This past weekend’s cold snap in the Centennial State might have you wishing for warmer days. Unfortunately, we’re solidly locked in for two more months of winter. So, in the meantime, we’re sharing the perfect warm-weather getaway to Los Cabos. Direct from Denver travels this week to the blue waters of Los Cabos and the boutique hotel—Mar Del Cabo by Velas Resorts. And with easy non-stop flights from Denver to Los Cabos, warmer days are closer than you think.
Located off the shores of the Sea of Cortez, midway between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts offers a quiet and relaxing reprieve that feels locally sourced for international travelers. In classic boutique hotel fashion, the non-all-inclusive 46-room property offers a slice of sand and sea along some of Mexico’s most beautiful coastline—escaping the often-mediocre all-inclusive vibe with its stylish design, intimate setting and unique personalized experiences.
The historic property oozes charm and bright colors against its stark white exterior that can only be likened to a hotel you might find in Greece. Walking the grounds is a true treat with flowering bougainvillea and other tropical plants filling the cozy corners and intimate walkways that lead to the property’s accommodations.
Varying in size and layouts, all 46 one- and two-bedroom suites and two penthouses have a king or two queen size beds, kitchenette, scenic terrace with sitting area, separate living area with sofa, bathroom width step-in rain shower and daily turndown service. Locally sourced art adorning the walls and custom furniture gives each space a bit of Mexican flare.
Descending from your rooms, the tiled footpaths lead to the hotel’s restaurant, pool area and beach access. All 46 one- and two-bedroom suites and two penthouses have king or two queen-sized beds, a kitchenette, a terrace with a sitting area, a separate living area with a sofa and daily turndown service.
Unique culinary experiences from the Baja Peninsula
While the hotel is not all-inclusive, its on-site restaurant focusing on sustainability, amenities and culinary experiences are top-notch, offering you a personalized, elevated stay.
Encanto Farm and Sea, the hotel’s restaurant, serves up local and fresh flavors of Baja California with over 90% of the ingredients locally sourced. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner all with oceanfront views to round out your meal.
If you prefer breakfast in your room, start your day (at your preferred time) with a traditional Mexican wake-up call. Showcasing the traditions and flavors of Mexico, this breakfast experience includes a basket of sourdough conchas fresh out of the oven, crema de rancho, homemade fruit jam and a fresh pot of cafe de olla—freshly brewed in a clay pot with cinnamon, piloncillo and spices. Ending your day also comes with perks when you sign up for the Not Ready for Bed Turndown or a nightcap where you can request a Rum Flip, Hot Chai Tea Toddy or Whiskey Skin.
Or be a part of the culinary experience and learn how to make Mexican ice cream using traditional methods that date back centuries, Nieves de Garrafa, also known as “bottled snow.” Setting up shop along the beach, the class is guided by a chef from the hotel, using local ingredients, wooden barrels and your own two hands to churn and handcraft your own.
Other culinary experiences include a Mole Cooking class where you learn all that goes into making mole from scratch, emphasizing the balance of chili peppers, chocolate and other spices used to craft the unique flavor of the sauce. Or test your tastebuds with Tacos and Mezcalitas pairing. Learn about what goes into making a good Mezcalita using different artisanal spirits from Oaxaca and what to pair with it.
But if all that isn’t enough for your tastebuds to digest, guests can also enjoy dining experiences at the hotel’s sister properties. Mar Del Cabo rests between two Velas Resorts in Cabo—Grand Velas Los Cabos and Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos. The two larger resorts within the Velas Resorts portfolios are both all-inclusive options, with Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos being an adults-only inclusive resort. When you stay at Mar Del Cabo, you’ll have access to both resort amenities, including the spa, and world-class restaurants, including the Michelin-star Cocina de Autor.
Local experiences
Unlike most all-inclusive resorts, where the pricetag and on-property amenities don’t encourage much exploration beyond the property, a stay at Mar Del Cabo is designed to get you out and about exploring the Baja Peninsula and the Mexican landscape that shapes Los Cabos.
Whale watching season
Whale watching is a popular activity in Los Cabos, and the months of December, January and February are the prime time to see the migrating whales. Traveling up to 5,000 miles, gray whales and humpback whales make their way south for winter along the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Spotting a breaching whale is the thrill of a lifetime and is easily enjoyed when you stay at Mar Del Cabo.
The luxury Mexico resorts collection owns and operates its own yacht, which is available to guests at all three of their Cabo properties— Mar del Cabo, Grand Velas Los Cabos and Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. Guests can book a tour during their stay through the respective concierges. Or a full-day charter is included in the rate for the Royal Suite, Presidential Suite and Imperial Suite at Grand Velas Los Cabos or is included in some hotel buyouts at Mar del Cabo.
Off-road adventures
Explore the other side of Mexico and take an off-road adventure through the mountains and sandy shores of Mexico. With Cabo Adventures, strap in and take an off-road UTV tour, navigating through the sand dunes and rugged trails of Tierra Sagrada. The scenic tour takes you on a bit of an adrenaline rush mixed with a traditional Mexican lunch and a tequila-tasting experience, offering a true taste of local flavors and culture.
Check out their entire list of experiences and start planning your warm weather getaway to Los Cabos.
*all images taken by Jessica Hughes, unless otherwise specified.