A-listers heading to Mexico need to check out the new Grand Velas Los Cabos located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The resort opened in late December under the watch of Ignacio Mendoza ([email protected]), its managing director. Luxury travel advisors should book VIP clients into the Grand Class Suites, which range from 1,480 square feet to 1,675 square feet. Top perks? They all have an oceanfront location with top views, private plunge pools and minibars with artisanal tequila. We are also partial to the Imperial Suite, opening this month with 5,145 square feet of space and multiple bedrooms. Note: There is butler service for all guests, but those staying in the Imperial, Presidential, Governor, Wellness and Grand Class Suites have designated butlers. Health-conscious travelers should opt to stay in the two-story Wellness Suites, which have Life Fitness recline bike, a Vitamin C sprinkler, a crudité minibar, an aromatherapy kit, in-suite massages and a dedicated spa concierge. Note: The Wellness Suites are close to the spa for easy access.
At Grand Velas, we suggest advisors make reservations for dinner at Cocina de Autor in advance for clients. This restaurant is open to locals and is bound to be popular year-round, since two-star Michelin chef, Sidney Schutte, is at the helm. For more dining options, travelers should opt for Frida if they are craving Mexican dishes, Piaf for gourmet French cuisine and Lucca for traditional Italian. To book a special stay, contact Jose Luis Lopez ([email protected]) and Paulina Armenta ([email protected]).
Art and music aficionados should consider a stay at the adults-only Hotel El Ganzo, which is just a 10-minute drive from downtown San Jose del Cabo and is a part of Preferred Hotels. This hideaway is a mecca for both visual artists and musicians; in fact, the hotel hosts several artists for residencies throughout the year. Each artist that completes a residency creates a piece of work for the hotel or puts on a concert for guests. Upcoming artists include Stephane Wrembel and indie-pop dance band Savoir Adore. Tip: There is even an underground recording studio that guests can take a peek at when visiting. It was probably the onsite recording studio that inspired Adam Levine and model Behati Prinsloo to privatize the hotel for their wedding.
The grand class suites at Grand Velas Los Cabos have an oceanfront location and come with private plunge pools and minibars.
VIPs will want to book the Two-Bedroom Suite, which has 4,882 square feet of space. This accommodation includes a private outdoor Jacuzzi, a terrace, a small private gym, a billiard table, a grand salon, and a separate living room and bedroom. Note: All the rooms have ocean views over the marina of Puerto Los Cabos and the Sea of Cortez. When it comes to experiencing the property, we suggest guests start relaxing on the rooftop at the penthouse pool deck complete with a dramatic infinity pool. Guests should then work their way to the downstairs bar and outside fireplaces, ideal for happy hour.
Guests should also check out the spa at El Ganzo, which boasts five spacious treatment rooms as well as a therapy pool, sauna, steam room and indoor gym. The most requested treatment is the Traditional Mayan Massage, which is based on ancient Mayan technique and focuses on massaging the abdominal region to help the flow of blood, the digestive system and more. Spa-goers interested in Mayan Massage should request the therapist, Blanca. As for salon services, request Aidee. To book, contact Kelli Castineiras ([email protected]), spa director, and Karina Borrayo ([email protected]), spa supervisor.
Hotel El Ganzo can also create customizable outings for travelers looking for an active day. One such experience, previously booked, took guests on a tour of Cabo Pulmo in a Range Rover Defender. The trip included snorkeling, waterfall tours, rappelling and a gourmet picnic. To book a special stay, advisors can contact Ella Messerli ([email protected]), general manager, and Miriam Reuter ([email protected]).
Advisor Insight
Ignacio Maza, executive vice president of Signature Travel Network, recently returned from the consortium’s annual Summit event held in Los Cabos. Here’s his take on the luxury resorts in the area.
At One&Only Palmilla, Maza says, Villa One is on a hilltop and offers 360-degree views of the property and ocean.
“I was also very impressed with Villa Cortez, the property’s stunning seaside hacienda, offering four bedrooms and a unique oceanfront setting,” he notes. His favorite room categories are the Pool Casita Suites and Junior Suites because of the size of the rooms, privacy and ocean views. Also worth noting is that One&Only has a swimmable beach, which is rare in Los Cabos.
At The Resort at Pedregal, Maza suggests that guests visit the Luna y Mar Spa and the champagne bar, El Farallon. He says, “All rooms have ocean views, plunge pools and a refined décor highlighting the best of Mexican design.”
Another hotel option in Los Cabos is Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, which recently renovated its 57 casitas and suites. “Keep Esperanza residences in mind for families and friends traveling together,” Maza advises.
As for some of Los Cabos’ newer hotels, Maza says, “I was impressed with Grand Velas Los Cabos … the property offers 305 spacious suites, starting at 1,200 square feet and up. The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, opened last year and is already one of the hottest properties in Cabo.
“Do not miss dinner at Manta, one of the top tables in the area,” Maza emphasizes, saying next up is Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, which is set to open this spring.
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso’s Two-Bedroom Beachfront Signature Villa has a bath butler and a customized bath amenity menu.
More on Mexico
Jolie Goldring, an advisor with In the Know Experiences in New York City, visited many regions of Mexico in 2016, including the Mayan Riviera, Cancun and Punta Mita. Here is her take on two of the resorts she recently experienced.
Goldring stayed at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya. “Maroma is one of the most authentic yet luxurious Mayan resorts and the room décor and style reflect this,” Goldring says. During her stay, she stayed in an Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suite. “Local craftsmanship pervaded and the view of the Maroma beach from both the bedroom and the living room were unparalleled,” she notes. Goldring suggests that Boomers and Millennials looking to unplug should book a stay at Maroma, where there are no TVs in the bedroom. She also says Maroma’s beach is very nice but the top amenity is the spa. Good to know: Maroma can set up a fitness boot camp obstacle course in the jungle that ends with a run to the beach.
Goldring also visited Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos. At the resort, she experienced a new Two-Bedroom Beachfront Signature Villa, which impressed her. The bathroom has two outdoor showers and the room has direct beach access.
“Las Ventanas is great for everyone, mostly those seeking an over-the-top luxurious experience,” Goldring says. “I would confidently send couples, families and multiple generations looking to celebrate something special.” As for Las Ventanas’ top amenity, the tequila tasting impressed Goldring, who says, “Your own Tequila Sommelier [is] pouring a variety of tequilas and essentially educating and leading a blind tasting.” Mexican Barbacoa is the place to eat at Las Ventanas, she says. At Barbacoa, the meat is cooked in a traditional Mexican way by slow cooking it in a kind of underground well.“ The end result for our lamb was super tender brisket-like and then served with homemade tortillas and a variety of traditional sides and vegetables,” she says.