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Waldorf Astoria Cancun Review
Experience unparalleled luxury and elegance at Waldorf Astoria Cancun, a world-class resort nestled along the pristine shores of Cancun's turquoise waters.
Our Verdict
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a luxurious beachfront resort located in Cancun, Mexico about 25 minutes outside of the tourist zone. The resort is situated on a stretch of pristine white sand beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The hotel features an elegant and modern design that seamlessly blends Mexican culture and contemporary luxury.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun sits near Bahia Petempich Beach which is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, near the town of Puerto Morelos. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and lush tropical vegetation.
Bahia Petempich Beach is a quieter and less crowded option compared to other beaches in the area, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful and secluded beach experience. Its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula.
It was a short drive only about 15 minutes from the Cancun International (CUN) airport to the turn off the highway into the resort complex where Waldorf Astoria Cancun is located. And then it was about a 5-6 minute drive all the way to the back of the complex to arrive at Waldorf.
The front drive of this resort is gorgeous with a large water feature and reflecting pond in the center of the front drive and these massive wooden doors that take you into the lobby.
And as soon as you go through the massive doors, be prepared to be wowed as you are greeted by this grand lobby including the signature Waldorf Astoria clock right in front of you. Welcome to the Jewel of Cancun.
This review is based on our personal stay in March of 2023. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at Waldorf Astoria Cancun when you book through Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive complimentary benefits such as hotel/resort credits, daily breakfast, room upgrades and more.
For a limited time get the 4th night free plus an additional resort credit of $150 USD for rooms and $300 USD for suites. Must book by June 30, 2023 for stays from January 1, 2023 - December 20, 2023 (blackout dates apply).
Our Room
During our stay we stayed in an Ocean Front Suite with King Bed. All of the rooms and suites at Waldorf Astoria Cancun are very luxurious and offer ocean views, balconies and soaking tubs.
The Ocean Front Suite has extra space at over 1,000 square feet with the convenience of a half bath off the living room. And like a one bedroom suite, there was separation from the living room and bedroom. The living room had a relaxing oversized sofa and table for two. The bedroom also features a sitting area.
Overall the rooms feel very high quality, but with subtle touches of Mexico such as bright colorful artwork to remind you of the destination.
The bathroom in our suite was super luxurious with lots of marble, dual sinks, a space to sit down and do makeup or hair and the glass enclosed shower over looking the balcony.
The shower was very good sized and offered a waterfall rain head from the ceiling along with a handheld. The only complaint was that there didn’t seem to be air conditioning in the shower so it did feel quite hot in there no matter the temperature of the water.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun features Vervan toiletries. These are local products from Mexico that are all natural, cruelty free, biodegradable and more. They were green tea, mint and ginger scented which smelled quite nice and left your skin feeling great.
It’s worth mentioning that all rooms and suites have an ocean view, a hair dyer, iron and ironing board, balcony, Nespresso machine, mini bar and more.
Amenities
Whether you’re looking to spend time at the beach, the pool, the spa or the fitness center, there is something for everyone at Waldorf Astoria Cancun.
During our stay, the red tide was pretty bad, but it wasn’t just at Waldorf Astoria Cancun, it was bad at all of the resorts we visited in the Riviera Maya area.
Waldorf Astoria Spa Cancun is a magical enclave that truly connects you with nature and provides a transformative experience by providing holistic well-being by combining innovation with traditional Mayan culture. Their whole spa is inspired by the connection between the Yaxché or Tree of Life for the Mayan culture.
The spa is absolutely stunning from the facilities in the locker rooms to the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit to the treatment cabins. Your wellness escape awaits.
The pools at Waldorf Astoria Cancun are infinity edge and face the ocean. There is an upper pool closer to the building and the lower pool closer to the beach. Both pools offer a great place to rest, relax and soak up the sun.
