Recommend February 2012 - (Page 56)

mexico bliss springs eternal at Guests can opt for a seaside massage. A sarah muñoz 56 february 2012 ESPERANZA At about 80 percent occupancy right after the crazy-busy holiday rush that included a for-the-books New Year’s celebration, Esperanza, an Auberge Resort is still quiet and calm, perfectly encapsulating the Cabo experience: rocky shores jutting off deep-blue waters, date palm trees mixed in with prickly cacti and nonstop sun shimmering off of everything. Not missing a luxury-saturated beat, it signs off daily with sunsets lined with fat stripes of tomato juice-red and wakes up the next morning with not a hair out of place. A stay at this critics’ favorite uncovers the best of everything you need, plus so many other things you didn’t realize you wanted until you get it here: yoga mats in your closet for an anytime stretch, tiny just-baked scones while you wait for breakfast or an impromptu mini smoothie by the pool—in our case it was made of mango, basil and lime, an oddball combo that proved delicious and refreshing. The surprises that Esperanza bestows on guests are no doubt one of its most exciting components, yet there’s much more to this luxury retreat than meets the eye. A constant, along with its spa, on the “best” lists of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, this is one of just three Relais & Chateaux properties in Mexico and leaves nothing but warmand-fuzzies in the hearts of visitors. onsite review january 2012 water, water, everywhere The Sea of Cortez plays a pivotal role here. Esperanza, which means “hope” in Spanish, overlooks private coves in Punta Ballena, outside of the hubbub of Cabo San Lucas. Recent down time by the two-tier inﬁnity pool revealed whales putting on a show in the morning as they breeched and preened for onlookers, with the green landscape within the resort perking up the sea beyond it. What followed was no less exciting: a masseur from the spa stopping by to offer sun seekers a complimentary foot or neck-and-shoulders massage. When they’re not at the spa, this is the most popular area among guests, so they show up very early to reserve their extra-roomy lounge chairs by the pool or on the private beach. Because of the resort’s horseshoe-like design, all suites, casitas and villas at Esperanza offer views of the sea, so you’ll ﬁnd binoculars when you walk in. Another surprise: a welcome amenity that can take the form of a ceviche “carrousel” or a hot tea or kicky margarita—probably the best we’ve had—made right on your terrace as you arrive. Accommodations are decked out in warm colors, all-natural bath products made exclusively for Esperanza, wireless Internet and low-key handcrafted furnishings, most splendidly an Oscar de la Renta-designed divan that is ideal for a read that turns into a nap. Many casitas and suites come with hammocks on their terraces, yet a few feature outdoor jacuzzis that are more like mini-inﬁnity pools. Opened 10 years ago this month, the resort has 57 rooms and suites, plus 36 villas of two and three bedrooms—each with its own pool—that are perfect for families, with the third bedroom completely separate from the rest of the villa. Garden villas are particularly popular among families and groups, with grills and quick access to the beach. More resort innovation comes in the form of the ﬁne art pieces displayed throughout—sculptures in common areas, and paintings within each casita and villa. Many of these have tags next to them that guests can scan with their smart phone to review additional information and pricing on each. They can also stop by the onsite gallery to ﬁnd out more or purchase their favorite items. continued on page 58 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2012

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: The Lodge at Woodloch
Tour Talk: Swain Tours
Celebrity Silhouette
Savoring the Zulu Kingdom
The Falkland Islands-Nature's Last Stand
Asia
One Bal Harbour, Florida
Las Vegas Spa Retreats
Beaver Creek Lodge, Colorado
Bliss Springs Eternal at Esperanza
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
Time to "Czech" Out Moravia
Caribbean Uber-Luxe

Recommend February 2012