Luxury in Los Cabos: Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort review

Editor's note: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort provided TPG with a complimentary three-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren't subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.

The coast of Los Cabos at the southern end of Baja California brims with luxury resorts such as the new Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol and Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. That wasn't always the case, though.

The towns and villages in the region were often overrun by caravaning surfers, sport fishers on the hunt for a record catch and spring breakers out to party. Back when it opened in 1997, Las Ventanas al Paraiso introduced a new level of luxury for the once-sleepy area.

Set along a golden sand beach with low-rise white stucco buildings, dramatically curving pools and gourmet restaurants serving elevated Mexican cuisine, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort soon became the byword for luxury in Los Cabos.

The first time I stayed there was over a decade ago, so I was eager to experience the hotel again after visiting many of the area's newer resorts. I wanted to see if it could still set the standard for a high-end stay in Cabo.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso location

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, is located along Los Cabos' so-called Golden Corridor — a stretch of highway between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

From Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), it takes about 30 minutes and costs around $30 to $50, depending on whether you use a ride-hailing service or a taxi company. The town of San Jose del Cabo is about a 20-minute, $20 ride away; Cabo San Lucas is 20 minutes and $20 in the other direction.

Booking Las Ventanas al Paraiso

For the best rates and limited-time packages, including fourth-night-free reservations with free daily breakfast (available at time of publication), book directly through Rosewood.

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If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can make a booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts on AmexTravel.com. You'll receive perks like availability-based upgrades, up to a $100 credit to use on-property during your stay for things like drinks or meals, complimentary daily breakfast for two and guaranteed late checkout.

Unfortunately, the hotel does not participate in Chase's The Edit or the Capital One Premier Collection.

Rates currently start at $1,327 per night, including fees. Beware that taxes and service charges can add an extra 35% to your bill, bringing your total much higher.

Standout features

• The spacious accommodations offer traditional Mexican decor and ocean views that stretch for miles.
• There are excellent dining venues, including Alebrije, for elegant, Baja-fresh fare.
• Although the beach is not swimmable, the plethora of pools means you can find a peaceful spot to bask at any time of day.
• Guests can expect an incredibly high level of service not just from personal butlers but also staff throughout the property.

Drawbacks

• Because of its location, it's hemmed in by other hotels on either side and doesn't feel as sprawling as some of the area's other resorts.
• The hotel is nearing 30 years old, so some room features (namely, the electric plugs) feel out of date.
• High nightly room rates and prices for dining and the spa mean that a stay here will cost you a small fortune.

The vibe

First impressions are everything, and Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort does not disappoint. Arriving guests veer off the highway and past imposing white walls down a palm-lined drive. The shift of tone from hectic to halcyon is palpable.

As you pull up to reception, your gaze might drift past a cadre of smiling, waving staff – one of whom might even present you with a frosty, foamy lemonade — to the sweeping views over the resort's main pool and the Sea of Cortez beyond.

Get to know the hotel's layout more intimately as your personal butler gives you a guided tour, drifting along the succulent- and bougainvillea-bordered paths, past the hushed spa and the lively pools. You'll also pass the sun-dappled Sea Grill, where other (mostly American … mostly from California and Texas) guests are likely lingering over a leisurely lunch of fresh-caught fish and wood-fired pizzas. You'll notice the clientele ranges from romantic couples to multigenerational groups.

Once inside your villa or suite, you might never want to leave — especially if yours has a private pool along with its own patio or terrace. But it would be a shame to miss out on the resort's many amenities or the chance to stroll down the nearly deserted beach.

When you get back, you just might find a personalized sewing kit with thread colors selected to match your vacation wardrobe. This is another of the many "only-here" touches at Las Ventanas al Paraiso.

My room at Las Ventanas al Paraiso

The accommodations at Las Ventanas al Paraiso range from spacious (starting at 960 square feet) Junior Suites to the palatial, 28,000-square-foot Ty Warner Mansion. Guests of the mansion are served by a dedicated chef and can even request private fireworks displays.

