Las Ventanas Al Paraiso --- Windows on Paradise --- is one of the perennial front-runners in the competition for Best Resort in the World.  The understated, sophisticated vibe attracts celebrities, moguls and “commoners” alike … if you have the money, this is a great place to spend it!

The grounds are dramatic, immaculately groomed, and overflowing with flowers, cacti and unusual desert plantings.  The vista when you enter the hotel is stunning, day or night.  A path curves down, over a bridge and alongside a softly lit pool, and beyond, the Sea of Cortez beckons.

The lucky few who get to stay here enjoy a sumptuous room, equipped with the most comfortable bed ever, a terrace with enough room for a party for 12, a huge, airy bath with separate shower and luxurious amenities.  A few standout features:  the woodburning fireplace, the telescope for stargazing and the complimentary bottle of tequila that welcomes every guest.  Every considered element spells ROMANCE.

The main pool is (thankfully) child-free and very serene, overlooking the beach.  Attendants keep guests happy with bottled water, frozen concoctions, mini-margaritas or other refreshing drinks.  I do not recommend the Poolfront Suites; not much privacy in those.  We had a wonderful suite that overlooked the golf course, the ocean, the bridge and the pool (as if we were looking down slightly to the left of the view above).  It was perfectly located and offered plenty of privacy, day and night.

The restaurants were uniformly wonderful.  We usually enjoyed lunch in our bathingsuit coverups in the Sea Grill, which features great grilled seafood prepared with fresh fruits and salsas.  We had several dinners at The Restaurant, the more formal (but not stuffy) venue which serves a fusion of Baja and Mediterranean cuisines.  Everything is open air and beautiful, with candlelight, torches and gentle breezes creating a magical ambiance.  The service was very attentive and friendly, but not intrusive, with thoughtful personal touches like a custom-designed menu for my husband’s birthday, imprinted with his name and the date.  The Tequila & Ceviche Bar is a fun place to grab a bite and a shot (or two), and I understand that they have added a Sushi bar as well.  The food was uniformly outstanding at all 3 venues that we sampled.  We also invited another couple for drinks on our terrace one evening and the room service appetizers were wonderful.

If you can tear yourself away from the pool or your room there are several other activities for guests to enjoy.  Golf on a Robert Trent Jones course, or on several others in the area designed by Jack Nicklaus or other luminaries.  Play tennis, work out in their Fitness Center, or get pampered in the Spa.  I enjoyed a delicious massage on my terrace, overlooking the ocean, with my iPod music playing in the background.  Highly recommended!

The beach is not particularly recommended since the surf here is rather dangerous.  There are peddlers on the beach as well; they kept their distance for the most part, but they are very active if you are located on the sand.

Cabo is a touristy town with lots of bars, tatoo parlors, souvenir shops and the like.  There were a few nice shops but frankly, not worth leaving Las Ventanas for.  San Jose del Cabo is more charming, somewhat less of a tourist trap, but again… it’s hard to pry yourself away from Paradise.

Bottom Line – Las Ventanas is an amazing experience, perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, “big” birthday or other special occasion.

Second Best – Casa del Mar, right next door to Las Ventanas, is a lovely property with beautiful rooms, good food, a beachfront adults-only pool (with bar and food service) and excellent service.  I highly recommend it as a lower-priced alternative to Las Ventanas.

Details: 

Las Ventanas is a Rosewood Resort which opened in July 1997.

Location :  In the Los Cabos resort area, halfway between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo; about 20 minutes from the SJC airport (they provide transportation upon request). 

www.lasventanas.com