Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

A grand entrance is always important and it's hard to top the one at The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. A long, dark tunnel cuts through the mountains backing Cabo San Lucas, opening onto a stunning cliffside setting peppered with adobe-style buildings and casitas. Needless to say, it all feels light years away from the cheap, boozy scene in town, and is one of the nicest luxury resorts to be found in the immediate area.
From the open-air check-in, which takes place at clusters of desks with personal concierges, the feeling is immediately laid-back and exclusive. A rustic-modern sensibility with minimalist twists is on display almost everywhere. Handsome carved hardwood details sit alongside sleek water features and striking hand-crafted artisanal objects, like dangling light fixtures, vases, and furniture. It's thoughtful details that set this apart from its local competition -- things like fresh peaches and chia water were awaiting guests when we visited.
Public areas are all refined, from the ocean-view pools that are bustling with guests all day to the hotel's many stunning restaurants and bars. The highlight might be the swish Champagne bar, which is adjacent to the cliffside El Farallon restaurant. It's hard to top a locally sourced meal that's set to the sound of pounding surf, after all. The overall vibe is exclusive, but casual -- there are no stuffy dress codes and guests all seem intent on one thing: relaxing. While families are welcome here, the crowd is more mature and couples tend to make up the majority of guests.

The resort's location is one of its strongest suits, particularly for those looking to be near the party in Cabo San Lucas, but not directly in it. As it's cut off from town by steep mountains, the property is accessed through a dramatic tunnel, and there's almost nothing in the immediate area aside from the neighboring resort to the east. Like many of the beaches in the region, the one here isn't swimmable because of dangerous surf and currents, however, the rugged landscape is visually spectacular. The hotel will ferry guests through the tunnel via golf cart, and from there it's a quick 10-minute walk to the bustling marina. It will take about 15 minutes on foot to reach the Puerto Paraiso mall on the other side of the marina, and there are touristy bars and restaurants all around. The nearest swimmable beach, Playa de Empacadora, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, though it's near a gas depot and isn't the most scenic. As an alternative, it's a 10-minute taxi ride to Medano Beach, which is lined with hotels and bars. While there's a private airport for the rich and famous nearby, most travelers will arrive and depart from Los Cabos International Airport, a 40-minute drive from the resort.

We saw plenty of sharp style during our trip to Los Cabos, but The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal was one of our favorites. The design and decor has been curated with an eye for all things artisanal, and you'll see lots of handsome hardwood used everywhere from ceiling beams to closet doors. The rustic-yet-refined design choices are offset by bold patterns and bright colors like lime green and sage. Eye-catching sculptural details include dramatically shaped driftwood pieces, chunky iron decor hanging on the walls, and funky details like stacked hand-painted baskets that pop against travertine marble floors. The walls of pocket windows don't hurt the aesthetic either.
Features are generous, to say the least; expect large flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and minibars. It's worth noting that Wi-Fi can be a little spotty. Rooms also have spacious furnished balconies, all of which include a hot tub with a view of the ocean. Of course, the higher the category, the more luxe and spacious things become, and units are available with multiple bedrooms that feature full kitchens. Our favorites were the casitas, which sit right next to the ocean, have walls of windows that open, plus lawns, small outdoor pools, and fire pits.
Bathrooms are on par with those at One&Only Palmilla, farther up the coast. The massive layouts include true walk-in showers with ceramic, marble, and stone tiling plus antique soaking tubs and long vanities set with hand-painted sinks. They feature premium toiletries and generous amenity kits, and while the floor plan is generally open to the bedroom, there are heavy wooden sliding doors and separate water closets as well.

While the resort has just over 100 rooms, the features here almost feel outsized given its stature. Dining is a highlight, and venues range from casual to spectacular. Breakfast and dinner are available at the attractive Mexican restaurant, Don Manuel's -- dishes include traditional staples like chilaquiles and locally sourced seafood, with daily menus for dinner. Laid-back lunches happen at Crudo, which has raw seafood and rolls as its focus. There's also a beach club that draws on Asian and Mexican flavors and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. The star of the show, though, is El Farallon, with its terraces perched dramatically above the crashing surf below the cliffs. Menus here also change on a daily basis, and there's a high-end Champagne bar as well.
With the exception of the family pool, all pools here are perched dramatically above the beach. These include an adult-only pool and a main pool with a whirlpool; both have view-enhancing infinity edges. The adult-only pool also has a swim-up/walk-up bar, and there's plenty of seating around both pools. The hotel also has a well-stocked kids' club with toys, bean bags, and games for any families with children who need an alternative to the shallow pool. Unfortunately, while there is a sandy shoreline here, it's not safe to swim, a common issue throughout Los Cabos. Additionally, the resort is dealing with ongoing beach erosion issues, and a noisy tractor is used during the day to reclaim some of the shoreline.
The spa here is a stunner, with many of the private treatment cabins opening onto the lagoon-like saltwater pool that's created from a manmade waterfall crashing down from above. Treatments are based on the sea and moon plus a blend of local rituals. The complex is impressive, with a sauna, steam rooms, and ice rooms in all of the swish locker rooms. Attendants are on-hand to provide any amenities in the locker rooms, including sea-based OSEA and The Organic Pharmacy products. There's also a spa menu and relaxation rooms, and digestive teas and chlorophyll water are both on hand as well. Those who prefer a more active way to unwind can head to the extensive gym, which is packed with modern equipment and has a dedicated Crossfit room plus TRX bands and kettle bells.
The hotel's boutique offers artisanal goods curated by management, and all of the hand-crafted items from the guest rooms are available for sale in the shop, which has items from Guadalajara to Puebla and Oaxaca.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and valet parking is free as well.