My whitewashed one-bedroom oceanfront villa, which measured up at 3,900 square feet of indoor-outdoor space, was at the western edge of the property; it had its own set of steps down to the beach from the vast outdoor area. The exterior space included a shaded sea-facing lounge area, an infinity-edge pool with a fire pit and desert landscaping, a small Jacuzzi, a sunbathing deck and even a wet bar of sorts if you wanted to entertain.

Through the enormous sliding glass doors, the interior space was decorated with a mix of Mexican craft objects, such as enormous ceramic vases, Tenango embroidery, paintings depicting local scenes and carved wooden doors and furnishings.

The massive living room had limestone floors and a timbered ceiling, plus a crescent-shaped sectional, a little work desk near the front door and a flat-screen TV next to the well-stocked minibar. I did not need any snacks, though, since every time I returned to the room, I found a fresh batch of treats waiting for me; I received snacks like homemade chips with guacamole and ceviche as well as a variety of handcrafted chocolates.

The villa also had its own small private kitchen for in-room catering (where room service would drop off items if I had my do-not-disturb sign on) and both coffee- and tea-making amenities.

The hotel presents guests with a bottle of bespoke Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino tequila to enjoy during their stay or take home.

The stunning bedroom adjoined the living room through sliding carved wooden doors. It featured a showstopping pebble-tiled headboard and a blue-and-white Tenango runner accenting the white-linened bed. (The bed had a pillow monogrammed just for me). The hotel offers guests a sheet menu where they can choose from options like Egyptian cotton, Italian linen and sateen.

To either side of the bed was an adobe-and-tile nightstand with wrought-metal sconce lights and power plugs. (Bring your own apparatuses to use USB-A and C-charged devices.)

Across from the bed was another flat-screen TV, shelves holding vases and art books and a fireplace. Another special touch: There was a candle diffuser with a menu of mood-based scent options that housekeeping would illuminate at turndown to perfume the room.

Beyond the bedroom, there was a large closet with plenty of space to store suitcases and hang clothes; there was also a hulking wardrobe with drawer space.

Stocked with a plethora of Bulgari The Vert products, the Travertine-accented bathroom had two painted tile sinks set into a single counter with a large mirror. A separate water closet held the toilet and bathing area, which featured a jetted tub with jars of scented bath salts and oils as well as a walk-in shower.

A door through the shower led to an enclosed, tree-shaded patio with an outdoor shower and a back door to the pool deck.

There was so much to do (and eat) around the resort. However, because of the size and number of amenities in my villa — not to mention the fact that my personal butler Paulina could have summoned up anything I requested — I almost felt like I didn't have to leave my room to have a wonderful, well-rounded experience at Las Ventanas.

I certainly had plenty of time to spend there during an unusual rainy day. But once the sun reappeared, I was ready to head out and explore the rest of the resort.

Restaurants and bars at Las Ventanas al Paraiso

It's not a huge hotel, but there are several distinct restaurants and bars sprinkled around Las Ventanas al Paraiso.

Alebrije

The resort's all-day restaurant, Alebrije, has a convivial open-air bar as well as both indoor and outdoor dining areas next to the main pool. It serves contemporary Oaxacan cuisine.

Breakfast is pricey at $89 per person, but it's included in most rates. It offers a panoply of plates, including fresh fruit platters and a basket of housemade pastries. Flavorful signature dishes included a heaping breakfast burrito with eggs, ham, Oaxacan cheese and Mexican red sauce as well as rustic chilaquiles with red or green (or both) sauce and a choice of eggs, chicken or beef.

Before dinner here, sink into one of the vignettes at the next-door cocktail bar and enjoy sips inspired by traditional flavors from across Mexico. For instance, the "Copal" has smoky mezcal, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice and a ring of grasshopper salt ($30).

For dinner, the menu includes starters like ultra-fresh kampachi ceviche with roasted bell peppers, watermelon radish and Granny Smith apples ($37) as well as soft-shell crab with charred eggplant, citrus, sweet adobo sauce and tart tomatillo chutney ($38).

