The Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez collide in Los Cabos, Mexico, making Baja California Sur an ideal vacation destination for sport fishing, diving or simply hanging out by the pool and relaxing. Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa recently opened in June and I was fortunate to be there for the grand re-opening. Designed with a nod to the world famous rock arch formation “El Arco,” the resort blends straight lines and hard edges with the color palette of the sea, desert and warm sun to create a zen experience with photo-worthy sunsets.
The 147 villa vacation retreat offered mesmerizing ocean views upon exiting the huge, open air lobby. Your senses will be awakened and your body destressed as you begin to relax into, what I call, Cabo-time. Unlike Los Cabos all-inclusive luxury resorts, Westin Los Cabos Villas offer like-home amenities, in addition to their signature Heavenly Bed. Vacation-goers have their choice of one or two bedroom suites, 46 studio ocean villas, one-bedroom ocean villa, 99 two-bedroom ocean villas, a Governor’s Suite (1,722 sq. ft.) and the Presidential Suite (2,238. sq. ft.)
I stayed in a two bedroom standard ocean villa priced at $298 per night. Two private furnished balconies—one off the living room, the other off the master bedroom, look out to the Sea of Cortez. Is there anything better than ordering room service and eating on the balcony, listening to the sound of the ocean?
The living area was equipped with HDTV, DVD player and Bose Wave AM/FM CD system – but really – who needs a stereo system when you can listen to the rhythmic waves of the ocean? The interior designer and her team selected elegant tiles and contemporary neutral tones to compliment local art with pops of typical Mexican color.
For families, and those who like to dine in, the villas come with fully equipped kitchenettes, including two-burner cooktop, microwave oven, full-size refrigerator with ice maker, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, blender (Margaritas anyone?) and dinnerware. The dining table seats six, however, I was a party of one. The coffee table anchored a sitting area with sofa bed that sleeps two – I didn’t try the sofa bed, but I’m sure it doesn’t hold a candle to the Heavenly Bed. Did you know that you can purchase your own Heavenly Bed – don’t worry, I’m not selling anything here, just sayin’. Yet another selling point for families, the washer & dryer.
For the indoor types, a 55-inch flat screen TV with a Blu-ray player and wireless High Speed Internet will keep you occupied. There’s a separate master and guest bedroom with 55-inch TV and a king-size bed. Some bathrooms include a Heavenly Bath. My bathroom had a dual shower head, signature Westin bath amenities, cotton bathrobes & slippers. On my visit I found a mini Nestle chocolate crunch bar on my bed every evening.
Splash zones
Los Cabos is flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. Like Hurricane Odile, a category 4 hurricane that stormed through the Baja California Peninsula in September of 2014, strong currents swirl off the beach, anchoring the hotel. There is a lifeguard stationed on the private beach, but be aware that this is not a swimming beach. Westin Family Activities include beach walks, as well as supervised pool activities. There are 3 pools on property to suit every taste, from the adult-only swim-up bar, to the gorgeous infinity pool or the kids La Casada pool.
Westin Los Cabos dining options
Are you a fan of Mexico’s all-inclusive luxury resorts or do you prefer the pay-as-you-go option when it comes to dining in Los Cabos? With six unique dining options at Westin Los Cabos, variety (and fresh salsa) is the spice of life. From fiesta hour to SuperFoodRx dishes, the Westin offers regional, fresh cuisine from Executive Chef Raymundo Sanchez. Breakfast and dinner are served at Cocina Casera (like your Mexican mama would make), El Ciruelo restaurant offers sophisticated Mexican cuisine and don’t miss the fish tacos served beach front at Coralline. Deli items, wine, beer, Tequila & homemade ice cream are on sale at Mercadito. In room dining is available, but be warned, I paid $17 for one brownie, including the service fee.
- Cocina Casera, serving regional and international cuisine
- The upscale, gourmet restaurant El Ciruelo
- Quick-service options at Mercadito
- Casual menus at both La Cantina Sports Bar and Coralline, located beachside
- Cocktails and light bites at the oceanfront Margaritas swim-up poolside bar
Keep fit while on vacation
We all know that vacation can often play havoc with our diet and exercise regime – unless, of course, your diet and exercise programs are sent packing on holiday. If that’s the case with you, skip to the part about Spa Otomi or the adult-only margarita pool. If I still have your attention and you want to look good in those yoga pants after your Mexican holiday, you might want to check out the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio. You’ll have 24-hour access to the cardio machines, free weights and strength-training equipment.
My favorite part about staying at a Westin property, besides spending time in the spa, is the Westin Gear lending program. Simply call, or e-mail the resort ahead, or just show up, and they’ll have your running shoes and New Balance athletic wear waiting for you (in the right size) and you get to keep the socks! (nominal fee applies) For me, my life is about maintaining balance in my body and with my workload. I don’t feel bad indulging in chips & salsa, followed with a shot of Tequila, if I’m able to fit in a healthy workout. Thanks Westin for allowing me to maintain my routine AND leave my workout gear at home.
Spa Otomi
With seven treatment rooms, Spa Otomi is located next to the Westin Fitness Studio. I tried the 80 minute Do Xampa hot stone massage – it was wonderful, $205. on my visit, check the website for current specials and pricing. My aroma therapy treatment, combined with the hot stones, was very relaxing, and my therapist was excellent. I confess that I was a little surprised with the selection of music piped into the treatment rooms. During my visit it was an international cross section of music with some songs that almost made you want to get up and dance. I was hoping for a little more Mexican influence representative of the area. I did like the Mexican punch offered in the relaxation room after my treatment, in addition to nuts and dried fruits.
Family Kids Club
Westin Family Kids Club is open daily from AM-PM for $35 per child, per day. There’s also the option of an hourly, drop in rate. Kids activities were ramping up as the hotel was just experiencing their re-opening on my visit.
Need to know:
Check in: 4:00 PM Check out: 10:00 AM
Rates start at $199 for a studio villa. The resort is located 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport. Airport transportation is available for an additional fee.
Insider tips: Did you know that the property offers community grills and picnic tables with umbrellas? This is a great feature for building a sense of community for homeowners and repeat guests who like to vacation together each year.
Another way to build community, for the runners in the group, is the Run Westin program. Ditch the treadmill and grab a running map from the Westin’s Running Concierge (yes, really, that’s a job title!) Designed by New Balance, the custom pocket-sized maps feature 3 & 5 mile jogging and walking routes – a great way to check out the local scenery or meet new friends. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and @WestinLosCabos on Twitter or Instagram.
If You Go:
Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa
Carretera Transpeninsular KM 22.5
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur 23400, Mexico
Westin Los Cabos Resort review, video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a complimentary media stay, however, all opinions are my own.