During our stay we spent time at the pool. And the staff at the pool is absolutely amazing, The service was very attentive and very quick. It only took about 5 minutes to get drinks and the pool was fairly busy. They do have sun beds that are first-come-first-serve and cabanas for rent.
And if you’re looking for something more adventurous than lounging at the pool, beach or going to the spa, the concierge can arrange tons of activities and experiences.
Waldorf Astoria Spa Cancun is a magical and unique enclave that provides an authentic and transformative experience to our guests, focused on their holistic well-being by combining innovation with the tradition of the Mayan Culture. Timeless and free-spirited, with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, Waldorf Astoria Spa Cancun reinvents the spa experience, incorporating locally sourced oils and fresh herbs from the garden, with healing crystals and the most innovative products to take you in a magical journey of transformation and enlightenment. Our signature spa experience is inspired by the connection between the Yaxché or Tree of Life for the Mayan culture, with the use of the healing stones and the Mayan cosmovision.
While we didn’t have a treatment at Waldorf Astoria Cancun Spa, we did use the spa facilities including sauna and steam in the locker room and the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit.
Dining
Waldorf Astoria Cancun offers a variety of dining options, including a seafood restaurant, a modern Mexican restaurant, and the pool bar with stunning panoramic views. There are a total of 5 food and beverage outlets on property at Waldorf Astoria Cancun.
Breakfast each day is served at Chaya which is also open for dinner. Breakfast is a super casual and relaxed atmosphere. For breakfast we tried the chilaquiles (these are a must), pancakes, American breakfast and more.
For dinner we dined at Ja’o (modern Mexican cuisine) one night and the tacos and margaritas were excellent. This restaurant has great ambiance and blends the indoor with the outdoors.
And lastly we dined at Chaya for dinner our last night. They were having an Italian theme night, which during a long length of stay or just for something different was a nice change of pace.
Service
Like any new property, it’s hard to open and have top-notch service within the first year. But we were super impressed by the service we encountered at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. Everyone from the bell staff, to front desk, to housekeeping, to waitstaff was all very friendly, helpful and accommodating.
In fact, one night at dinner we asked what other desserts were possible because we didn’t see anything on the menu that looked good. They asked what we had in mind, we told we wanted Tres Leches and they made it happen. Luxury is learning how to not say no.
Overall Impression
Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a hidden gem. This new luxury resort will cater to those wanting a quick weekend escape, to couples, families, honeymooners and anyone else seeing a true luxury five-star experience who doesn’t want to spend nearly an hour in the car going to other Riviera Maya properties.
We would go back to Waldorf Astoria Cancun in a heartbeat. In fact it will become a resort that we frequent.
Extra Perks
And don’t forget, when you book Waldorf Astoria Cancun with Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive a $100 USD equivalent resort credit (once per stay) to use on dining or spa treatments, daily breakfast for two and a room upgrade (if available at the time of check-in).
For a limited time get the 4th night free plus an additional resort credit of $150 USD for rooms and $300 USD for suites. Must book by June 30, 2023 for stays from January 1, 2023 - December 20, 2023 (blackout dates apply).
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas Review
Looking for the ultimate luxury escape? Look no further than Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas! This stunning resort offers world-class amenities, including private beaches, multiple infinity pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and gourmet dining options.
Our Verdict
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas Review
The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a true gem in the Baja California Sur region of Mexico. Upon driving into the Costa Palmas development and driving up the driveway to the resort, we knew we were in for a luxurious and memorable stay.
The resort is located on the stunning East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas’ location offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The resort's architecture is modern and sleek, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that blends perfectly with the natural beauty of the area.
The resort is about a 90 minute drive from the Los Cabos International Airport.
As soon as we pulled up to the pick-up and drop-off area, we were greeted by their friendly staff who offered us a refreshing welcome drink and a warm introduction. The check-in process was quick and efficient, and we were soon escorted to our suite.
This review is based on our personal stay in January of 2023. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, when you book through Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive complimentary Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits such as hotel/resort credits, daily breakfast, room upgrades and more.
