SUITE SPOT CHILENO BAY RESORT, CABO SAN LUCAS
Since Hurricane Odile struck Los Cabos in September 2014, Baja California’s resort corridor has seen a whirlwind of repairs, renovations and all-new hotels, with a half dozen more still to come. The recently opened Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, a project of Mill Valley’s Auberge Resorts, serves as the elegant eye of this new hurricane. An intimate oasis on a swimmable cove, it keeps guests’ focus on the timeless appeal of the area.
Setting: Part of the exclusive Chileno Bay master community, 9 miles from busy Cabo San Lucas and 12 miles from increasingly busy San Jose del Cabo. The resort’s 22-acre enclave is at the south end of broad Chileno Beach, bracketed by privacy-creating rock formations.
The appeal: Oversize luxury on a small scale — currently about 29 guest rooms and 32 three- and four-bedroom villas. That leaves plenty of room at the threetiered, 150-yard, zero-edge pool, where a swimsuited bartender brings the bar to guests in the adults-only end. A French Laundry alumnus is at the helm of the two restaurants. Use of kayaks, paddleboards, paddle-bikes and snorkel gear in the private cove is free.
Insider’s tips: Allow an hour or more before a spa service to enjoy the pretreatment ritual that includes a steam bath, salt room, cold plunge, hot tub and pebbled reflexology pool, as well as time soaking in sunlight. As good as fine-dining Comal restaurant is, don’t miss the fish tacos and local craft beer at beachside TnT (“Tacos and Tequila”) cafe.
Good to know: Room rates do not include Cabo’s whopping 16 percent sales tax, standard 15 percent service charge and 3 percent occupancy tax. Through Dec. 20, special packages offer three nights for the price of two, breakfast, private airport transfers (normally $125 each way). A second phase of construction, including six two-bedroom villas, is discreetly under way.
Details: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 15, Playa Chileno Bay, Cabo San Lucas. (844) 2079354, https://chilenobay.aubergeresorts.com. Spring rates from $925 garden-view room and $2,475 three-bedroom ocean-view villa, summer rates from $575 and $1,675, respectively (plus 34 percent in taxes and fees).