There are several substantial vegetarian mains like cactus paddle tlayudas ($33.50) and roasted cauliflower with macha sauce and green pipian ($35). Unique delicacies include suckling pig tamals with queso fresco and locally grown beets ($35), and enormous prawns from Magdalena Bay with nori rice crackers, milpa salad and lemon vinaigrette ($113). The caramelized banana dessert with chocolate truffle and nut brittle with banana ice cream ($23) is not to be missed.

Guests can book out the La Cava wine room for special occasions surrounded by the resort's impressive collection of wines. Alternatively, you can reserve one of the tables under artist David Luna's "Tree of Love" sculpture adorned by 100 glass-blown hearts. Its illumination is reflected in the Beach Pool just steps away, and it must be one of the most romantic settings in all of Cabo.

Sea Grill

Next to the Beach Pool and overlooking the beach, the aptly named Sea Grill is mainly a bright, breezy, shaded patio with a Mediterranean ambience thanks to the wood-fired oven and cheerful decor.

It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu (also $89 per person) contains lots of healthy choices like avocado toast, plant-based specialties like amaranth pancakes and a variety of smoothies. For lunch, there's fresh fish and seafood as well as made-to-order pizzas.

Unfortunately, it was closed for dinner the night I was supposed to dine there due to inclement weather, but I still managed to try some of the dishes from its menu in a different setting. I enjoyed a hearty crabcake with green apple, radish and herb salad ($40.50) and squid ink pappardelle with local lobster, octopus and shrimp in a creamy saffron-garlic sauce ($99).

On typical nights, the restaurant also serves various salads; fun dishes like oven-cooked nachos with chorizo, cheese and mushrooms; various fresh fish and cuts of steak grilled over mesquite; and create-your-own flatbreads.

Arbol

Adjacent to the Oasis Pool and only open for dinner, Arbol is the hotel's most distinctive restaurant thanks to the pueblo-inspired whitewashed decor colorfully illuminated by dramatic light fixtures. It has artistically arranged tree-like sculptures, a trippy wine cellar and large booths sunken into its reflecting pool (which guests can reserve for a number of special-occasion packages including add-ons like a fireworks display).

The menu creatively fuses traditional Indian tandoor and Asian wok techniques with Mexican ingredients. There's plenty of crudo and sushi thrown in, too.

Among the showstoppers are a rich Kerala lobster curry with tamarind, coconut gravy and Jeera rice ($104); yellowfin tuna sushi with Tampico and jalapeno ($37); and stir-fried wagyu beef with lemongrass, oyster sauce and black pepper ($113).

To finish, try innovative desserts like a luscious "Bananand" with hazelnut crunch, bananas, raspberries and passionfruit ($23) or the ultra-sweet Kerala crunch with deep-fried jalebi, sticky saffron syrup, tangy yogurt ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios ($23).

Tequila and Ceviche Bar

Perched toward the top of the resort between reception and the spa, the Tequila and Ceviche bar serves ... pretty much what you might guess. The selection of sips does extend to other agave-based spirits like raicilla and mezcal plus enticing cocktails like refreshing Matias Romero with rosemary-infused anejo tequila, St. Germain, grapefruit juice and lime. The food menu includes various sushi and nigiri combinations in addition to poke bowls, tiraditos and tostadas.

If you are interested in learning about tequila, you can book the Tequila Sign experience. The resort's tequila masters will help you determine the variety of spirits that best suit your taste and personality through blind tastings.

La Botica

Although its entrance isn't exactly hidden, you might still have trouble finding your way into the hotel's speak-easy and jazz bar, La Botica ... unless you know the right code to punch into the typewriter by the front door, that is.

If you're in the know, the doors will open. Behind the counter, shelves stocked with apothecary jars will slide open to reveal bottles of booze instead.

This place really gets hopping late at night when the artist in residence, Rosalia de Cuba, and her band (plus backup dancers) put their spin on classic Latin tunes. Guests can sway and sip on botanical-inspired cocktails like the No. 3 La Botiki with Monkey 47 gin, cinnamon syrup, pineapple and passion fruit ($41).

