“It’s a veritable Pueblo Magico,” I say to myself as I step from my black car at Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol, delighted to arrive. This year-old hotel, deftly wedged along the craggy golden corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas on the Baja Peninsula, feels like an enchanting, even otherworldly place. Envisioned as a traditional Mexican village, it welcomes guests to its heart, a lively market square that lies just in front of the lobby. The bustling zócolo, rendered with contemporary elan but infused with authentic village elements, features strolling mariachi bands, an atelier with working artists, a bar, and shops. On its verges, a mango orchard and agave field connote someplace rural.
Just beyond the main building, the rest of the ritzy hotel, composed of terraced casitas and suites capped with indigenously-shaped roofs, flows down to the cobalt sea. Connected by stairways and curving paths, the pools, farm-to-market restaurants and activity areas sharpen the sense of romance, the feeling that though chic and swanky, this retreat has the semblance of a real village. Even the staff—bartenders, butlers, housekeepers, chefs—seem like affable townspeople as they welcome me like family.
For nearly two decades, the Mexican government has been busy categorizing extraordinary towns across Mexico into a captivating group called Pueblos Mágicos—magical towns. The touristic status signals that the lesser-known destinations offer beguiling traits—history, natural wonders, beauty, mystical legends, unique artisans and products—as well as much yearned for authenticity. The group currently comprises 177 worth-the-visit pueblos from Tulum to Tequila to San Luis Potosi to Cholula. They haven’t (and likely won’t) extend their list of magical villages to include hotels. But, if they did, the first resort they’d bestow with Pueblo Mágico status would be this one.
Stay
Situated about 40 minutes equidistant from Los Cabos International Airport and Cabo San Lucas International Airport, the resort benefits from its proximity to two airports, both enhanced and enlarged to welcome the burgeoning trend of arrival by private aircraft to this desert-by-the-sea hotspot. Whisked to the retreat from the airfield, guests encounter a glamorous village-like backdrop, replete with a swimmable beach. An al fresco motif dominates—in restaurants, at the spa, beside the pool and in guest suites with outdoor showers and plunge pools aplenty. Choose from 96 guest rooms and suites, as well as 61 residences, villas, and estates (starts at $1300).
For larger group visits, take over the Oceanfront Three-Bedroom Presidential Villa, designed for six adults (or four adults and four children). Its three separate pavilions, holding a bedroom and a plunge pool each, ensure the ultimate in privacy. Gather as a group at the huge oceanfront pool, around the outdoor fire pit or in the personal gym. At 6,350 sq. ft, the haven comes with a dedicated villa host to simplify life and support your vacation fantasy.
Dine
Epicureans will book this resort for its gastronomy alone. Anchored by Cayao, the signature restaurant by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval, the resort has two other eateries, Palmerio and Coraluz. Steps from the waves, hovering just above the sea, Cayao embraces a Nikkei concept which marries Japanese-Peruvian fusion to the Baja coast. With the best Pisco Sours outside of Lima, Cayao whets the appetite with dishes such as gyosas filled with shrimp, edamame and ponzu butter or C.F.C., Sandoval’s riff on Japanese-inspired organic fried chicken, karaage style with truffled crème fraîche. Follow up with the Baja Lobster tail with miso crust or Wagyu Beef Udon Noodle with sukiyaki sauce. Palmerio, the all-day restaurant, interprets the region with Mediterranean flair. At breakfast, try Shakshuka Rancheros and gobble from a massive buffet. In the evening, discover elegant dishes rendered from local products and catches: lemon-y tomato carpaccio, bluefin tuna with Osetra caviar and Baja Lobster Fettucine, prepared with pasta nera.
For those craving Mexican fare, scrumptious Coraluz has beach bar vibes. Guacamole and tacos reign, sipped with margaritas. Mimi’s Crab tacos, crunchy soft shell crab on a plaintain tortilla with sweet mole, will tempt you more than once in a day. Toast the sunset at Sora Rooftop Bar.
Relax
Just off the magic village’s square, the Tierra Mar Spa awaits as an enclave of nest-like sanctums set amid a fragrant garden. Inspired by the botanical healing traditions of the region’s Kumiai tribe, who settled along the coast, the architectural design, spa menu and tranquil ambiance of the spa imparts something pleasingly shamanic in mood. Offering both results-driven and relaxing rituals, the transportive spa showcases exciting brands such as 111SKIN, but also holistic treatments. Nearby an immense state-of-the-art fitness studio, designed in partnership with celebrity trainer and fitness maven Harley Pasternak, motivates with expansive views of the ocean. Its lap pool and outdoor fitness terrace add to the fun.
Oceanfront Three-Bedroom Presidential Villa comes with its own private swiming pool.
The luxurious lap pool and fitness center is the ultimate excuse for a workout.
The property features an adults-only pool and bar.
The Tierra Mar Spa elevates wellness to new heights.
Explore
Sunset cruises, ocean outings, star gazing and art walks in the charming town of San Jose are standard ways to pass time off the resort property. Stay for art classes at El Taller, an art studio on the main square, vivified with rotating artists in residence. During whale season (November-April) catch glimpses of the magnificent beasts from your terrace. A wonderful kids’ club delights children and provides a break for parents. Golf is a quick cart ride away
Sustainability
Walking the walk to execute true eco-conscious luxury, Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol took the opportunity as a new-built resort to be a pioneer. It boasts a water bottling plant that produces filtered water in reusable glass bottles. The reduction of plastic waste also manifests in the food and beverage supply chain, where biodegradable sugar cane fibre-based, bamboo, and palm leaf containers replace plastics. Chefs work with local farms, certified responsible fishers and artisan dairies exclusively as they implement seasonal menus. Eco-friendly cleaning, large-sized bath amenities, local-focused Adventure Center educational experiences and the art school, which showcases Baja artists, seal the deal.