Review

Overview

This is the kind of resort where even the gatekeeper knows to say "Welcome back" when our taxi approaches, noting that we stayed at the property five years ago. At the entry, a bellman whisks our luggage to the room while a greeter proffers guava, strawberry or raspberry frozen ices. Before a staff member escorts us to our accommodations, he unfurls a white parasol so that we do not get burned by the sun. There's no need to line up at the front desk since we register in our room.

Then Ricardo arrives. He's our butler. Even though we share him with several other lodgings, we remain impressed. While he acquaints us with our room, pointing out the telescope for star viewing, the Bose CD player and the complimentary tequila, we try to come up with something for a butler to do. When Ricardo asks if there's any way he can assist us, we're ready. We forgot bandages. Ricardo graciously offers to get some from the sundries store, charge it to our room and bring the box to us. Nice.

Such service and details matter at this AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort, located within the 21-mile Los Cabos corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The rich and famous have visited the resort since its inception. Don Abelardo Rodriguez, a flight instructor and test pilot for the U.S. Air Force during WWII, purchased Punta Palmilla, constructed 15 rooms, the chapel and an air strip, and opened the resort in March 1956. Guests could arrive only by plane or by boat because the Transpeninsular Highway wasn't built until 1970. The isolated location and the area's natural beauty made the resort an A-list magnet. The property drew luminaries such as John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, as well as Ernest Hemingway, who was attracted to Cabos' deep-sea fishing.

The hotel was sold over the years to various businesses. In January 2004 the resort reopened after a $90 million refurbishment and a rebranding as part of Kerzner International's One&Only upmarket portfolio. As part of the debut sparkle, John Travolta brought his friends to celebrate his 50th birthday at the resort. Natalie Cole crooned "Unforgettable," and Jose Feliciano sang "Light My Fire," cueing an elaborate fireworks display.

Channel your "inner celebrity" and prepare to be coddled at this luxury resort, which has 173 mostly oversized rooms and suites, 27 holes of golf, plus a world-class spa. In 2008, a $30 million renovation added 16 beachfront suites, a four-bedroom villa, and Market, the first west coast venue by Michelin starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

The hotel looks wonderful. The grounds bloom with hibiscus, bougainvillea, oleander and scores of other flowers. Bamboo and palm trees shade the walkways, giving the resort the lushness of a desert oasis. Families with children ages four to 10 are likely to be happiest at this resort because of the children's program.

 

Written by Candyce H. Stapen