Fodor's Expert Review Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 19.5, Tourist Corridor, Baja California Sur 23400, México See on Map Fodor's Choice
From the moment your private butler greets you with a margarita and escorts you to the spa for a welcome massage, you know you're in for some serious pampering and a special experience. Despite the high room rates at this ultra private, ultra-luxe spot, it can be hard to get a reservation. Guests here can unwind in suites that have hot tubs, fireplaces, and telescopes for viewing whales or stars. Newer hotels have attempted to copy Las Ventanas' touches, such as handcrafted lamps and doors, inlaid stone floors, and tequila welcome amenities, but this impeccable original remains the best. Service is sublime, with remarkable attention to detail. Don't be surprised if your butler leaves a monogrammed cleaning cloth on your sunglasses, or creates a customized sewing kit based on the colors of your wardrobe. The three restaurants (including a casual tequila and sushi bar) are outstanding; its signature \"The Restaurant\" showcases an all-Mexican menu that executes the classics with aplomb. The spa reflects the latest trends and stresses indigenous ingredients and holistic therapies. In 2014, 12 oceanfront villas were added, each with a private swimming pool, full kitchen, media room, and glass pocket doors that open onto patios with garden showers, fire pits, and Jacuzzis.
This ultraluxury getaway is regularly profiled for its pampering pet amenities, which include dog butlers, a special “canine delights” menu, massages, and doga (dog yoga).
room
Suites are appointed with elegant contemporary Mexican furnishings and include upscale touches like wood-burning fireplaces and personalized telescopes for stargazing or seasonal whale watching.
Welcoming amenities include a hand-painted bottle of premium Clase Azul tequila.
bathroom
Bathrooms are larger than the average studio apartment, with exquisite details like moon or mermaid shaped door handles crafted by famed Mexican artist and sculptor Sergio Bustamante. Indoor and outdoor showers, jacuzzi tubs, and beautifully appointed vanity tables are among the other luxurious comforts.
lobby
An enormous palapa roof supported by classical columns shades the lobby. Despite its unique architectural pastiche, and the stylish Mexican furnishings and accents, the lobby is little more than a waiting area for valet and taxi service. All check-ins are done in the guest suites.
pool
The main pool, an infinity edge with spectacular Sea of Cortés views, is tended by pool butlers, who cool down guests with misted Evian or cold towels, and offer everything from sunscreen and lounge chair adjustments to reading material and food and beverage service.
Pools are in no short supply. Every building has one, and so do each of the 12 villas. The infinity pool that wraps around the Ty Warner mansion is 328-feet long.
spa
Restorative therapies and rituals at The Spa at Las Ventanas are based on the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Special treatments are available for couples, children, and expectant mothers.
gym
The air-conditioned, 2,900 square foot fitness facility features Technogym equipment, as well as two personal trainers for customized workouts. Tips and lessons are also available from the on-site tennis pro.
dining
Although born in France, Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset has achieved an impressive mastery of Mexican cuisine, which he displays nightly in El Restaurante, the resort’s simply named signature restaurant. The seafood-focused Sea Grill and wine pairing specialist La Cava (the Wine Cellar) also offer superb fare.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Las Ventanas al Paraíso is set in the tourist corridor at Cabo Real, so walking is not an option. Public bus service is readily available to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, but is an unlikely choice for the resort’s well-heeled clientele. Taxi service or rental cars are the preferred transportation modes, with the latter recommended for leisurely explorations of regional destinations and attractions.
Restaurants
Neighboring resort Paradisus Los Cabos is home to Gastro Bar by Martin Berasategui, the Basque restaurateur who has been awarded eight total Michelin stars, the record for a Spanish chef.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The pet-friendly touches are extraordinary but pale in comparison to the sybaritic indulgences which await two-legged guests. Las Ventanas al Paraíso is one of the few five-star resorts in Los Cabos, and in fact set the standard for the region’s unique brand of barefoot luxury during the 1990s, when the property was managed by legendary hotelier Edward Steiner.
QUICK FACTS
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