Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas the Meaning of Five Star Experiences

Chapter Two – Clairvoyant Staff. Some may tire of my perpetual praise of Four Seasons properties – I am not a FS Junkie- There are cities where I reserve other brands exclusively!

At Four Seasons Punta Mita, I’m convinced every staff member has memorized my face and my client bookings – everyone recognizes me and recites my clients and their preferred suites or villas, truly impressive!

I was unaware that Easter had such a long celebration period – the plane was full of kiddos, we had premium economy seats – if Alaska offered a first-class plane only, every flight would sell out. I had flexible dates – but premium economy was the best we could achieve – three ladies of a certain age with metal knees….Oye. Not enough canned Champers – who knew Champagne came in a can? I’m certain one row up, they deCANted it! It is always served in a glass up front!

Alaska Air Premium Economy Champers- in a CAN!

I am obsessed with stories related to Travel Experiences. After a too short week here in Paradise, I could fill a novella on amazing experiences!

My goal was to explore the new residences and Villas – much has transpired in the two years since my last visit. GM, Borja emailed me on the plane: You are almost here, we can’t wait to see you! My response: Kiddos galore on plane, we need icy Margaritas on arrival, por favor!

I have an outside team now offering VIP arrival and departure services. Mexico airports are infamously amusing with the push the button random chance game…push button – greenlight means you pass thorough with no bag inspection. Red light – drop bags on conveyor for Xray. VIP airport services are addictive once you’ve enjoyed – met at the wing and an airport expert navigates you out to a driver. Mexico is not quite CDG in VIP level, but having the team manage our luggage and get us past many of the stops was excellent – did I mention the kiddos on the plane? Parched & peckish travelers.

We were greeted by Borja and a small legion of the Four Seasons Welcome Committee! Gwen, instead of the Mezcal arrival drink, Ricardo, our Tequila Master, will accompany you to your residence for a Tequila & Mezcal Immersion and Tasting, we can check you in there as well.  Muchas Gracias!

The Arrival Always Sets The Stage for The Stay!

Please meet Poli, your dedicated butler, he’s here for all your needs. Poli delivers us to my glorious residence in style – bags follow.

Ricardo, the Four Seasons Tequila Master, is an on-property expert – the tasting setting in my residence included nine glasses for tasting, three styles each sipper! Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco, Código 1530 Anejo Tequila and the familiar artisan hand painted cobalt bottle Clase Azul Reposado.

One of our three doesn’t drink and within moments of tasting, I noticed her slipping into the sofa cushions – long travel day – not much food…out for the count! In the hazy review, I was surprised to learn Tequila and Mezcal were very popular during the early 1900s during Prohibition. U.S. laws prohibiting the making and selling alcohol, translated to tequila smuggled into the U.S. over the border. Prohibition also encouraged the opening of over 150 bars in the border town of Tijuana.

And yes, we can arrange for Ricardo to entertain, teach, and serve his favorites in your Residence or suite! Two toddled off to Milos for dinner – and guess who appeared to mix our Margaritas? Ricardo! Every night at cocktail hour, he appeared at each restaurant to prepare our Margaritas! We would look up from a menu and there’s Ricardo! He & Poli are a tight team!

My two bedroom Residence included the peripatetic Poli, our dedicated Concierge butler. Besides being funny and telepathic, knowing our whereabouts at every moment, he gently reminded us of our scheduled activities. I walked out the door for my tennis lesson and a buggy awaited me, soft nudge at the beach – buggy headed to you for spa appointment, dinner etc.! One of our travelers initially didn’t venture out as often and he gently reached out to her for food orders, check ins. Senor Poli, at our beck and call.  And yes again, we can arrange for Poli as your VIP Butler Concierge. We’re certain Poli inserted Air tags into our beach bags, he would randomly turn up to check on us. Hotel Whisper training is a Four Seasons hallmark!

