Welcome to Fashion’s Finest Stays, a journey sequence the place we lend our fashion-editor POV to the world of hospitality. Here, we’ll offer you unique insider entry to the world’s most famed lodges and resorts, uncovering each element you’d ever need to know earlier than you e-book.
For so long as I can bear in mind, Las Ventanas al Paraíso has been on the prime of my resort and resort bucket checklist. The first time I laid eyes on photographs of it, I used to be blown away by the putting structure of the property, and I can now say that it is much more beautiful in individual. After staying at Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya for my honeymoon and once more earlier this 12 months, I used to be keen to go to one other Rosewood property in Mexico, as my expertise there was nothing wanting magical. My husband and I simply returned from a four-night mid-October keep at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, and I had to share my takeaways, as I documented each second from my time on the enchanting seaside resort.
One of the numerous issues Las Ventanas is thought for is being a widespread trip spot for celebrities. Cabo San Lucas is simply a 2.5-hour flight from Los Angeles, which has made the resort metropolis a widespread trip vacation spot for Southern California residents. I did a little recon, and over time, among the noteworthy visitors who’ve been mentioned to keep at Las Ventanas embody Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, Jessica Alba, Sofia Richie, Kourtney Kardashian, Charlize Theron, Justin Timberlake, and Cameron Diaz. And most lately, my sleuthing expertise helped me to immediately acknowledge it because the backdrop to Selena Gomez’s bachelorette journey photographs.
So what’s it like to keep at Las Ventanas al Paraíso as a non-celebrity who resides on the East Coast? Read on to discover out, from the restaurant reservations to e-book to the highest spa therapy, to what to pack.
Las Ventanas is located in Los Cabos, a resort area between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo on the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Opening in 1997, it was the primary of 4 Rosewood properties in Mexico, and the thrill surrounding it has by no means light over the previous 28 years. Upon touchdown at San José del Cabo International Airport, it is simply a fast 25-minute drive to paradise. Speaking of, Las Ventanas al Paraíso interprets to “the window to paradise”, and the property captures this sentiment superbly. In lieu of a signal, the doorway is marked by a delicate window of kinds that leads you to the grand but completely elegant entrance.
When you drive up to the open-air foyer, you are greeted by a four-piece mariachi band, which serenades every new arrival all through the day. It’s a pleasant welcome to say the least. Also there to greet you (with a beverage, I would add) is your private butler, who’s there all through your keep to prepare and help with something you could possibly probably want.
The very first thing I seen concerning the resort was the putting structure and seamless approach through which the ocean, sand, and sky are included into the property’s design. With its Spanish colonial type and whitewashed sand-colored buildings and sidewalks that mimic the desert flooring, the resort has a luxurious conventional Mexican really feel, fused with a Mediterranean one. Palm bushes and cacti co-exist on the property, and Torote bushes, a native desert plant, are used all through the grounds to dramatic impact. The buildings are designed in a approach that the resort steadily reveals itself as you enter and meander round. Even the bottoms of the swimming pools change colours to complement the sky all through the day. (Tip: Be positive to try the paintings, because it’s an integral a part of the decor and every bit is by a Mexican artist.)
Las Ventanas, which is located on the Sea of Cortez, has eight distinctive swimming pools to select from. There are 4 eating places (together with different eating experiences and poolside choices), a holistic spa, a salon, an expansive 24-hour health heart (that additionally presents lessons and personal coaching), a wine cellar, and a speakeasy. To sum it up, you definitely do not want to go away the property.
The query I all the time need to know is that if somebody would keep at a resort or resort once more, and my reply on this case is sure, with out hesitation. Las Ventanas al Paraiso is such a particular, lovely place, and the service and on-property facilities make it much more of a splurge-worthy vacation spot. I seen numerous teams, households, and {couples} celebrating particular events throughout my keep, which additional proved that it is the preferrred place to journey to for a momentous event—or deal with your self to some relaxation and rest in probably the most excellent of settings. If you are questioning what time of 12 months to plan your journey, late fall and winter are your finest bets. The climate is ideal and rain-free, there’s much less seaside erosion, and the resort plans a slew of actions for visitors throughout the season. That mentioned, the climate in Baja California Sur is fairly nice year-round, and Las Ventanas employees goes above and past to make day by day particular, so you actually cannot go unsuitable.
While there is no scarcity of issues to do at Las Ventanas, rest is the primary objective. My husband and I like to preserve considerably busy after we journey, and this itinerary is comparable to ours throughout the keep (with a few issues throw in that I’d like to do subsequent time). We deliberate forward with eating, spa, and exercise preparations, however when you desire a extra spontaneous agenda, your butlers and the concierge staff are there to help at a moments discover.