Our Room
During our stay at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas we stayed in one of the Executive Ocean View Suites with Plunge Pools. The suite itself is simply stunning. The suite is an open layout with a combined bedroom and living room.
The spacious living area is elegantly furnished with comfortable seating and beautiful artwork. The large floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of the ocean and flood the room with natural light. There's also a dining area with a small table which is perfect for enjoying meals in the privacy of your own suite which we did take advantage of this our first evening at the resort after a long travel day.
The bedroom is equally impressive, with a king-sized bed that's incredibly comfortable and that plush Four Seasons bedding we’ve come to love that feels like you're sleeping on a cloud. The room also has its own balcony, which is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise over the ocean or you can simply open the blinds and enjoy the sunrise from bed.
The bathroom is a work of art in itself, with marble floors and walls, a deep soaking tub, and a spacious shower. There are also double sinks and plenty of storage space for your toiletries.
And one of the standout features of the executive ocean view suite is the private infinity pool. The pool is situated on the balcony and is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The pool is heated, so even if the weather isn't quite warm enough, you can still take a dip.
Amenities
Of course, the room/suite is just one aspect of the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas experience. From exquisite dining options to stunning recreational activities, this resort has everything you need to unwind and rejuvenate.
Let's explore some of the amenities that make this resort a must-visit destination.
From an outdoor lap pool to an adult-only sanctuary, the Four Seasons Resort Los cabos at Costa Palmas collection of six pools offers refreshment, relaxation and pampering all day.
And if you’re a beach person, the beach here is an absolute dream with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft sandy shores. Whether you're looking to relax and soak up the sun or take a dip in the refreshing ocean, this is the perfect spot for a beach day.
The resort boasts a world-class spa that promises to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.
The spa at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is designed to provide guests with a tranquil and relaxing environment. The spa's decor is inspired by the natural beauty of Baja California, with earthy tones and natural materials creating a sense of calm and serenity. The spa's layout is also designed to ensure maximum privacy and seclusion, with private treatment rooms that offer breathtaking views of the ocean.
The spa menu at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas features a range of treatments that draw on traditional healing practices from around the world. The spa's signature treatments include the Sea of Cortez Ritual, which uses indigenous ingredients to detoxify and nourish the skin, and the Four Seasons Ultimate Massage, which combines Swedish, Thai, and Shiatsu techniques to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
In addition to its signature treatments, the spa at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas also offers a range of facials, body treatments, and massages. Guests can choose from a variety of massage styles, including deep tissue, hot stone, and aromatherapy, or opt for a custom massage that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
One of the standout features of the spa at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is its hydrotherapy circuit. The circuit includes a sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, and hot tub, as well as an experiential shower that provides a range of water sensations. Guests can move through the circuit at their own pace, using each facility to relax and unwind.
And when you need to work up a sweat, get your workout on in style at the fitness center of Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas! With state-of-the-art equipment and stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, you'll feel energized and motivated to reach your fitness goals. The gym was well appointed with a cardio room, weight room and a lap pool.
The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offers an array of recreational activities for guests of all ages. From water sports like surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding to land activities like tennis, hiking, and biking, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The resort offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a kids' club and a family pool. Parents can also take advantage of the resort's babysitting services and enjoy some alone time while their kids are entertained.
Finally the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas features a private marina that offers a range of activities, including fishing, yachting, and snorkeling. Guests can also take advantage of the marina's boat rentals and explore the Sea of Cortez at their leisure.
Dining
If you're looking for a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience, the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas has a variety of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. The resort is situated on a beautiful stretch of coastline on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. The restaurants at the resort provide the perfect complement to the stunning scenery, serving up delicious cuisine and cocktails in elegant settings.
Estiatorio Milos is a fine-dining Greek restaurant that offers fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The restaurant features an open-air dining room with ocean views, a beautiful bar area, and an outdoor terrace with a fire pit. Estiatorio Milos is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers, as it offers a wide selection of fresh, locally-sourced fish.
