It was a slight bitch to get there, an early morning flight, connection, customs. But, when I arrived at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula,  84 degree temps and a welcome margarita put the kabosh on irritation. At first glance, I was in love. The property hugs the coastline of Cabo and has an open air format (no large buildings to enter or exit) that rewards guests with constant friction with sun, sea and near-perfect weather. I  collapsed into the welcome embrace of a lounge chair delighted that the only music to be heard was the crash of waves upon the shore. It only got better from there. I spent hours by the pool, enjoying crudo and the cocktails from the in-pool bar. Though kids are welcome at Pedregal, my feeling was that it is an adult sanctuary. Tranquility would be an understatement.

 

Swim Up Pool Bar ATK

Crudo and cocktails at the in-pool bar

 

My room was massive and airy with high ceilings and a private plunge pool. Bonus points for the stand alone soaking tub. I love a standout amenity, especially one that offers a special sense of place. Each day, guacomacole and chips paired with a duo of Corona beers materialized at 4 pm. At night, Mexican candy was left by the bed, often with a fragrant piece of local rosemary.

 

4 pm amenity atk

4 pm amenity

 

Food, it’s a deal breaker. El Farallon is a restaurant literally built into the natural rock formations and suspended over the Sea of Cortez. I took advantage of this stunning setting with a guided tasting at the new champagne lounge. To enhance the flavor of the champagne, various Hawaiian salts and cheese were paired with the bubbly. Then, it was on to dinner. While watching the sun set, we feasted upon perfectly grilled mariscos paired with surprisingly delightful Mexican wines.

 

Champagne at el Farallon atk

Champagne at el Farallon

 

The main restaurant, Don Manuel, is equally delightful. Executive Chef Yvan Mucharraz, a French Laundry alum, turns out flavor forward renditions of Mexican classics as well as elegantly grilled fish and roasted meats. Should you wish to buff up your knowldege of Mezcal (I did), there are guided tasting offered. The breakfast buffet-peppered with house made salsas is not to be missed.

 

Mezcal tasting atk

Mezcal tasting

 

DO: SPA
The spa-Luna y Mar- is a true paen to relaxation.  A pre-treatment muscle detox circuit (the sauna features fresh aloe to schmear on to increase hydration) relaxes the body. Next, a foot bath ritual involving warm, oiled water and a gentle scrub of bundles herbs. Then, it’s time to melt. Treatments were devised by mexican herbologists and many involve ancient healing remedies like heated limes, sauco, green coffee and chili.

 

pre treatment foot ritual materials luna y mar atk

Pre-treatment foot ritual materials at Luna y Mar

 

DON’T: LEAVE PROPERTY
Pedregal is a don’t venture off property type of place. though there are outside experiences offered, don’t bother. There is  (well, maybe a half day boat ride to see the Cabo arch and Land’s End and swim in the Sea of Cortez) no need to fraternize with reality when you have escaped it so successfully.

 

THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL
Camino del Mar 1 | Cabo San Lucas BCS | C.P. 23455 Mexico