Luxury Hotels | Gwen Books

Capella Pedregal, the premier spa resort in Cabo San Lucas, sits on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Encompassing 24 spectacular mountainside and oceanfront acres, the luxury resort rests at the very point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, near the legendary rock formations known as Land’s End.

The beach resort is reached via the only privately owned tunnel in Mexico, Dos Mares. Carved through the heart of the mountain, the tunnel is a 300-meter long engineering feat that separates the town of Cabo from the Pacific Ocean.

Driving through the torch lit shadowy tunnel is quite surreal, a short plunge into darkness, opening to an incredibly dramatic entrance. Guests are deposited at the resort’s entrance courtyard, overlooking a long expanse of beach and the surf. Pounding ocean and massive granite walls circle the resort. Drama sets the tone.

The landscaping is stark and appropriate; it would be impossible to compete with the massive stone surroundings. Beachfront suites are great for families or nesting away from the paparazzi. Corner suites with individual infinity pools look daunting, as the water literally falls off the face of the building. Don’t drink and dive.

El Farallon restaurant is perched on the tip of the point, again, dramatic. Surf pounds the sea wall; foam occasionally misting diners. Sunsets are theatrical with guests arriving in sync with the setting sun. Fresh fish caught each afternoon; diners are directed to the fish bar to personally select catch of the day, chef shares species and the preparation.

Desserts- oh my, more drama! The restaurant manager, Gabriel, conspired with my most excellent waiter, Luis to have me personally test his new collection of desserts. Not realizing he would bring me a platter filled with offerings, I gamely tried a bite of each delectable delight. Who knew there were gourmet churros or donuts to be dipped in chocolate sauce…

Spa looked heavenly, I missed my appointment will have to return for an afternoon of pampering.

Afternoon tea is elegant and scrumptious, served in the domed atrium beneath the most dazzling two ton Baccarat chandelier, Full Moon, as the Parisian designer Chafik Gas dubbed the globe of 1,0001 baubles illuminated by a tiny LED light; of course, in Baccarat signature style, the last bauble a single red crystal floating in the heart of the piece. The lounge is encircled on one side with double-height glass doors that open on to a maple-tree lined courtyard which floods the room with natural light. Blazing fireplaces add to the charm in the outdoor courtyard.

The location of this grand hotel in Whitehall Place could not be more prestigious. Literally a few minutes from 10 Downing Street and close to world-class cultural institutions such as the National Gallery and Royal Opera House, London’s lavish and illustrious past is brought right up to modern luxury standards with 21st century comfort and among the most spacious rooms in the capital.

With inspiration from world-class designers, the hotel group has created vast lobbies and high ceilings to take full advantage of spectacular cityscape views and have blended them with cutting-edge design to create iconic public spaces flooded with natural light. In rainy London, light is of particular importance – even on a dreary day, the lobby, bars, restaurants and rooms are sophisticated and bright and cheery.

Perfectly positioned just moments from Trafalgar Square, Westminster and Covent Garden, yet close to Mayfair and The City’s Square Mile, the new flagship provides state-of-the-art facilities in an eminent building dating back to 1885 and the Empire days of Queen Victoria. Utterly charming, well appointed, attention to details – as small as a well positioned table at each door for morning paper and setting your shopping bags down while you search for your room key- thoughtful and deliberate.

Fine dining at Massimos- chic Mediterranean seafood Lively bar scene in the evening in the musically inspired cozy Bassoon Bar Rooms are all oversize and generous, spectacular views. Seven signature suites, located inside historic turrets with terraces, overlook some of London’s most recognized landmarks, including the Thames and Trafalgar Square. Largest spa in London ESPA life  

You can be certain I will stay again at The Corinthia Hotel!