Casa de Brasa is a casual dining restaurant that offers grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables in a beautiful outdoor setting. The restaurant features a large wood-burning grill, where chefs prepare the dishes using traditional Mexican techniques. The restaurant also has a tequila and mezcal bar, offering a wide selection of premium spirits.
Limon is the resort's all-day dining restaurant, offering a variety of international cuisine. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the resort's lush gardens and pool. The menu includes a range of dishes, from healthy salads to indulgent pastries and desserts.
El Puesto is a casual Mexican restaurant that offers a range of traditional dishes, including tacos, ceviche, and guacamole. The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor terrace with views of the Sea of Cortez, as well as a bar that serves up a variety of tequilas and mezcals.
Bar Rita is the resort's poolside bar and restaurant, serving up refreshing cocktails and light bites. The bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable seating and views of the resort's infinity pool and the Sea of Cortez. The menu includes a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a selection of frozen cocktails and premium spirits. And the pool nachos, easily some of the best nachos we’ve ever had at a resort!
And one of our favorite meals we had while at the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas was at Mozza Baja. Mozza Baja is located in the Costa Palmas development and is about a 10 minute boat ride from the resort. Mozza brings the relaxed vibe of Los Angeles and a distinct Baja spirit to the East Cape. The multi-dimensional eatery is the perfect blend of Osteria Mozza, Pizza Mozza and chi SPACCA, and an inimitable East Cape flare that focuses on tantalizing seafood, fresh produce, and outstanding provisions of the area.
Overall, the restaurants at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offer a wide range of dining experiences, from casual poolside bites to fine-dining seafood. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner with ocean views or a casual lunch with friends, you'll find something to suit your tastes at this stunning resort.
Service
The service at the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas was top notch. Every staff member we interacted with was helpful and friendly and exactly what we would expect when staying at any Four Seasons Hotel or Resort. And of course one of the best things about a stay as the Four Seasons is the ability to use their app to make immediate requests.
Overall Impression
The Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a world class resort located in East Cape of the Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The resort is beautiful, the service is excellent and the resort offers a range of amenities to satisfy any and all of your possible needs.
We are already looking forward to planning a return visit to one of our new favorite resorts in Mexico.
Extra Perks
And don’t forget, when you book the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costas Palmas with Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive complimentary Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits like a room upgrade, resort credits and more.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Review
If you're looking for a luxurious eco-conscious retreat, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the perfect destination. Located on the breathtaking island of Kauai in Hawaii, this hotel is committed to sustainability and connecting guests with the natural world.
Our Verdict
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Review
Updated - 12/20/23
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a luxurious eco-conscious hotel located on the picturesque island of Kauai in Hawaii. The hotel is committed to sustainability and aims to connect guests with the natural world through its design, amenities, and services.
Up to $500 USD Resort Credit + Virtuoso Benefits
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See Details Below
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Up to $500 USD Resort Credit + Virtuoso Benefits - See Details Below -
Hanalei Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful natural bay located on the north shore of Kauai, one of the Hawaiian Islands. The bay is approximately two miles long and half a mile wide, and is surrounded by verdant mountains and lush tropical vegetation.
The bay's crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, and the beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing and relaxing. The soft golden sand is ideal for a long walk, and beachgoers can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and the bay.
From the moment you drive up to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and step foot ini the sanctuary (lobby), you’re struck by the hotel's commitment to sustainability and the natural world. If you know one thing about 1 Hotels as a brand is they are know for sustainable luxury. The decor was minimalistic yet luxurious, with an emphasis on organic materials and earthy colors.
