Nido means nest in Spanish. So it’s no wonder that as I stand in Nido, Viceroy Los Cabos’ spiritual and literal core space, a much touted tableside Japanese grill, I feel as coddled as a baby bird being fed by its mother. But, it’s more than good service and stellar fare that pamper me. Nido’s architecture takes my breath and quickens my heart. It’s an artistically prodigious new way to see Los Cabos. Indeed,I’ve fallen in love with this dramatic structure, a spherical bough as mysterious and evocative as a nook in a secret garden. It summons the beauty of found driftwood (manifesting what the Japanese call wabi sabi, a homage to the majesty of imperfection). As a tumble of carefully designed woven branches, filled with tables and chairs, set by the sea, and surrounded by espejos de agua (water mirrors or reflecting pools), magical in their own right, ‘the nest’ contrasts deliciously with the resort’s other Mexican-modern structures and villas — seductively curved, white-walled havens, encircled by snippets of unifying water. Eating or drinking here, with the turquoise sea at a touchable difference, and the sound of the waves a soothing serenade, ensures the state of serenity I hoped to capture when I checked into this peerless retreat.
Artistically profound, Viceroy Los Cabos stands out amongst the throng of luxury lodges that crowd the coastline between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas on the Baja Peninsula. Designed by renowned Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés, known for his spare minimalism and otherworldly use of light, Viceroy Los Cabos reigns as an art and architecture lover’s dreamscape — where the desert meets the sea.
What We Love
The Rooms
Gorgeous, commodious rooms (even in the lower categories), kitted out mostly in whites, awash in texture and designed to frame the Sea of Cortez with al fresco nooks, feel like stress erasers. I felt elegant and regal just resting on my bed. The profoundly posh private casitas and villas, which stand alone, are ideal as hideouts for glitterati in search of solace.
The Scent
Pervading the resort, its signature scent sets an intoxicating mood. Called Salty Fig, it combines both literal and metaphorical sensorial elements from the region, landscape, culture, and architecture. Sniff it first at check-in, then find it wafting about all day, until turn-down when housekeeping perform a scent journey for bedtime that takes things to another level. There’s even an ice cream cart with flavors inspired by the scent. Note marine elements and fruity notes including violet, watermelon, green apple, and fig.
The Restaurants
Including Nido, Viceroy Los Cabos boasts six restaurants and lounges. Newly debuted Dalia, sates as Mediterranean concept; Casero excels with Mexican dishes (don’t miss the shrimp ceviche); rooftop Cielomar promises jaw dropping sunsets; Nidito Beach + Poolside Bar (margaritas, elote, fish tacos) defines lounge chair dining; and Otro Bar serves up unforgettable cocktails, mocktails, artisan-style Mexican beer and more in a chic setting.
The Spa
Self care means recognizing the artfulness of your own body — a true piece of work. Let THE SPA at Viceroy Los Cabos take you under its wings. Encompassing a staggering 11,000 square-feet, the holistic oasis offers an array of treatments, including a Cacao Healing Experience, which harnesses the natural healing powers of cacao, a Mayan curative component via a massage with cacao cream to increase endorphins. As one of the only spas in Mexico to provide biomagnetism treatment, it encourages relaxation, as well, via its thermal chambers, hydro-massage, ice fountains, experience showers, and overall grotto vibe.
Experiences
Many prefer the more authentic town of San Jose to the party hearty Cabo San Lucas. Lucky for guests of Viceroy Los Cabos, the retreat sits closer to San Jose, known for its historic Art District, which fuses well with Viceroy’s formidable artistic presence. Visit San Jose del Cabo’s atmospheric main square, Plaza Mijares, where you’re likely to hear mariachi music. Take the cobbled route past brightly colored buildings and adobe walls to the Art District where Art Walk happens every Thursday night, 5 – 9, a see and be seen scene, an extravaganza of local wine, cheese and gallery fun.
Pro Tip: Ask the amazing Viceroy concierges to share their favorite ateliers and galleries.
Feature image courtesy of UnSplash
