinner in or out, yachting, sea life viewing, golf, horse riding. This is the 'marlin capital of the world' and Las Ventanas offers deep sea and sport fishing for guests. They even offer tequila making & salsa dance classes. Fun!
I was impressed to find that they've been sensitive to the location when building 15+ years ago. The whole property was built by hand (wow) with finishing touches by Mexican artisans. Gardens use desert pants that blend in with the local surroundings and the color scheme of the buildings is muted and natural. They've also established a Sea Turtle Protection Program - during the season, beach attendants monitor the mother turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs, and rope off the nests, protecting them from sea birds - and people! If you want a closer look, take one of the hotel's excellent marine wildlife expeditions.
The food is simply...exquisite. I don't recall elsewhere loving everything so much from a taste and quality of ingredients perspective. Their somewhat new Sushi-Tequilla bar is a great casual and yummy one - while the poolside restaurant can be elegant or casual, as you prefer. We loved the Sea Grill during the day with waves crashing and light fun latino music beating - I'm dreaming of their ceviches and flatbread now...
For the romantics in you private dining options include La Cava, the resort's 3,500-bottle wine room (shame its indoors), a private table on the beach under the moonlight, or you can even cook the dinner yourself: 'The Men in White' dining option lets you cook, under guidance of Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset, and enjoy the meal in his secluded herb garden. Service: the staff here is on a different level. They love what they do and make everything seamless for guests without the awkwardness of being "served". We were impressed on numerous occasions and genuinely liked them all.
Sounds pretty romantic, no? Wait a moment, there's more... Las Ventanas has a dedicated Department of Romance to help you plan the ultimate lovers escape. Hire a Mexican Caballero to ride in with engagement ring or flowers, or share Salsa lessons, romantic cruises and delicious picnics. Perfect honeymoon material. (hint, hint guys!)
I didn't take Henry, my toy poodle, along with me, but pets are more than welcome and provided with chow, grooming, walks along the beach and a little cabana to keep them cool and shady- a bit OTT. Private drivers to take you anywhere you'd like, their own dedicated staff at the airport who assists you to ease headache on your way out from this paradise ... until you return the next time... RUN - don't walk. And preferably, leave the kids at home. Have this to yourselves.
SPECIAL OFFER valid until December 18th, 2010
Quote "Suzanne Aaronson" when booking the current best available rate and receive complimentary full breakfast for two and 20% off all Spa services. Call/email the resort direct or the sales office on: 310-843-9142/ +52.624.144.2800/ lasventanas@rosewoodhotels.com
Rates from $815 - $6,510 (Winter), $625 - $4,935 (Summer), $1,105 - $7,720 (Holiday)
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort
KM 19.5 Ctra. Transpeninsular, San Jose del Cabo,
Baja California Sur 23400, Mexico