Chileno Bay Resort Spa Staff!

Besides being an arrival junkie – please impress me with your style by The Arrival to your hotel property, set the stage for my visit. I’m always wowed by enthusiastic passionate staff and after the dreary stay at home pandemic, everyone wants to be warmly welcomed back to ‘real life’. I prefer to look at it as the opening act of a play and each experience builds to the final check out.

I anonymously wander properties on my own and I talk to everyone. I didn’t need to initiate any conversations at Chileno Bay; every gardener, housekeeper, and the bellman in buggy’s all heartily greeted me: Hola! Buenas Tardes! Buenas Noches! Quantifiable research documents the motto: Happy employees = happy guests. The pandemic has been a challenge for every hotel whether city hotel or beach resort…staff has been furloughed, released and some have returned for a while to then be let go again. There was no sign of stress or weary staff at Chileno Bay Resort in Cabo. First impression matters. The first three minutes at a hotel will inform guests if they made the correct decision to stay there (buyer’s remorse), and they learn what to expect over the course of the stay,

My hotel site inspections typically include a member from management, but I also mosey on my own to get a personal flavor and take hundreds of photos.

Meandering through the spa entrance, two lovely women, Vanessa and Karina offered me a cucumber flavored bottle of water – how they knew my name is a mystery – but both reminded me to hydrate in the heat. Vanessa asked me if I owned a luxury travel firm and said she had seen my ‘Magazine’, I was very surprised and flattered! Consider me a dedicated member of the Tribe of the Spa Girl; I consider it my utmost duty to share all hotel amenities with my clients.

Vanessa suggested a tour. She eagerly showed me the entire spa and expertly explained treatment techniques, product and proudly shared the extensive local art collection. She had favorite locations as she described the massive live plant wall, the moody meditation room lined with pink Himalayan salt, she truly knew her spa! She was a natural! Chileno Bay has a stunning collection of local art, Vanessa knew the artists names and provenance; we crept through the secret garden and the numerous peaceful spaces before we ended back in the boutique.

Research has shown that the employees’ level of knowledge is a key factor in satisfying the needs of the customer. It’s worth noting that the same research demonstrates that the longer an employee works at a hotel, the more a customer is satisfied, which can point to the importance of employee retention and expertise.

Vanesa and Karina were beyond charming and professional. And yes, I promised to feature them in a post – but that was after their kindness and enthusiastic sharing of their spa! Vanessa and Karina excel in the Art of Hospitality at Chileno Bay Resort and Spa.

Gracias!

Esperanza, an Auberge Resort

Our Journeys are designed in the style of a three-act play. I believe my love of theater and rituals stem from my Catholic upbringing, and in particular, the ancient rites of Latin Mass – which took place in the dark ages. Ceremonies that included overpowering incense, flickering candles, chiming bells, and lace mantillas worn, oh so dramatically. High Latin Mass, a powerful and unforgettable procedure. My recent visit to Esperanza didn’t disappoint and included a full high drama, third act closer, we survived Hurricane Newton here without a single hiccup.

As I have probably previously prattled, the initial welcome at a property sets the tone and stage of a visit. We purposely work with on-property management, the GM’s and our off site representatives expecting them to personally welcome our clients. There are numerous clients who reach out to me on arrival sharing their enthusiasm: We are being spoiled. I LOVE this hotel. Amazing! Honestly, people take a minute from their Journeys and send me messages. Amenities arrive and we receive photos of the gifts, love the welcome and love hearing from our clients. Seems simple – but not every hotel practices the welcome – setting the stage in delighting the guest.

My recent visit to the Auberge property in Cabo, Esperanza Resort reaffirmed my belief. The moment you arrive, the charming rituals begin. Served an indigenous frothy and refreshing chilled pick-me-up; just enough to make you pause and be captivated by the surroundings. No rushing to a lobby, you have arrived. Chill!

Meander amid the fragrant paths to reach your room, enjoy a brief overview of your suite; a knock at the door and an authentic liquid refreshment, a refreshing Margarita arrives with a barman! A barman dressed in white linen snapping a cocktail shaker for full effect. Oh, did I mention the traditional molcajete brimming with fresh chopped guacamole, assorted salsas and fresh chips?

Now this is a Statement Arrival!

Set at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, between two massive bluffs, and only a few miles from Cabo San Lucas, Esperanza provides stunning views of both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena – Whale Point – lounge in winter and tally the humpback’s passing and breaching.

Something for everyone here – bungalow accommodations with deck top infinity edge Jacuzzi’s – are my favorite. The after Odile hurricane changes are subtle, the private patio’s have a woven panel assuring intimate privacy in your Jacuzzi. The same soothing color palate remains in the very comfortable luxurious rooms, why compete with the incomparable views of the pounding sea? A strong sense of place is achieved with handcrafted furniture and accessories created by Mexican artisans.

Relax in one of the 56 air-conditioned Casitas or secluded suites featuring free minibar items and espresso makers. All the rooms have private furnished balconies. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and designer toiletries.The drop dead view is amazing from the shower for two! Yoga on your terrace, go no further than the closet for your mat, essentials at your fingertips!

We reserve for families here as well, as the Resort has a cluster of private Villas which can accommodate large groups with full kitchens, usually a patio Jacuzzi or small plunge pool. Need a butler or chef to prepare meals? Si!

Do visit the full-service spa, where you can enjoy body treatments, massages and facials. One key element here is an assortment of five outdoor swimming pools; plus you can  spend time at the private beach, often not swim able, but with the stunning pools, who needs sand in your toes?  

Enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s dining establishments, which include 6 restaurants. Roam here for a few days and dine at a different location several times a day – poolside, cliff side, elegant evening dining.The resort has a full schedule of culinary events, consider the choices: beach asados (Argentine-style barbecues) to Mexicanisimo Thursdays, where live music and fireworks accompany meals from various regions of the country. We were invited to a special post Hurricane Cocktail party – a delightful way to meet guests and sample exquisite passed nibbles and cocktails.

The new “Sunrise Yoga” program offers an early-morning stretch at one of the hotel’s two private coves.Oh, did I mention championship golf courses? Endless options, a testament to the discerning Auberge brand. Whale watching soon in winter – no place better, Esperanza, an Auberge Resort!