Bikes – big beach cruisers are scattered all over the property – if there isn’t a paper name tag, it’s yours for casual cruising. Black bikes for boys, white bikes for girls – high handlebars and coaster brakes, no gears. Drop the bike wherever you want, no rules!

We’re convinced a staff member called Poli when one of us took a spill on the beach cruiser, no names, and no injuries! Within moments three medics arrived in a buggy – at first, we couldn’t figure out who they were when they pulled up to us while we were sipping water on a shop terrace… Red bags with red medic cross- Oh, are you here for us? Yes- we had a report of a bike collision. I can hear the call to Poli: Women of a certain age bike riding in linen dresses and beach bags take a spill… send Medics! We declined care as they arrived without Margaritas! VIP Service at every level. This was a first for me!

Red bags with medic cross- Oh, are you here for us? Yes- we had a report of a bike collision.

Boats Catamaran and Kayaks. The sandy beach and gentle surf are safe here, the Sea of Cortez will not carry you out to sea like most of the rip tide beaches in Cabo. Kayaks, a catamaran, sand bikes, all methods of surf accessories are stacked every morning for complimentary guest use.

Tennis – Professional courts with lights and several pros with a selection of rackets, play at your own level. Highly Recommend Bruno! I took lessons with him on my last visit, he & Jonny are so much fun and will whip you around the court in competitive play or match your level. Overhead smash need a tune up, try a new racket, sign up early Bruno is in demand. He’s fun and his Argentinian accent commanding: Go Gwen, come on come on, encouragement is inspiring! After I departed, Bruno connected with my local tennis shop and instructed Julian on a new racket for me, Five Star Service! 

Tee Time! There are more than a few reasons why the course at Four Seasons Costa Palmas is highly ranked. Designed to Delight, the world-class 18-hole championship golf course featuring desert and ocean views, dunescapes and fairways that unravel down hillsides. A masterpiece designed by Robert Trent Jones II that sets the golf experience apart in Baja´s East Cape.

Water Taxi – this is a new service. Right below my residence, the yacht slips also house an electric Water taxi to shuttle guests to the new Nancy Silverton restaurant Mozza Baja. Every ten minutes the little taxi escorts guests across the harbor to dine or dance in the new night club!

Water Taxi

Ruben, Cabana Beach Butler – the best! Wander the pools and find Ruben – if your favorite pool, like mine is the hard-to-find small pool near the residences. Entice him to be stationed there…another mind reader! He knows your orders, he sets up beach or pool loungers, saves loungers for you in the desired location, he knows what time you want to snack, he encourages you to drink water and hydrate! He remembers salt or no salt, up or on the rocks, lime, or lemon! Gracias Ruben, we will be back! When he gave us the secret Beach Butler Button we vowed not to depart! Hotel Whisperer Extraordinaire!

Nightclub at Costa Palmas Marina Village Chiki. Inspired by La Casa Azul in Mexico City, especially its architectural configurations, the nightclub’s interiors are eclectic in style yet retain a uniquely Mexican feel that plays to a fresh generation of cultural enthusiasts and modern-day travelers. The speakeasy aesthetic offers a variety of seating experiences, including intimate booths designed for relaxing before or after hitting the dance floor, and outdoor seating in a central courtyard area. And everywhere, there are murals and mosaics that bring walls to life in a deeply rooted Mexican way.

A brilliant color palette of reds, oranges, and greens lends drama and excitement while colored lighting help create a cantina vibe throughout the dining and bar areas.

Five Star Service, my friend who stayed in my Residence, surprised at every afternoon delectable delivery of drinks and snacks exclaimed: Is this your typical travel? Si SI, and it’s the same for our clients who are always treated as VIP at Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas.

Gracias Borja and the exceptional team who delighted us every day! Hotel Whisperers.

Highly Recommend!

Resort at Pedregal – Cabo Chronicles

One vast advantage of working with your son who loves Mexico, he will head south of the border at any invitation! As much as I love the culture and cuisine, I’m no longer a sun worshiper, and I had just returned from two weeks in Europe.

