Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas has long been a celebrity vacation hotspot with gorgeous weather, stunning coastal-desert scenery, and exclusive resorts known for privacy and pampering. The Capella Pedregal, the newest luxury property set at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, has raised the bar even higher. I knew I was in for something special when I arrived at the resort via a 1000 ft. private tunnel carved into a mountain. What a way to make an entrance!

Although I was just a few minutes from bustling downtown Cabo and the famed Land’s End rock formations, I felt like I was in a secluded oasis. Each of the 96 rooms and suites features a private plunge pool with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re here between December and March, you’ll be able to watch gray or humpback whales in the waters around the resort from your own terrace. Naturally, the Capella thoughtfully provides guests with binoculars in their room.

All accommodations are outfitted with custom furnishings sourced from local artisans and craftsmen. My favorites are the Beachfront Suites (in one, two, or three-bedroom configurations) situated directly on the beach with a wraparound infinity plunge pool, an outdoor fire pit, and private hammocks. If it’s pampering you’re seeking, these are the way to go as each suite has its own attendant service that would even make Beyoncé feel at home. Someone is on hand to set up beach chairs, provide towels and suntan lotion, as well as refreshments and snacks. They’ll even build a bonfire on the beach for roasting Mexican s’mores. A treat I particularly enjoyed was the daily afternoon delivery of freshly-made guacamole and chips. I have yet to taste a better guacamole.

But it’s the philosophy at the Capella Pedregal that is so special for the resort enables its guests to “script their story” by granting wishes as long as they adhere to “legal, ethical, and moral” boundaries. So, that means no Wolf of Wall Street-style binges. What it means is that a team of Capella Personal Assistants go beyond the role of a traditional concierge, often taking a proactive approach to fulfilling dream requests. Whether it’s taking the Capella Yacht to join the hotel’s fishermen on a sustainable fishing excursion or planning an out-of-the-ordinary marriage proposal, the Capella staff is on it.

I, myself, was inspired by the story of a returning family with a young daughter who adores bunny rabbits. Their Capella Personal Assistant had arranged (with the parents’ permission) to surprise the child with a pet rabbit to keep her company during their stay. I decided that I wanted a four-legged companion, too, while at the resort, but I stipulated it be a puppy (toilet-trained of course) and, to raise the ante, it had to be a Golden Retriever. Sure enough, in less than 24 hours, Maya, an affectionate 7-month old Golden Retriever, was there to greet me when I returned to my suite after a spa treatment. Mission accomplished.

I have to confess, I’m a bit of a spa connoisseur. I’ve been pulled, pummeled, stretched, and wrapped a gazillion different ways – and with both Eastern and Western techniques. So when I discover a spa while traveling, I hope for treatments that are different and incorporate indigenous treatments, philosophies and ingredients. Why bother with another Swedish massage when you can get that anywhere? The Auriga spa at the Capella Pedregal brings a unique Baja vision combined with traditional Mexican healing rituals. The 12,000 sq. ft. facilities include a fitness center, a private yoga studio, a grotto area with saunas and steam rooms, a Julien Farel hair salon, and treatment “pods” floating on a private spa pool with direct access to waterfalls. It is the only spa in Mexico that offers a resident “curandera,” a wonderfully soulful Bajan healer who prepares homemade remedies from local herbs according to ancient Mexican folk practices. The mind-body-spirit healing approach is popular with many spiritually-oriented celebs like Drew Barrymore and Oprah Winfrey.

Auriga is also the only spa in Mexico that features ‘Taping into the Rhythm’ treatments designed to reflect the various energies of the lunar cycle, and to align you with the rhythms of nature. The four signature moon journeys – New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon – are only available during the corresponding moon phase. For instance, the New Moon is the time for renewal, and the treatment begins with a foot massage with juniper and fennel oils to awaken your spirit, followed by a revitalizing seaweed scrub and wrap, and concludes with a stimulating rosemary and eucalyptus body massage. The Waning Moon (getting smaller) is the ideal period for cleansing and regenerating. At the Auriga, this involves a pressure-point foot massage with detoxifying oils, a lymphatic massage to stimulate the elimination of toxins, and a cleansing facial to finish.

As blissful as the spa is, I managed to work up quite an appetite (what else is new?). Of course, at a resort of this caliber you’d expect the most exquisite dining and the freshest foods. It did not disappoint. The four restaurant options all feature refined Mexican specialties with Baja flavors. Don Manuel, their signature restaurant, uses organic ingredients grown specifically for the resort and prepared with modern takes on traditional techniques.

At Su Cocina, guests can learn to cook authentic Mexican and innovative Baja dishes under the tutelage of Executive Chef Yan Mucharraz in a hacienda setting. The Beach Club is a casual, pool-side dining venue, while the Crudo Bar, offering freshly made ceviche and Mexican-inspired rolls, is situated in the middle of the pool with views of the Pacific.

My favorite was the jaw-dropping setting at El Farallón, which means “a rock that comes out of the ocean.” Upon entering the alfresco restaurant, which is carved into the side of the mountain overlooking the sea, you choose from the catch of the day selections displayed on ice. Be sure to try the huachinango, a local snapper from the surrounding waters.

The resort also hosts wine tours in the wine cellar that explores Mexico’s finest wines. Food and wine aficionados should not miss the Capella Pedregal Food and Wine Festival from July 9-13, which will feature the cuisine of internationally renowned chefs.

For those with a taste for tequila, the resort presents various tastings where you can learn the centuries old traditions of the tequila making process. Capella Pedregal has introduced a new amenity by partnering with the renowned Jose Cuervo Distillery to create an exclusive tequila blend, which is presented complimentary at check-in.