LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO - A ROSEWOOD RESORT
Los Cabos, located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsular is a perfect escape for the luxury traveller. A captivating destination where the dramatic desert landscape meets the rugged coastline. The resort corridor that links the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is home to some of the world’s finest resorts, but for the ultimate splurge one excels above them all, the truly remarkable Las Ventanas al Paraiso – A Rosewood Resort. The experience begins as soon as you touch down, with a luxury 25 minute private airport transfer to the resort where check-in, Las Ventanas style, begins. Nothing says “welcome” like a premium tequila infused margarita followed by a tension easing 10 minute neck and shoulder massage in the spa. Note to self, best arrival ever and this would set the tone for what was to come.
Renowned as the pinnacle of ultra-lux resorts, the much lauded Las Ventanas al Paraiso has long been the secret getaway for many A-list celebs and well-heeled luxury travelers in the know. Yes, Cabo is exploding with construction of new mega-sized, high-end properties but what many elite travelers demand in addition to 5-star facilities, is exclusivity, privacy and well-honed service. Well, at just 83 lavish suits and villas, manned by a staggering 500 plus staff catering to the every whim of its guests, all boxes are ticked. It’s no surprise that the percentage of repeat guests is a staggering 43% and that the same guests return year after year. My mission was to see if Las Ventanas al Paraiso still lived up to its stellar reputation and whether it still set the standard in lieu of the increase in 5-star competition.
This is an all-suite property and quite simply, all categories are breath-taking. There no rooms to avoid here, trust me. We were here to review and road test a lead-in, junior suite, measuring in at a generous 960 sq.ft and comparable to the highest suite category of a number of competitors. Whether you are traveling as a couple or bringing extended family, Las Ventanas al Paraiso has a suite or villa that will easily meet all of your requirements. They all share a consistent interior design and feel, adorned with exquisite hand carved furniture that showcases the best of Mexican craftsmanship, intricate tiling and precious local artwork. High pitched exposed ceilings with white plastered walls maximizes the sense of space and generously sized bathrooms certainly have the wow factor. Dedicated “his and hers” separate areas pleased my wife no end as did the super-sized marble shower and a sunken spa bath for two - Bvlgari toiletries were also a nice touch. Signature suite touches include the much photographed, hand carved beds and a cute adobe fire places for enjoying a romantic winter nights and of course a telescope for star gazing or whale watching if you’re visiting between January and March. The villas take all this to the next level both in size and opulence with private pools and views to die for. Expansive patios and grounds allow for ample outdoor entertaining or relaxation. In fact, many of the villas are so lavish, that even at near capacity the resort feels serene and very exclusive as many guests prefer not to leave the confines of their piece of paradise.
The suites certainly showcase the vibrant colors and culture of the region and are in keeping with Rosewood’s “Sense of Place” philosophy, where each of their properties is painstakingly designed in great detail to carefully reflect and evoke the essence of the location. I love that each Rosewood Resort is so unique and has its own local flavor, unlike some other 5-star cookie cutter type properties that end up all looking much the same, regardless of the location. Ty Warner, the billionaire owner of the resort also shares his love of fine art with intriguing pieces placed throughout the property for all the guests to enjoy.
When it comes to cuisine, you are spoilt for choice with 4 tempting options. El Restaurante sits poolside and is under the helm of Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset. An inventive menu awaits, with bold flavors that celebrate the culinary traditions of Mexico, including the fire-roasting techniques of “Cocina del Fuego”. The Tequila & Ceviche Bar, a personal favorite, with the one-on-one blind tasting with a tequila master was a must do. Here you will learn which tequila best fits your personality and excites your taste buds. Sea Grill is a great open air spot for lunch or dinner, located at the sands edge with the Sea of Cortez as your backdrop. Fresh produce is the hero here, simply prepared and grilled in addition to tasty traditional Mexican dishes. For an unique and oh so romantic dining experience, a booking at the resorts’ intimate and rather exclusive wine cellar, La Cava, is in order. Dine surrounded by thousands of bottles of fine wine, where the Executive Chef will create a personalized five course menu tailored just for you, with masterful wine pairings surrounded by twinkling lights.
If your luxury escape includes leaving the confines of your fabulous suite or villa, the resorts facilities will not disappoint. A myriad of inviting infinity edge pools snake their way around the finely manicured grounds with designated adult only areas ensuring maximum relaxation. Pool butlers are always at hand with mists of frosted Evian spray and sorbets to cool you down from the ever present Mexican sunshine. A trip to the spa beckons after an exhausting afternoon of pampering by the pool and the neck massage teaser upon arrival was enough for me wanting more. For the more active, any number of activities can be arranged including “Once-in-a-Lifetime” experiences that are a specialty of the resort. How about a romantic private champagne sunset cruise aboard the Las Ventanas luxury 60ft yacht followed by a candle-lit dinner for two on the sand, then sit back and watch your private fireworks display? You imagine it and it’s very likely they can make it happen. If you really want to splurge, then book The Ty Warner Mansion. A 28,000-square-foot masterpiece which could quite possibly take the title as the world’s finest beachfront villa. Nothing prepares you for the sheer opulence created by renowned architect Jorge Torres with interiors by Robert Couturier, including an exquisite 6 million piece mosaic floor and yes, all laid by hand. At US$35,000 per night plus taxes, you will pay handsomely for the privilege of such exclusivity and extravagance.
Of course no elite property can earn such a mantle without having an unwavering commitment to the smallest of details and delivering consistent excellence in customer service. It may well be the service that ultimately helps distinguish Las Ventanas Paraiso from its peers and a key reason their stellar list of previous guests call Las Ventanas Paraiso home year after year. Gracious and welcoming at every turn and pre-empting the every need of guests takes skill and dedication that most properties simply can't grasp or execute. In summary, this property is a master class on how a luxury resort should be, a class act in every way and still without peer. Not just the finest luxury resort in Mexico, but quite possibly the world. Las Ventanas Paraiso certainly sets the benchmark and was an absolute privilege to experience. Managing Director Frederick Vidal should be commended, his passion and ability to motivate and lead such an exceptional team and maintain such high standards year in year out is simply outstanding.
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