The resort is built into the hillside which is how they get around the Hawaiian rule of no buildings taller than the tallest coconut tree. While compact, the resort can be challenging to navigate until you get the hang of it. There are two sets of elevators. The first set you access in the Sanctuary which is located on the 9th floor. The gym and access to the adults-only pool are through these elevators in the sanctuary and are on level 8. If you want to go to the beachfront pool, you need to take the main elevators in the sanctuary down to level 5, walk down the hallway and then take another elevator down to level 1. See map below.
This review is based on our personal stay in March of 2023. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, when you book through Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive complimentary benefits such as hotel/resort credits, daily breakfast, room upgrades and more.
For a limited time get an additional resort credit + Virtuoso Benefits. For stays up to 3 nights receive a $100 USD resort credit, for stays 3+ nights get a $400 USD resort credit, for stay of 5+ nights get a $1,00 USD resort credit. Must book by December 31, 2024 for stays from January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 (blackout dates apply).
Our Room
During our stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay we stayed in one of the One Bedroom Suites. These suites features a separate bedroom and living room. They also have access to the toilet and a sink that is separate from the bedroom and bathroom.
The large picturesque windows offer breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay and offer the perfect place to cozy up and relax.
The bathroom features lost of organic and sustainable materials such as wood, metal and stone. A majority of the bathroom walls are built from lava rock, after all you are in Hawaii.
The showers are large and equipped with rain showerheads, providing a luxurious spa-like experience. The use of natural materials such as stone and wood creates a peaceful and calming environment.
And the best feature of our room was the gorgeous lava rock freestanding soaking tub.
The hotel provides organic bath products that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a pure and rejuvenating experience. The towels and bathrobes are made from organic cotton, adding to the eco-conscious philosophy of the hotel.
1 Hotel Hanaleai Bay just like every other 1 Hotel eats, sleeps and breathes sustainability. Sustainability here is not just some marketing buzz-word. Sustainability is at the heart of everything the resort does. You can read more about 1 Hotels commitment to sustainability, here. In fact, you won’t find any single use plastics in any of the guest rooms. You’re given metal water bottles in your room and there is a filtered water tap in every room for drinking water. Our water tap was in the countertop in the living room next to the Nespresso machine.
One of the standout features is that all of the roofs are living so there is no ugly roofs to look at. This is good for the environment as it’s reducing carbon-dioxide and the living roofs help save energy costs. And if you look closely you’ll find a vegetable and herb garden that the chef uses to source ingredients from.
Amenities
The hotel's amenities were also top-notch. I loved spending time at the beachfront pool, which offered stunning views of the bay. The fitness center (powered by Alchemy) was well-equipped (even had several Peloton bikes), and offers a variety of classes, including yoga, while the spa offers a range of treatments designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
If mind and movement is your thing Anatomy fitness studio offers a spectrum of workouts, all informed by wellness practitioners and trainers. Group cycling, high-intensity whole-body workouts, sunrise meditation, breathwork and posture alignment, barre without the bar, kickboxing, Pranic healing, personal training, and beyond.
The resort features two pool areas, the beachfront pool which is for families and the adults-only infinity edge pool and jacuzzi.
During our stay we spent time at both pools and both offered a great place to relax, soak up the sun and spend time with one another. Both pools offer cabanas and pool-side food and beverage service.
There is certainly something for everyone with a full calendar of outdoor experiences, wellness experiences, and opportunities to explore the wondrous nature of Kaua’i. You’ll find everything from cooking to fitness, wildlife, music, arts and more.
And lastly the spa. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay features a Bramford Wellness Spa. Bamford Wellness is a spa devoted to nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Our holistic approach is based around a heartfelt connection with nature.
While we didn’t have a treatment during our stay, but we did visit the spa and used the steam and sauna in the locker room. All of the amenities of the spa including the locker rooms and the relaxation lounge were well equipped and beautifully designed.
Dining
Welcome to a foodie haven. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay features 7 food and beverage outlets so you certainly won’t experience fatigue on eating the same things during your stay.