There is a minimum $99 per-person consumption requirement, but the drinks are priced such that that's not a hard mark to hit.

Guests who are interested can also book cocktail-making classes here (a perfect rainy-day activity during my stay). They can learn firsthand from the friendly mixologists about the history of their favorite drinks and how to mix up an expert cocktail for themselves.

Out the back door of La Botica, in a "behind-the-scenes" area of the hotel, there's a relatively new outlet created from an old Volkswagen van. It's open for late-night tacos, hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks — just in case you're not quite ready to end your evening.

Oasis

Open for lunch, the alfresco Oasis restaurant serves street food-inspired fare like tacos, quesadillas and guacamole with chips — poolside. The beachy bar is a great place to while away an hour or two on a hot afternoon between dips in the Oasis Pool.

Tacos — including those with fillings like shrimp with chile guero sauce and fennel or spicy al pastor chicken with cilantro and spiced pineapple — go for $10 apiece. Save room for one of the varieties of "rolled" ice cream, like the horchata-flavored one with Oreo crumble ($20).

Amenities at Las Ventanas al Paraiso

Thanks to its many amenities, you should be able to create the experience you want at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, whether you come to Los Cabos for a romantic getaway, an energetic family vacation, or a wellness-focused retreat.

The pools and beach

Las Ventanas al Paraiso must have one of the highest pool-per-capita ratios in Cabo, thanks to the plethora of watering holes dotted around the property, including those attached to individual accommodations.

The hotel has several public pools, so you can hop from one to the other depending on your mood and where the sun is. Or, you can simply pick the one that suits your vibe and spend the day there.

Around the corner from reception is the newest pool: the Oasis Pool. It's great for families, with plenty of loungers and a lazy river that drifts through a grotto. There is also a DJ playing music, so it has more of a festive atmosphere than the other pools. The hotel offers various seasonal activities for children, so ask about what might be going on ahead of your stay if you're bringing the little ones along.

As you make your way down toward the beach, there's a small pool looking out over the Cabo Real golf course that tends to be quiet throughout the day.

Snaking down from reception to the beachfront, the Beach Pool is the resort's main and largest one. It also tends to get the busiest thanks to the large number of loungers arranged around its edge as well as on the adjacent lawn. There's a swim-up bar here, too, where guests can order drinks from Sea Grill.

Continuing west along the shoreline, the Twin Pools have infinity edges overlooking the sea and are reserved for adults only. They tend to be quiet, but there is often music playing softly over sets of speakers.

No matter which pool you choose, attendants will set up chairs for you with seat covers, pillows, umbrellas and buckets of ice filled with bottles of water. There is also complimentary sunscreen available. Servers will periodically drop by for meal and drink orders as well as free treats like popsicles.

There are several beach cabanas set up, which can be rented for full and half days. The hotel says these are the only beach cabanas in Mexico to feature their own private plunge pools and Jacuzzis in addition to their lounging decks and shaded interior spaces. A personal butler is on hand to offer amenities like sunscreen and Evian spray as well as full drinks and meal service.

Unfortunately, the beach in front of the resort is not swimmable due to strong currents and large waves. Still, it provides a great stretch of sand for walks, and you can always traipse next door to the Hilton's beach for better conditions.

Recreation and fitness

Las Ventanas al Paraiso has a 2,900-square-foot fitness center with Technogym cardio and weight equipment, Peloton bikes and a stretching area.

Follow the driveway from reception up to the hotel entrance, and you'll come across the two tennis courts (one of which doubles as a pickleball court). Guests can reserve courts for themselves or for lessons.

If, like many other visitors, you come to Cabo to golf, the hotel can set up tee times at the neighboring Cabo Real's Robert Trent II-designed course; Cabo del Sol's Tom Weiskopf-designed Desert Course; the Palmilla Golf Club's Jack Nicklaus-designed course; and the Golf Club at Puerto Los Cabos' Nicklaus- and Greg Norman-designed courses.

