LOCATION: Los Cabos
VIBE: modern hacienda chic
USP: all-inclusive swimming pool paradise
So far, we’ve stayed pretty consistently inside Quintana Roo with out hotel spotlights. But this week, we’re moving to the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula… Welcome to Marquis Los Cabos, one of DreamArt’s Official Partner Hotels.
Adults only, all-inclusive, infinity pools galore, L’Occitane toiletries, reversible mattresses (hard or soft?)…in other words: an idyllic paradise. Ideal for honeymooners, couples craving that kids-free escap-ation and those just after a tranquil Mexican retreat.
Where the Desert Meets the Sea
Located in the Baja California Sur peninsula, Los Cabos is really just the all encompassing marketing term given to two cities: Cabo San Lucas, the main hotel resort zone, and San Jose del Cabo, the nightlife strip.
Cabos is Mexico’s gem of the desert. It’s a pretty breathtaking environment and a whole different world to the likes of The Riviera Maya and Cancun back in Quintana Roo. As one of the few destinations in the world where the dunes of the desert meet the waves of the ocean, it’s dreamy in a different way….
Just take a look at the resort’s backdrop…
Photo by DreamArt Photography
The Vibe
The vibe is luxury hacienda with stunningly modern architecture. The reception lobby area is almost like a piece of futuristic art you would find in a gallery; the rainbow-arced structure is truly magnificent, with almost an open-air spaceship vibe to it. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a framed view straight through to the glistening Sea of Cortés and cobalt sky above.
Photo by DreamArt Photography
A serpentine swimming pool stretches the length of the hotel, curving along the edge of the sand. Just look at the bird’s eye view above. It’s an architectural work of art. There is one main building and the majority of the rooms have an idyllic view of the ocean below…its elevated stature on the hill means the views are nothing short of cinematic.
DID YOU KNOW? Despite its arid landscape, Los Cabos is the self-proclaimed “Green Capital of Latin America” - AKA a golfer’s paradise. Within a 10 minute drive there are 2 top-notch courses: The Cabo Real golf club and the El Dorado Golf & Beach Club. Hope you brought your clubs!
Although the golden sand beaches and aquamarine waters here are more than enticing… do not be fooled! Guests can’t swim here due to the choppy water and strength of the currents. A little frustrating, yes. But where this resort lacks in beach and ocean it makes up for with their 3 stunning pools. It’s clear that Marquis has made a concerted effort to replicate that beach feeling you get with a number of infinity pools overlooking the ocean. We’ve heard on the grapevine you can get stuck in with pool and beach volleyball put on by the epic entertainment staff.
Game face on. It’s time to shine.
OCEAN DIP TIP: if you’re a water baby at heart and just can’t fathom a trip to Mexico without bathing in the sea…we don’t blame you! Luckily, Marquis have thought of everything: about a 10 minute walk from the resort, there is a more sheltered part of the beach that is a designated area where swimming is permitted. Go check it out!
The Food
When it comes to all-inclusive, what we want to know is this: ‘is the food really worth it for the price?’ And we can quite honestly say, yes. Yes it is. No mass-dining room with a buffet style dinner every night here…there are five on-site restaurants. Quite frankly, you’re spoiled for choice!
Photo by DreamArt Photography
So…roll up your sleeves and dig in. The food is a major high point of this hotel. Fancy a poolside light lunch with an ice-cold cheeky tequila sunrise? Look no further than the photo above. Looks pretty idyllic, right?
Photo by DreamArt Photography
Chef Thierry Dufour’s Canto del Mar is the resort’s signature restaurant; he would qualify as a BNOC of French cuisine in Los Cabos, let’s put it that way. Let the Executive Chef lead you through a culinary journey; enjoy a four-course menu with wine pairing, that showcases the best contemporary French cuisine with the local Los Cabos flavors. Remember to book at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment!
Also try Vista Ballena, where whales are occasionally spotted during breakfast or Mexican themed meals. You’ve also got to try pan-Asian restaurant Sakke, and book a table at seafood specialist Dos Mares. Other all-inclusive perks include the Italian poolside grill, Pergola, and coffee bar Espresso Cappuccino.
For a late night tipple, head to Suspiros Bar for some magical cocktails whipped up by expert mixologists.
Photo by DreamArt Photography
The food and drink receives rave reviews all over Tripadvisor, which for most, is the travel holy grail that can be taken as gospel. Take a look:
Adventurous eater? Are you a fan of the Marquesita? Its a mexican street-food speciality: essentially a crepe filled with Nutella and Philadelphia cream cheese. If you are a fan of this slightly loco salty-sweet flavor combo, and you’re dining at Sakke, try ‘Kushi Age’, breaded skewers of banana and mozzarella cheese. Sounds a little crazy, right? Give it a go!
The Rooms
Sea-facing suites are designed with muted tones offset by colourful Spanish tiles and dark wooden accents in the cabinets and furniture. The outside is brought in by individual pebbles mosaically adorning each headboard. Hacienda-chic vibes. Crisp egyptian-cotton sheets on king-sized beds, iPod docks, CD players (a little retro but we love it), mini-bar and room service.
Get. Me. There.
Photo by DreamArt Photography
Next door, a sprawling bathroom with ‘his and hers’ sinks, marble accents, a romantic free-standing bathtub and, as mentioned, luxurious L’Occitane toiletries. Bathed in the colors of Baja, it’s the epitome of luxury.
Photo by DreamArt Photography
Fancy cranking the luxury notch even higher? Can it be done, we hear you say? At 1,400 square feet each, the 26 casitas on offer are an ideal option for extended vacations. Nestled on the beach, located a stone’s throw away from the ocean, these little gems offer stunning frontal views of the Sea of Cortéz. Sunbathe with a mimosa in hand in your own plunge pool or catch some rays from either your garden terrace or rooftop sundeck.
We know. Preeettty crazy, right?
Photo by DreamArt Photography
So, there you have it. Another hotel spotlight on another bamboozlingly good resort. This one’s worth a visit, without a shadow of a doubt.
If you find yourself in this part of Mexico or are planning your vacation soon in Marquis, why not take your stay to the next level and capture it on film to look back on forever? Book your Lifestyle DreamArt session now!
Getting hitched soon? Why not use Marquis Los Cabos as your dreamy wedding destination… For all wedding photography enquiries at Marquis Los Cabos, please email fespinosa@dreamartphotography.com