We enjoyed dinner at 1 Kitchen (the main restaurant serving breakfast and dinner). The dinner we had was made from the freshest and most local ingredients. We ordered a bunch of things to share including the Milk Bread, Hamachi Crudo, New Wave Island Half Chicken (like Hawaiian BBQ chicken), and Brussels Sprouts. All of the dishes were great, the chicken was absolutely incredible. We were also celebrating a birthday, and to our surprise at the end of our meal they brought out a small birthday cake.
For more casual mornings, we enjoyed grabbing coffee, smoothies and small bites from Neighbors. Neighbors is an all-day café, market and communal gathering spot for guests and locals. This made for every leisurely and relaxing mornings after sleeping in and getting our sweat on.
And lastly you must eat at Welina Terrace. It’s known for the best sunset on Kaua’i and the food, ambiance and live entertainment lived up to the hype. The menu is modern Japanese and the sushi was excellent.
The food and beverage offering at the Sandbox down at the beachfront pool is quite good as we enjoyed tacos and margaritas when our pool day got rained out.
Service
While it’s hard to know what to expect service wise from a newly re-imagined luxury resort, we were pleasantly surprised as to how good the service was. Not saying there isn’t room for improvement, but overall the service levels experienced during our stay with housekeeping, waitstaff, bellman and everyone was warm, friendly and helpful.
Overall Impression
It’s worth noting that 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the only luxury resort on Kaua’i without resort fees or parking fees for guests. In the luxury space is easy to feel like you’re being nickled and dimed for every little thing. This is not the case at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
This is easily the nicest most luxurious resort on the whole island of Kauai and rivals some of the competitors on other neighboring islands.
We can’t wait to return to this lifestyle luxury hotel after they have had some time to get everything up and running and all the activations going.
Extra Perks
And don’t forget, when you book 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay with Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive a $100 USD equivalent resort credit (once per stay) to use on dining or spa treatments, daily breakfast for two and a room upgrade (if available at the time of check-in).
For a limited time get an additional resort credit + Virtuoso Benefits. For stays of 5+ nights get a $500 USD resort credit. That’s in addition to the the rest of our perks including daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade, if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.
Paradero Todos Santos Review
Paradero Todos Santos is a luxury resort surrounded by majestic landscapes and provides eco-friendly, farm-to-table cuisine from top chefs.
Our Verdict
Paradero Todos Santos
Paradero Todos Santos is a resort like no other. This sustainable and adventurous resort located in the middle of the desert near Todos Santos is the first resort to launch by the up and coming Paradero brand.
Todos Santos is a sleepy surf town in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The best way to get there is by flying into Los Cabos airport (SJD). To get to Paradero, you’ll go past San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Todos Santos is about an hour north, a straight shot on Highway 19, which is a very well-maintained highway. There’s plenty to do and see in the neighboring towns of Pescadero and Todos Santos, therefore we recommend renting a car so you have freedom to explore the area. You will need about $5 USD each way for tolls on Highway 19 (and the toll booth is cash only).
When we arrived at Paradero, we were overwhelmed by the design. The entire resort is an Instagram Influencer’s playground ha! But seriously, the resort is gorgeously minimalistic. The hotel is designed by architects Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo, and every detail of this space was intentionally designed in order to mesh with the surrounding scenery. From the earth-toned hues to the brutalist, two-story structures that house all of the hotel’s accommodations, the hotel’s overall aesthetic seamlessly matches the landscape, so much so, that you can barely see the hotel from the road.
This review is based on our personal stay in January of 2023. And don’t forget, if you are planning to stay at Paradero Todos Santos, when you book through Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive complimentary benefits such as hotel/resort credits, daily breakfast, room upgrades and more.
Our Room
During our stay at Paradero Todos Santos we stayed in one of the Mountain View Sky Suites. These rooftop suites have sweeping views of the surrounding farmland, the mountains, and in the distance, views of the Pacific Ocean. The bedrooms are minimalist and cozy, with air conditioning.