Finally, the hotel is happy to arrange (payable) off-campus excursions like whale-watching, ATVing, surfing, sport fishing, scuba diving, private yacht charters and sunset horseback rides along the beach, among other options.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso has also developed a well-earned reputation for the romantic experiences its concierges can set up. A proposal on the plaza overlooking sunset surrounded by 500 candles and a walkway of rose petals? No problem. Sleeping under the stars on the roof of your villa? Sweet dreams. Private magic show at La Botica? Abracadabra!

Experiences like beach cinema under the stars and family barbecues on the beach are also available. Depending on your vacation wishes, staff members are on hand to fulfill (nearly) any request.

The Spa at Las Ventanas al Paraiso

Drawing on the healing techniques of the Indigenous peoples of Baja — and centered around the four elements of earth, air, fire and water — the intimate spa feels like a jungly little garden in the heart of the resort. You might start your time there with a steam or sauna in the men's or women's locker rooms before taking a cold plunge.

Later, make your way to the garden lounge area for a cup of tea and a shamanic "limpia," or cleansing, ritual. Wafts of sage smoke, the hum of crystal bowls and even an eagle feather will drive negative energy away and restore balance.

One signature treatment is the two-hour Milk & Honey body scrub that incorporates Baja honey before a moisturizing massage ($470). Another, the Nopal Desert Detox, includes a body mask of vitamin C-rich cactus balm that is lathered onto the body to draw out impurities before an essential oil massage (two hours, $470). Those looking to return home refreshed and rejuvenated can partake in one of the Orveda skincare facials.

The spa also features a small salon offering services like manicures, pedicures, hair services and makeup.

Service at Las Ventanas al Paraiso

The element that has always (and continues to) set Las Ventanas al Paraiso apart from other hotels in Cabo and other luxury hotels throughout the world is the staff. The staff members' warmth, polish and genuine enthusiasm positively impact a stay here. It was true during my first stay a decade ago, and it was true during my most recent visit.

My personal butler (they're available to every guest), Paulina, was always a text away. She could help with reservations and activities, escort me to dinner, and make sure every restaurant and bar on the property knew my preferences (or dietary restrictions). She even helped my partner surprise me with a bottle of wine and a plate of gourmet snacks for my birthday, which she had snuck into my room while I was out at an activity.

Every person I interacted with — from the hostesses at breakfast to the pool attendants setting up my seats to the friendly bartenders at La Botica who showed me how to whip up the perfect Manhattan — wanted to make my stay the best it could be. Not in a cloying or fawning way, either. It was like being on vacation with good friends who just happened to be on staff. Throughout my stay, I heard other (admittedly demanding) guests praising the service, and more than one mentioned that it was why they returned to the resort year after year.

Out and about

Most folks who come to Las Ventanas al Paraiso tend to stick around the resort, perhaps only venturing out for a round of golf, a snorkeling trip or a dinner at another hotel.

However, if you so choose, you can reach the tourist shops, adventure outfitters and thumping nightclubs of Cabo San Lucas in about 20 minutes with a $20 ride-hailing drive. San Jose del Cabo is about the same price and distance away; it even hosts a weekly Thursday evening art walk so visitors can stroll among its various galleries.

Accessibility

Las Ventanas al Paraiso is partially wheelchair-accessible thanks to gently sloping paths, ramps and flat surfaces leading into the restaurants and elevators in various public buildings. That said, many rooms are either up or down sets of stairs from the main paths.

The resort's ground-floor rooms are accessible via wheelchair, though there are no other special features within them to accommodate wheelchair users. Likewise, there are no chairlifts for the various pools. Hotel staff are ready to assist with requests to help enter and exit the facilities, though.

Checking out

Although Los Cabos is home to dozens of world-class luxury resorts, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort still stands apart from the pack as one of the originals.

Of course, the palatial accommodations, scenic beachfront setting, innovative restaurants and singular spa all help. But the real dash of magic comes from the nearly flawless hospitality and warmth of the resort's staff — many of whom have worked there for well over a decade. They provide little extra touches that set the tone for each guest's stay and make you feel truly cared for during your time there.

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