With 84 suites and standalone villas, Las Ventanas al Paraíso has a noticeably intimate really feel. The property is spacious sufficient to by no means really feel crowded within the least, however all the pieces is definitely walkable out of your suite or villa. We stayed in a pretty Oceanview Rooftop Terrace Junior Suite, and given the way in which through which Las Ventanas is designed, you might have a view of the sprawling multi-level resort in addition to the Sea of Cortez, and it is breathtaking.
Check-in takes place in your suite, and also you’re welcomed with snacks, a batch of margaritas, and a bottle of the resort’s signature tequila. Indoor-outdoor residing is prioritized in every suite and villa, and sq. footage for the suites begins at 960, so spacious is an understatement. With wooden beams and conventional Mexican decor, the rooms really feel cozy and romantic, with every that includes a hearth and a huge bathtub. If you are going to order room service, the perfect place to get pleasure from it’s in your terrace.
During my keep, I toured one of many 12 standalone villas and was blown away. Each oceanfront villa has an expansive infinity pool and a full kitchen. This one had a non-public gymnasium and one of many largest loos I’ve ever laid eyes on—actually. But probably the most decadent lodging of all of them is the Ty Warner Mansion, a 28,000 sq. foot residence that is considered one of Las Ventanas’ many claims to fame.
A keep at Las Ventanas al Paraíso is not full with out a go to to the spa. In conserving with the remainder of the resort, the spa amenities are indoor-outdoor. You may simply spend the higher a part of the day on the lush holistic spa, stress-free within the sauna, steam room, and hydro-therapy and chilly plunge swimming pools. The Four Elements therapy menu is impressed by the traditional healers of Baja, and makes use of the powers of earth, air, hearth, and water for its distinctive choices.
Our therapy started with the Holistic Twilight Ceremony within the picturesque thatched-canopy rest space. The purifying and cleaning ritual was adopted from the traditional shamans of Baja, and I discover that having an expertise that is signature to the area is so particular. You shut your eyes and are surrounded by instrumental harmonies and sage smoke, and an eagle feather is used to drive detrimental vitality out of your physique. It was a feast for the senses, to say the least, and in contrast to something I’ve ever skilled at a spa. From there, we had been introduced to a standalone spa villa the place we had been handled to a stress-free foot scrub within the connecting non-public backyard. It ended with the most effective massages I can recall in my lifetime.
Something I appreciated concerning the varied eating choices at Las Ventanas was how vastly completely different an expertise each supplied. Our first cease was at Sea Grill, the beachside restaurant with a laid-back really feel and a plethora of mouthwatering seafood choices. Be positive to order the ceviche of the day, because it’s maybe the perfect ceviche you may ever have, and I’ve thought concerning the lobster tacos every day since I left. Sea Grill additionally serves the primary pool space and is open all through the day and night time. The breakfast menu is full of scrumptious wholesome choices.
In the identical space of the resort, overlooking the beautiful signature infinity pool and the enduring Tree of Love is Alebrije. It’s the right setting for the trendy Italian delicacies, and I discovered it to be probably the most romantic restaurant on the property (though it was a very shut name). A guitar duo serenades the diners all through the night time (which I cherished listening to from our suite). Each desk is offered with smoked focaccia in a glass dome, and that is the one approach I need my focaccia any further. Be positive to save room for the tiramisu, which is ready tableside. In the morning, Alebrije is the place to go for conventional Mexican breakfast choices, and the tortillas are made recent alongside the diners.
A spotlight of a keep at Las Ventanas is undoubtedly dinner at Arbol, the place you go to dine on Asian-style coastal delicacies in a jaw-dropping setting. Just previous the lazy river (extra on that later) is the glittering restaurant with lanterns and candles in every single place you look. The atmosphere is nothing wanting impeccable. The menu presents a plethora of choices, from sushi to tandoori dishes to caviar to curry. The hardest half was selecting what to order, and I may have dined there every day and had a utterly completely different meal. It was straightforward to see why Arbol is a present recipient of the distinguished Michelin Guide recognition. During the winter months, there’s a signature Omakase Del Mar expertise, through which the chef guides you thru a multi-course meal with bespoke sake pairings.
A extra informal choice is Tequila & Ceviche Bar, which is located on a increased degree of the resort close to the spa. This can also be the place the non-public tequila tastings are held. I ordered a mezcal cocktail known as Salsa Verde, which I extremely advocate. The menu contains ceviches (naturally), tostados, tiraditos, and sushi, however I used to be instructed to order one of many poke bowls. I’m very glad I listened. Pro tip: If you do not finish your meal with the churros, you may remorse it.
Lastly, an IYKYK spot (our driver from the airport to the resort gave us the heads up) was the taco bar alongside the lazy river. There, tiki cocktails, an assortment of conventional tacos, and rolled ice cream are on supply, and it was the right poolside lunch.
