In western Mexico where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, the coastline’s beauty is truly mesmerizing. Here in Los Cabos, many luxury resorts attract travelers throughout the year with gorgeous ocean views, upscale facilities and, of course, stunning beachfront locations on golden sand.
The recently-opened Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is the luxury brand’s first resort in Mexico and it was created to fit in perfectly with the dramatic, surrounding natural landscape. Formerly operating as the renowned Resort at Pedregal (an award-winning ten-year-old property), this new Waldorf Astoria unveiled its new name in late 2019 and has taken luxury accommodations to an elevated level.
An impressive retreat in every sense of the word, this unique resort provides an elegant yet casual, beachy ambiance throughout the expansive property.
Pool at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
From the moment of arrival at the outdoor lobby area, guests are greeted by the jaw-dropping view that stretches across the lovely infinity pool to the deep blue ocean beyond. And there are amenities galore: access to several swimming pools, a massive spa, a kid’s club, a 24-hour personal concierge team and much more.
The 119 guest rooms and well-appointed residence suites all feature exceptional comfort, including oversized bathrooms with large soaking tubs, gas fireplaces and massive terraces with plush patio furniture. If that weren’t enough, each room features its own private plunge pool and stellar ocean views.
With a number of incredible dining and beverage experiences created by an expert culinary team, guests have the opportunity to eat and drink like royalty as they enjoy the picturesque ocean and beautiful beach views during their visit. Here are a few of the authentic and memorable offerings at this extraordinary resort:
El Farallon restaurant
Fresh salad — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
Perched next to a rocky cliff above the crashing waves on the far side of the resort, El Farallon is the hotel’s scenic premier restaurant. With beautiful sunset views over the ocean and lights that shimmer after dark, it offers a magical al fresco dining experience. Its rustic wood tables are illuminated by glowing lanterns, creating an atmosphere of beachy elegance.
The menu features an abundance of “ocean-to-table” delicacies, including sea bass, red snapper and jumbo shrimp (to name a few). This locally-caught fresh seafood is made with different homemade preparations and sauces that change daily. (There’s also rib eye steak and other non-fish dishes for those who prefer meat).
Be sure to arrive for dinner early and sip a pre-meal cocktail. Order a glass of chilled bubbly at the adjacent champagne bar and lounge and soak in the beauty of this stunning oceanfront destination.
Champagne on the beach at the resort’s Va Y Viene beach bar
Swing bar at sunset — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
If you’re seeking a romantic, fun (and completely Instagrammable) experience, this is certainly a great place to start. Situated on the sand and overlooking the crashing waves, this area features wooden swinging chairs surrounding a full-service bar that serves up an array of fine Champagne offerings.
It’s an ideal spot to celebrate the sunset – and toast your vacation as you swing in the breeze.
Don Manuel’s restaurant
Showcasing modern delights inspired by the classics, Don Manuel’s is the resort’s signature eatery that’s open for breakfast and dinner. This stylish open-air restaurant features jaw-dropping views of the beach and ocean from just about every table.
Guests can start the morning off with a delectable breakfast that includes omelettes and plenty of local favorites (as well a fresh fruit smoothie bar) prepared with local, organic ingredients.
In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a sophisticated and lovely terraced destination. A few dinner specialties include roasted totoaba “Veracruzana” with capers, olives, tomato, chile sauce, celery root and spiced beets; catch of the day “Zarandeado” with peanuts adobo, orange and salad with cilantro; and braised lamb shank “mixiote” style with roasted vegetables, ancho and guajillo chile sauce.
Crudo Bar
Food from above table — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
The resort’s unique Crudo Bar is situated in the shade under the thatched pavilion adjacent to the main swimming pool. Ideal for a snack, the bar offers a wide selection of freshly prepared items, including catch of the day tiraditos; black shrimp ceviche; seafood molcajete; tostadas and zesty Mexican-inspired rolls made with fresh, regional ingredients.
While dining, guests love to stay refreshed by relaxing in the seats in the pool or sitting at a high-top table in the shade – all while sampling some of these specialties and gazing out across the infinity pool at the Pacific. (For more casual selections, the adjacent pool restaurant also serves salads, tacos, wraps and more).
The not-to-be missed signature cocktail, the Pedregal Reyes, is made with tequila reposado, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, grapefruit, pomegranate, lime and orange juice.
Cooking classes on the property
Who says you can’t learn something on vacation? For those who wish to pick up a few culinary techniques while on this magnificent property, there are several opportunities.
The resort offers several one-hour personalized cooking classes held at the resort’s oceanfront hacienda-style kitchen, where attendees get an exclusive lesson in authentic Mexican cooking by a professional chef. The classes focus on using indigenous ingredients and shows how to make local specialties such as tamales, mole sauces and an array of fresh ceviche.
Tequila tastings for beginners and experts
In addition to the culinary classes, the resort also offers a series of private tequila tastings at the resort’s stylish, open air restaurant, Don Manuel’s. These tastings are suited for the novice, as well as those more experienced in the world of tequila.
The beginner classes focus on the history of the spirit and introduce the diverse expressions of un-aged and aged tequila: blanco, reposado and anejo. The advanced course covers the different types of agave, “terroir” and styles. (As an added bonus, guests can also participate in cocktail or exclusive Mexican wine tasting classes as well).
Gourmet snacks delivered to your room
Plunge pool in room — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
So just when you thought you weren’t hungry, think again! Delectable snacks are certain to appear in your room throughout your stay, including a daily bowl that’s overflowing with crispy housemade corn chips and chunky guacamole that are, simply put, quite addictive.
This zesty treat is accompanied by a frosty Mexican beer with thinly-sliced lime – best enjoyed while soaking in the in-room plunge pool while admiring the sunset. During your stay, guests may also find a platter of colorful tropical fruit, as well as a Clase Azul premium tequila that’s served in a beautiful ceramic keepsake bottle.
Private dinners
Table on beach — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
And for those who wish to dine with their own group of traveling companions, the resort can set up a beautiful private sunset dinner on the beach (or elsewhere on the resort), featuring all of your favorite menu items.
After all these exciting culinary experiences, there’s yet another option: an unparalleled in-room dining program that features many delicious specialties. So even if you choose to retreat to your room by yourself, you’re guaranteed to be served a memorable meal.
