Fodor's Expert Review Cabo Azul Resort

On the beach in San José del Cabo, this chic, whitewashed property is peaceful from the moment you walk through the 20-foot antique door marking the entrance. Giving a glimpse of what’s in store, a waterfall wall and Indian marble floors lead to a breathtaking lobby centered by a circular rope structure dropping 1,200 feet from the ceilings. A staircase leads to the main focus, an open-air chapel overlooking the ocean, an obvious favorite for brides; at least two weddings take place here per week. Featuring five pools and three restaurants, this hotel-and-time-share hybrid, has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with spacious one- to two-bedroom suites and villas, and more than a dozen giant three-bedroom penthouses. The villas are more like sleek apartments with full kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, and king beds with hypoallergenic sheets and intricately carved headboards. White and black decor, spacious balconies, pullout sofas, and top-of-the-line appliances are a nice touch. A salon, pool, fitness center, and full spa facility round out the perks.

room

Eye-catching accommodations mix ivory-colored bedding, couches, chairs, and curtains with dark wood accents, including hand-carved headboards for the king-sized beds. The floors are polished stone, the patio terraces oriented towards striking seaside vistas.

bathroom

Spacious jacuzzi soak tubs and glass-doored walk-in showers headline the elegant bath facilities.

lobby

The lobby is truly breathtaking, a wow-factor welcome of the highest order. Guests enter through a giant antique doorway to a large marble-floored lobby centered around a unique, almost chandelier-like rope sculpture, with descends to within a few feet of a small (by comparison) circular fountain. Flanking staircases lead up to the spectacular open-air wedding chapel.

pool

The deluxe infinity pool is impressive even by Los Cabos standards, a massive three-level expanse overlooking the beach with raised inset fire dancing platforms and an enormous palapa-topped swim-up bar whose hanging ropes echo the magnificent lobby.

The adults-only serenity pool is a quieter, more secluded option. Kids also have a dedicated pool.

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spa

Shaded beachfront massage tables with an aural backdrop of lapping waves are one of many soothing wellness therapies available from PAZ Spa. Aromatherapy is also a specialty.

gym

Treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise machines, and free weights are all available in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Scheduled activities include yoga and Pilates.

dining

Chef and restaurateur Javier Sosa is responsible for the resort’s signature dining experience. Javier’s Restaurant & Bar serves up delicious homestyle Mexican cuisine, with al fresco dining available on a patio deck with a gorgeous view of the Sea of Cortés.

drinking

El Café is the place to-go for the morning coffee fix, while the swim-up bar, Flor de Noche, is perfect for cocktails and other refreshments.