Summer Vacation: Viceroy Los Cabos

Who’s ready for an opulent adventure?  

[Sees all hands enthusiastically raised across the entire internet]

That’s what we thought.

We’ve all earned a break to enjoy a few vices at Viceroy Los Cabos, an ultra-modern, avant-garde San José Del Cabo retreat less than two hours via plane from the Valley (thanks to daily flights on both American and Southwest Airlines as well as several private providers in Scottsdale). As much an architectural wonder as a resort, Viceroy Los Cabos was originally conceptualized by Mexico-based architect Miguel Angel Aragonés and then brought to life by Arquitectura de Interiores, making its formal debut in 2018. From the outside, the entire 194-room masterpiece (plus 14 residences that debuted in 2019) is stark white, almost as if it is a natural extension of the surrounding white sand beaches.

Adding to the aesthetic are walkways between the main resort buildings built above a series of reflecting pools. This same design is carried down each level of the property (think of it as tiers), together stretching nearly to the Sea of Cortez. Tranquil and hypnotizing, the negative-edge waterway feels as though it melts – along with all of one’s cares – into the sea. The water also provides a truly distinctive view from nearly every room on property, with the terraces on the ground floor opening up to the negative-edge pools in epic fashion.

Along the first-tier waterway, there are several paths to adventure, including one that leads to a massive nest. Yes, a nest. However, it is not for the birds. The space is a sexy outdoor dining space called Nido, which offers freshly caught ceviche and sushi paired with mad mixology both day and night. It is one of five experiential food and/or beverage experiences on property (beyond in-room dining, poolside services and private dining experiences), joined by Cielomar, a rooftop restaurant with both a cocktail and culinary menus as breathtaking as the view; Nidito Beach and Poolside Bar, Nido’s lively little sister, offering exquisite Mezcal cocktails, agua fresca and a latticed nest-like room; Casero Restaurant, an all-day eatery meant to showcase the best in Mexican cuisine at breakfast and lunch; and Otro Bar, a sister concept to Casero with an extensive mezcal and tequila library, house-infused spirits and traditional Mexican drinking vessels called cantaritos.

If you continue along the waterway path along the top tier, beyond Nido are five shimmering guest pools and custom-made solid teak sun lounges. The other waterways also become visible soon enough, once serving as ambiance and a sense of place for the suites along the middle tier and the other leading to another set of pools as well as the beach itself.

Speaking of the beach, should you want to work on your beach body, this is the place. Viceroy boasts a state-of-the-art gym designed by Harley Pasternak, New York Times bestselling author, nutrition expert, fitness gym facility designer and motivational speaker. It has something for everyone, including CrossFit-style equipment and trainers as well as Pilates, yoga, spin classes, more traditional cardio equipment and weights. There is even an adult jungle gym!

The SPA at Viceroy is similarly impressive. At 11,000 square feet, it provides a full sensory experience from the moment you step in the door. Expect multiple intimate pools with color therapy and massage elements as well as sauna, steam room and a serene grotto space that prepares one’s mind and body for one or more treatments. A favorite: the Herbal Dream Catcher. During this 90-minute experience, a massage is combined with ancient techniques to relieve stress and fatigue as well as a cupping ritual and energy cleanse with healing herbs.

My recommendation: after any spa experience, retreat to your room to recharge for at least an hour.

That brings us to the rooms. Oh, the rooms!

The standard option starts at 575 square feet and features floor-to-ceiling windows with automated sheers and blackout curtains. Most rooms have a stunning architectural or water view as well as a rainfall shower. The suites range from 1,000 square feet to 1,615 square feet. Primarily stark white from floor to ceiling with natural wood and sandy touches, they feel like the chicest of spaces in South Beach, maybe even better. Of particular note is the two-bedroom ocean-view suite, thanks to its dramatic white living room and ample indoor-outdoor space complete with a full daybed on the terrace.

Still not enough space? Consider a villa, casita or the “Vamos a la Viceroy” package. Offering the ultimate luxury of space and privacy, those who book this package receive their own secluded haven in one of the resort’s spacious waterside casitas or villas. A home-away-from-home and within steps of the ocean, each immaculately decorated three-bedroom casita and four-bedroom villa offers modern furnishings, soothing neutral colors and a design that maximizes ocean views and induces relaxation at every turn. An ideal setting for couples looking to live large, families or travel “pods,” guests will enjoy an expansive living space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private rooftop terrace – complete with a private pool, grill and outdoor dining and lounge area. To elevate the stay even further, each casita and villa comes with a dedicated Lifestyle Assistant to tend to every guest’s needs. Other elements of note:

• Private chef-curated meals in guest’s casita or villa
• Private rooftop terrace mixology class and tequila tasting with the resort’s bartender
• A private sunset yacht experience aboard a 55-ft. tailored trimaran yacht with Pelican Cabo
• Private group fitness session with the resort’s expert personal trainers
• Private group Cacao Ceremony (a sacred medicinal ritual) led by Luna Itzel
• Round-trip private airport transfers in Viceroy Los Cabos’ all-electric Tesla sedan or SUV
• Round-trip private jet charter with Private Jet Services

Room and suite rates vary based on date and party, and the Vamos a la Viceroy package starts at $7,500, excluding  jet charter; pricing determined by departure destination).