Vista Encantada: The Latest Luxury in Los Cabos

There’s a happening and it’s in Mexico – specifically in Los Cabos. Here’s the deal. To be pampered, really pampered, head south of the border to that duo of towns, San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, located on the combo of coasts that border the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.

Now home to a newly minted collection of prime properties, including such resorts as Montage Los Cabos and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, the latest to this lavish list is Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences. The vision of Señor Gabriel Macías Dueñas and an addition to his 25-year-strong Mexico Grand Hotels group, this high-end hacienda-style lodge, located on the grounds of Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, its sister 222-room hotel and 27 private residences, officially opened in September 2019. Situated on a hilltop and perfectly perched above the Sea of Cortez,  every angle of the boutique property presents a dramatic view.

Meet Vista Encantada

Let me make the introduction. Upon arrival wrought iron gates swing open. At the lobby, a warm welcome accompanies a cold margarita—a perfect refreshment to enjoy while tending to the details of your stay. If the choice is All-Inclusive (as opposed to the European Plan), a multi-purpose bracelet is issued which serves as a room key, voucher for meals at any restaurant and a credit card for above-and-beyond charges.

Here are the stats for the suites—one property: 36 suites, 16 restaurants, one world-class spa, eight complimentary shuttles to Cabo San Lucas and one personally-keyed bracelet culminating in one bill, no wallet and no worries. Among some of the amenities of the one, two, three or four-room suites are fully equipped kitchens, marble baths (one with Jacuzzi), fine linens, distinctive furnishings, private terraces positioned for sunsets and personal plunge pools.

While the resort offers state-of-the-art technology, it’s the early 19th-century-inspired architecture and colorful Hispanic décor that captures guests’ attention. Carefully curated by designer Lourdes Macías, the owner’s sister, it features a stimulating collection of paintings by renowned Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo and hand-selected furnishings and accessories from local artisans around the country. Among her choices are Talavera pottery from Puebla, ceramics from Jalisco, hand-embroidered items from Oaxaca and more.

Buen Apetito at Vista Encantada

Its 16 restaurants represent an assortment of culinary options throughout the expansive property. Known for his dedication to seasonality, Chef Oscar Rodriguez García’s fine dining eatery, Mestizo Del Mar, showcases seafood-forward selections, along with craft cocktails and that view of the Sea of Cortez. Also situated in a prime spot above the sea, La Trajinera serves authentic Mexican cuisine in upscale surroundings, of course. If seeking a taco and tequila bar, El Edén is the place to go for traditional Mexican grub. And on the opposite side of the cuisine coin is Barolo Cucina Italiana which represents a culinary journey through Italy and the Mediterranean in a stylized Romanesque setting.

Sip, Restore, Explore

Having a Guest Experience Manager translates to bespoke opportunities. Described as an elevated concierge service, this could mean a custom bubble bath set-up, private yacht reservations, exclusive chef service or your personalized stocked minibar, in addition to such standard top resort expectations as 24/7 butler service.

“Welcome to our tequila tasting, also known as Mexican Water,” says Sommelier Christopher at the hands-on intro to the country’s best-known spirit. Educational as well as fun, the class teaches how to sip, what to pair (hint: best with dark chocolate) and distinctions between Blanco, Anejo, extra-aged and ultra-aged classifications.

If seeking solace and tranquility, step no further than the second floor’s Milagro Wellness Spa for indigenous treatments such as the Mayan massage and a tequila-and-salt exfoliation. With a focus on restoring wellness, its healing treatments are based on the benefits of four ancestral Mexican flowers.

Slip into Infinity at the Sky Pool

Last but not least is the rooftop Sky Pool, one of Mexico’s largest. Graced with a 360-degree panoramic vista, its infinity edge dramatically emphasizes the resort’s location. Served by El Ático, food and drink are also steps away. But, should you prefer to stay in the water, a swim-up bar obliges. Beyond the sea exists the pool area’s architectural presence, defined as Mexican chic meets Roman ruins.

Located on the Sea of Cortez, this area is known for its unparalleled sport fishing. Having been labeled “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau and renowned for its international fishing tournaments, this exclusivity can easily be captured with customized fishing expeditions for guests.

In the end, Vista Encantada is an inviting dichotomy – contemporary but traditionally Mexican, Instagrammable but historically-inspired and design-forward but Old World inviting.