JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

At the far north end of the Los Cabos region, the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa is a tranquil escape and one of the area's nicest luxury properties. From the second you leave your car with the valet, the vibe is subdued and pampering, with architecture that soars overhead and opens to beautiful grounds and the sea beyond. Clean lines frame views all around, creating surprisingly intimate spaces that make quality family time or private romantic moments all the more likely. The JW Marriott Los Cabos has more character than you might expect at a chain property, in part due to its landscaping and design -- fields of sea grass are cut by sharp high walls and look out to sea; local ojo de dios crafts hang from trees; pools sit above the beach and restaurants all look out to the ocean. It's a family-friendly property, with a kids' club and children's pool, but the hushed vibe and stunning style make this a go-to destination for couples, older families, and friend groups. 

The JW Marriott sits at the beginning of the East Cape, across the estuary that separates this resort and residential development from San Jose del Cabo. Several other luxury resorts are found here, including Mandapa, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve (set to open in 2019). That being said, you'll need a car to see anything else in the area. The wildly popular Flora Farms -- a farm-to-table restaurant that's often fully booked -- is a 10-minute drive away, as is equally buzzed-about Acre. Nearby Hotel El Ganzo has a swimmable beach that you can access for a fee, though there's a free public beach right next to is (though there's no seating). Across the estuary, it's a 10-minute drive into the heart of San Jose, which is packed with galleries, cafes, boutiques, and touristy shops. It's famous for its Thursday night Art Walk. If you're seeking boozy clubs and bars, you'll need to make the 40-minute drive to Cabo San Lucas, where other landmarks include Land's End and El Arco -- a striking rock formation that's a popular day trip from San Jose del Cabo. Expect it to take around 30 minutes to reach SJD Airport by car.

Continuing this hotel's calm and cool vibe, the rooms are a treat. Each is private, with doors that are set off of main corridors, amplifying the feeling that you've found your own little oasis on the Baja California. Inside, floor plans are generous -- even in entry-level Deluxe Rooms. King beds are dressed in white and orange linens, while dark hardwood furniture and storage lines the periphery. Living areas sit next to windows, so there's plenty of seating, with furnished terraces beyond that. Keep in mind that Partial Ocean View units offer very little actual sea visibility -- especially if you're on lower floors. Higher category suites include multiple rooms, and many of those have amazing ocean views. Bathrooms are spa worthy, with dual sinks, bathrobes, soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. Other standard features include Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, turndown service, air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen Smart TVs, and ceiling fans. There's plenty of storage as well. Rooms stay incredibly quiet day and night. There is elevator access to all floors, making them easy to navigate for mobility challenged guests. 

Given its beautiful style and architecture, it's perhaps no surprise that this hotel's features are equally striking. Since the beach here -- and generally throughout the Cabo region -- isn't swimmable, the JW Marriott Los Cabos' pools are especially important. All are beautiful and immaculately clean. The adult pool is ringed with loungers and sits next to a separate sun terrace, with direct swim-up bar access. All of this overlooks the beach. On the other side of the resort, there are slightly livelier pools, a saltwater pool, and a kid-friendly pools. Even so, things feel classier than you'll find at the Hilton Los Cabos, and there are more pools to choose from than at smaller luxury resorts, like Chileno Bay Resort & Residences. Poolside service is available throughout the JW Marriott Los Cabos, and there are whirlpools as well. Dining scores generally high marks, especially at the ambient Cafe des Artistes. Here, Mexican-French fusion fare is on offer alongside views across the adult pool and sea. Light live music happens in the evenings, and reservations are recommended (the dress code is a bit more formal). Ua is the resort's buffet restaurant, with an extensive range of Mexican and international cuisines (as well as a separate vegetarian and vegan menu). Breakfast features a great selection of local dishes. We especially like the atmosphere at the Niparaya JW Bar at night, where Asian dishes are offered alongside cocktails, romantic fire pits, and sea views. All-inclusive rates are not available at the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. Wellness features are numerous, and the gym is one of the best in the region. It's packed with modern equipment, a variety of weight stations, tons of cardio options, virtual training programs, classes, and tons of cardio machinery. Outdoor classes are also offered. Keep in mind that classes generally cost extra. The spa is a beautiful venue for massages and treatments. The children's club helps make this a popular pick for families. Unfortunately, the kids' club isn't free to use, though children's yoga classes are free. Valet parking and Wi-Fi are both included in rates.