Montage Los Cabos

Part of a new crop of boutique resorts that have opened in Cabo between 2016 and 2018, Montage Los Cabos embraces its Baja Sur setting with grace and ease. That's a feat in Cabo, where many of the region's resorts and hotels do everything in their power to make guests forget that they are, in fact, in Mexico. We personally love this trend, and Montage Los Cabos executes it well. Low-rise buildings are set throughout the striking desert landscape, all oriented toward the pools and the beach, which is one of the few where you can swim in Cabo. The property feels exclusive and removed from the world's cares, but the overall atmosphere is quite casual. Additions like Paletas -- where you can sample Mexico's famous tropically flavored popsicles -- or the Pujol-esque restaurant Mezcal all give this resort a sense of place. That's amplified by the decor found in rooms and throughout the property, which draws on modern Mexican design trends and classic materials. Expect lots of desert-hued architecture and luxe materials like marble contrasted with vibrant patterns and colors. The resort is family-friendly, though we mostly spotted couples and small groups of friends during our late 2018 visit. 

Montage Los Cabos has a privileged setting amid blissfully undeveloped neighboring land and right along one of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos along Santa Maria Bay (Bahia Santa Maria). While there is literally nothing else within walking distance, free valet parking means you can stash your rental car and retrieve it whenever you want to explore. It's about a 25-minute drive to the center of charming San Jose del Cabo. There, you'll find cafes, galleries, boutiques, and tourist shops, all with plenty of character that comes especially to life on Thursday night for the town's Art Walk. Cabo San Lucas is a little closer -- 15 to 20 minutes by car in the opposite direction. It's home to shops catering to American tourists, as well as landmarks like Land's End, El Arco, and Playa Medano. Todos Santos -- one of Mexico's Magic Towns (Pueblos Magicos) -- is a little over an hour away by car. Budget around 35 to 40 minutes to reach the airport outside of San Jose (SJD).

Much like its direct competitors, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences or The Cape, Montage Los Cabos marries luxury details and cool decor with ease. Here, things feel slightly more local, with bright colors and bold patterns complemented by art that reflects Mexican history and indigenous communities. All of that is offset by handsome hardwood paneling and marble. The latter is used to dramatic effect in the spacious bathrooms, all of which include dual sinks, soaking tubs, and outdoor showers (that are entirely private). Backlit mirrors and tub-side candles all contribute to a vibe that feels glam and romantic at the same time -- in other words, you look good in these bathrooms. 

Standard features are numerous and include extensive minibars, dining areas, welcome plates of fresh fruit, Nespresso machines, turndown service, living areas with Smart TVs, and Bose Bluetooth docks. Wi-Fi is free and all rooms feature ceiling fans and climate control. Some include separate bedrooms, and all feature spacious balconies or terraces -- many of which provide dramatic ocean views. The suites are particularly sharp, but if you're really after a splurge, the casas are the way to go. These multi-bedroom houses are entirely private and are great for a special occasion (particularly if you're traveling with a group of friends or family). These units feature extras like private pools and butlers. 

While Montage Los Cabos has numerous excellent features, it's hard to overlook its prized possession. In a region where there are astonishingly few places to swim in the sea, Montage sits directly on Santa Maria Bay, where the water is calm and shallow. This is an incredible extra perk that almost alone justifies splurging on a stay here. Water sports are free and include free instruction sessions for activities like paddleboarding. For the ocean averse, the resort also has several pools with attentive poolside service. 

Prefer to indulge in food and drink? Mezcal is the resort's marquee restaurant, where contemporary Mexican fare is served -- think: Mexico City's internationally famous Pujol, but with peaceful views of the Sea of Cortez. For international fare, Marea serves meals day and night, and in-room dining is available around the clock. Paletas is one of the resort's additional nods to local life, where you can sample the tropically flavored popsicles that are a current international food trend. Other grab-and-go items and great coffee are available here as well. 

The wellness and green initiatives at the hotel shouldn't go unmentioned either. The spa is beautiful -- in fact, as one of the largest in the entire Cabo region, things feel private and tranquil no matter how busy it gets. The hydrotherapy circuit is free for guests and the design is tailor-made for unwinding, with stone and water accents all around. If you prefer a little activity before unwinding, the gym here is extensive and 36 hours of classes are offered per week, many of them free for guests. All of this is complemented by green initiatives like an on-site desalinization plant to use ocean water rather than the scant aquifers in Los Cabos. Extending that conscientious ethos, a boutique near the entrance sells authentic crafts and artisanal goods produced by locals and artists of neighboring regions. The staff are happy to provide the back story on every object in the store.