I needed to spotlight Las Ventanas at night time as a result of the resort utterly transforms after the solar units, and I regarded ahead to it every day. It’s clear that the lighting design of the property was painstakingly thought-about—it actually glowed from the numerous candles and strategically positioned comfortable lighting.
The factor to do post-dinner is pay a go to to the on-site speakeasy, La Botica. You enter the prohibition-themed house by way of a secret doorway, and one of many first belongings you’ll discover is the stage and dance flooring. This is not the place for a quiet, stress-free cocktail (talking of, the menu of traditional and signature cocktails was spot-on). There’s a resident Cuban-style band (and dancers!) that places on fairly the present every night time. It’s a high-energy expertise with loads of viewers participation, and it is just about not possible not to have enjoyable.
If you go to the resort between November and May, there’s a Sunset Bar arrange on the seaside that is a nice choice for a seaside cocktail and bites.
You may simply chill out by the pool all day, however there are many different choices when you search selection whereas vacationing. But first, let’s talk about these swimming pools. The lineup contains the primary Beach Pool overlooking the ocean, two adults-only swimming pools, the Whale’s Tail pool (named after its form), and the Lazy River and Oasis Pool. The meandering Lazy River was designed with adults in thoughts (kids are, in fact, welcome), that includes a swim-up tiki bar and a stress-free vibe.
Signature Cabo experiences, comparable to scuba diving, non-public yacht charters, ATV excursions, and golf, are on supply by way of the resort. We selected to go horseback driving on the seaside simply earlier than the solar began to set. There are additionally luxurious seaside cabanas which can be arrange for a lot of the 12 months, with a non-public plunge pool and jacuzzis, welcome drinks, and even non-public showers. Other choices embody a non-public dinner and film on the seaside, portray at sundown, and wine dinners within the on-site wine cellar, La Cava. The resort additionally plans an array of particular occasions for individuals who select to spend the vacations at Las Ventanas.
The 5-star service at Rosewood properties is unmatched, and the model prides itself on that. You can inform that the employees makes a level to get to know its visitors and anticipate their each want throughout their keep. Everyone we met was so genuinely variety. (The incontrovertible fact that the employees members waved goodbye to us upon trying out till our automotive to the airport disappeared made it much more tragic to go away.)
In your room, you may discover a seaside tote for every visitor to use throughout your keep, and there is sunscreen and a private bottle of chilled Evian mist at each pool. Turndown service was a deal with every night time, as you may come again to discover aromatherapy candles lit, your swimsuits folded, conventional Mexican María dolls by your mattress, and so they even go away stitching kits to complement the colours of your wardrobe.
You’ll discover that love may be very a lot prioritized on the resort, making it a widespread engagement, marriage ceremony, and honeymoon vacation spot. Glass hearts hold from the resort’s putting artifical bushes, and you will find them used as accents within the decor when you look intently. (Fun truth: Las Ventanas even has a romance division.)
Something you may undoubtedly need to try throughout your keep are the outlets. Instead of only one reward store, there are a number of, every with a completely different theme—from residence décor handmade by Mexican artisans to a kids’s retailer to a flower store. The most important reward store was stocked with stylish gadgets comparable to Celine sun shades, Lemlem swimwear, and Nick Fouquet hats. Las Ventanas typically companions with designers for collaborations—be looking out for one with Weezie this vacation season, which is certain to be stylish and cute.
When it comes to wardrobe, the aesthetic at Las Ventanas al Paraíso is elegant, beachy resortwear. Many of the resort’s visitors are California-based, and I seen a stylish Malibu vibe to a lot of the apparel. During the day, I noticed plenty of bikinis with crochet or linen coverups, typically paired with designer equipment. In the night, maxi and mini clothes paired with heels or stylish flat sandals had been the go-to. Guests actually embrace the chance to gown up for dinner at Las Ventanas.
Since I introduced solely a carry-on suitcase (who has time for bags declare?), I had to be inventive with what I packed. Luckily, my silk Reformation items and linen Posse gadgets took up minimal baggage house. I by some means managed to pack three baggage, together with my go-to The Row ’90s bag and Prada raffia tote, and 4 pairs of sneakers, together with woven Simon Miller heels, Ancient Greek Sandals jelly flip-flops, and Hermès slides.
For daytime, I packed my favourite Hunza G, Onia, and Reformation swimsuits, and paired them with denim or linen shorts or outsized button-downs on most days. Heaven Mayhem sun shades and Polo Ralph Lauren baseball caps additionally make it into my seaside tote. Since it was technically the center of fall, I stored that in thoughts when packing and selected issues comparable to this olive inexperienced lace-trimmed Reformation gown. Without the necessity for useful gadgets, it was undoubtedly an pleasant journey to pack for.
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