Hotel Spotlight: The luxe CAPELLA PEDEGRAL in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
After two nights in Todos Santos and two nights at Rancho Pescadero we capped off our Baja adventure with an indulgent night at Capella Pedregal, a five star luxury resort located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico - where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. The resort, built to resemble a Mexican mountain village, can only be accessed by its own private and dramatic, 1,000 ft torch-lit tunnel that literally takes you through a mountain and opens onto lavish ocean views. The rooms are spacious, and well-appointed with thoughtful touches, including a complementary bottle of tequila, an equally large bathroom with dual shower heads and separate soaking tub, and most importantly, each room has its own infinity plunge pool to dip your toes in while you watch the sunset - my favorite feature.
The 12,000 ft Auriga Spa is extraordinary. Definitely arrive at least 45 minutes before your appointment so you can take full advantage of the decadent spa facilities. I participated in the suggested regiment: sauna, followed by rubbing slices of real aloe plant on my skin in the steam room, before cooling off with orange slices in the ice room, and finally soaking in a whirlpool. All this before one of the best massages I have ever had in a treatment room that opened onto the spa pool. Rehydrate with chlorophyll water (makes your skin glow!) that is on hand before relaxing at the tranquil spa pool post-treatment.... maybe with a fresh margarita (makes you glow in another sort of way!).
The property has three restaurants, but dining alfresco above the surging surf at El Farallon is the standout experience. "Farallon" in Spanish means, "rock that comes out of the ocean," and the restaurant is literally built into the cliff above the crashing waves. Seafood that has been caught hours before is on display for patrons to select the piece of fish, lobsters, clams they would like prepared for them. When planning your trip to Capella, make a reservation at El Farallon in advance as it is a popular spot with non-hotel guests as well and request a table right on the edge of the cliff over the water.
Luxury means something different to everyone. Capella Pedegral is certainly a stunning and luxurious property offering lavish touches. For me, it was perfection for one lazy day of sitting by a beautiful pool, with my every need being met. And though it was lovely, my truest definition of luxury is being away from civilization and other people, having privacy and access to pristine nature, more of an authentic, boho chic experience. For sybarites with deep pockets looking for more of a resort, check in to Capella. For the rest of us, book a night here to enjoy all of the delightful services and then boho chic it out further down the coast...