The open-air bathrooms are separate from the bedroom, situated across a small outdoor seating area. And while the bedroom does have air-conditioning, the windows are strategically placed within the suites to promote cross ventilation of fresh air. Translation: You’ll sleep better without any noise and light pollution!
But the best part of these suites are the rooftop, which included a “star net” which is a hammock bolted into the walls, and an entire rooftop lounge area. One evening we enjoyed sunset from the rooftop with a bottle of champagne and a fire pit which the resort graciously brought and set up for us. It made for the perfect evening.
Paradero thrives on sustainability. You’ll find pitchers of water in the room with reusable water bottles, no single use plastics which means won’t find small bottles of shampoo, a mini bar, or coffee machine in your room. In fact, you won’t see excess plastic anywhere on the property. But don’t worry, the resort lobby offers coffee every morning and iced coffee each afternoon.
And while the resort has strong wi-fi, you won’t find any TV’s at Paradero Todos Santos. If you need nightly entertainment, we’d suggest stargazing or relaxing with a great book while enjoying the beautiful scenery!
Amenities
While Paradero Todos Santos is known for their rigorous activity schedule, don’t sweat, if your idea of a vacation is to do nothing more than lounge by the pool, the Paradero’s 130-foot-long infinity pool is the perfect spot to sunbathe and enjoy a good book. And if you need to zen and relax, the Ojo de Agua Spa offers something for everyone. The transformation begins from the moment you arrive at their below-ground spa, a sunken oasis inspired by a secret watering hole in Todos Santos. You can participate in an authentic temazcal, sound healing ceremony or opt for an invigorating massage.
But the core programming at Paradero is centered around their activity calendar which consists of both complimentary and paid options. The activities are centered on the environment, from farming and gardening to hiking and biking. And there’s yoga in the morning and group meditation sessions each afternoon.
Our only warning is that if you’re looking for a full fledged gym and fitness center, you won’t find that at Paradero Todos Santos. Their gym is an open air gym with a few weights and yoga mats. Don’t worry, we still managed to get our sweat on, but if you’re looking for a full fledged workout, it’s probably better to participate in one of the resort’s scheduled fitness classes.
Dining
We spent 10 nights in Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos and one of the highlights of the trip was the food at Paradero Todos Santos. All of the food we had at Open Kitchen, the only restaurant at Paradero Totos Santos, was truly that good! The food at the Paradero Hotel’s restaurant is adventurous but also sustainable. The menu features local ingredient, many of which are grown or caught at or near the resort. That means the menu features plenty of seafood including hamachi tostadas, softshell crab tacos, among other local specialties like ceviche.
Breakfast features favorites like burritos, avocado toast and chilaquiles. The food was excellent and tip, the tortillas are freshly made every day, so those burritos are quite delicious. They also have a barista serving up locally roasted coffee and freshly squeezed juices.
And the cocktails were just as good as the food. Our favorite was probably the Mezcalita which is essentially a traditional margarita with mezcal instead of tequila. It sounds simple but the smokiness of the mezcal accentuates the tanginess of the drink and it was the perfect combo.
Service
We’d consider the Paradero Todos Santos Resort barefoot luxury. Don’t expect Four Seasons type service, but their entire staff was friendly, accommodating and helpful.
Overall Impression
As we mentioned at the beginning of the review, Paradero Todos Santos is truly a resort like no other. Combining indoor and outdoor living is at the heart of Paradero’s design. The small property will attract travelers who are interested in minimalist, sustainable luxury, as well as those who seek to experience a different side of Mexico.
To be honest, we were a bit apprehensive as this was a very different resort experience than what we were used to. But we loved our stay at Paradero Todos Santos and we will most definitely be back.
Extra Perks
And don’t forget, when you book Paradero Todos Santos with Live Luxe Travel Co., you’ll receive a $100 USD equivalent resort credit (once per stay) to use on dining or spa treatments, daily breakfast for two and a room upgrade (if available at the time of check-in).