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

A recent Hidden Doorways fam trip took Benjamin to The Resort at Pedregal in Cabo, he’s stayed at most of the five-star properties, so this was a new adventure.  I always love his excitement in seeing new properties and quick WhatsApp messages from the moment he arrives – plus he is a techie, and notices if one can stream music & videos from a smart phone via the tv or sound system. Me, not so much! He is also an amazing cook; thus, he appreciates meeting chefs, discussing ingredients and taking cooking classes to expand his culinary skills.

Hidden Doorways sent a questionnaire following his visit: What are your overall impressions and experience of the accommodations? Loved my room, it was well-organized and very comfortable, it made me feel at home. The plunge pool on the veranda was fantastic. The view of the ocean and desert landscape were in perfect juxtaposition. I appreciated the subtle colonial Mexican touches, an authentic sense of place.

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

What was your best and/or worst experience at either of the restaurants, bars and eateries onsite? Arrival dinner in the private dining room with multi-course meal and wine pairings was fantastic. And Pedregal has one of the best breakfast buffets I have experienced. I also loved the champagne bar. (Well, he is my child, after all!).

What was your best and/or worst experience of the activities (not Spa related) onsite? Whale shark swim was a bucket list item for me although not onsite. I would have enjoyed taking a cooking class or the surf fishing lessons.

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas Swim with Whale Sharks

I visited Pedregal a few years ago and the arrival truly sets the stage for the visit – an amazing tunnel blasted from a mountain of solid rock leads to the open air front entrance. Six hundred feet of tunnel lit by torches dramatically leads you to an untouched beach. Although uniquely secluded, it’s just a 10-minute walk into the lively village of Cabo San Lucas.

The WOW factor continues with the accommodations, restaurants and spa. Even entry level rooms are ocean front with a heated infinity plunge pool dangling off a balcony. Small by many resort standards, 105 rooms, intimacy is continued with three guest pools, four restaurants and a fabulous spa.

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas Suite

Luna Y Mar Spa is one of the most decadent spas I’ve ever visited, the ten treatment rooms encircle an outdoor spa pool. Luna y Mar, created by Sylvia Sepelli, an illustrious spa designer, are the Spanish words for moon and sea. Under the direction of Alan Navarrete, Luna y Mar offers a distinctive approach to wellness and beauty, with inspiration coming from three central themes: the moon, the sea, and Mexican folk healing. Yoga is offered as well. Fitness center, tennis, complimentary classes every day.

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

My favorite restaurant is the cliffside El Farallon – the dramatic setting is sustained in its surroundings – tucked into a mammoth craggy cliff on the edge of the crashing sea, it’s a vivid sunset location enhanced by a fresh fish market restaurant. Inspired dining reflecting the diverse country using the freshest ingredients. Under palapa roofs, choose your fish from a crushed ice bar and chef prepares, refined ocean to table!

Enjoy an elevated tasting experience before dinner at the Champagne Terrace. Carved into the cliffs, the terrace overlooks the beach and ocean, the perfect setting for enjoying more than 15 different champagnes ranging from Blanc de Blancs to Rosé and vintage bubblies.

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

Do look at their extensive collection of off property activities – these are rare offerings by a resort: 4 x4 jeep trips to lost jungle villages, panga boats for surfing, swimming with the whale sharks, stand up paddle lessons, snorkelers can navigate through dazzling schools of Horse Mackerel, silvery Sardines and effervescent Sea Lions. Give back tourism: nestled in a desert oasis lies the Nano-community of La Candelaria with a population of 76. During a rare peek into this town, volunteers spend the morning aiding in the upkeep of the Agustin Melgar Primary School with activities like painting, followed by lunch with the school children.

Forbes Five Star status is earned and The Resort at Pedregal deserves the hard to achieve award! We highly recommend!

Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas. Guac o’Clock Afternoon snacks!