With a resort name that literally means “the windows to paradise,” there’s little wonder why Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraiso remains one of the world’s top resorts. Completely re-built from the ground up after last fall’s Hurricane Odile, the resort is back and better than ever thanks to expanded experiences and amenities.
The last luxury resort in the corridor to re-open, Las Ventanas was among the hardest hit. But today, no guest would ever know; the resort itself appears unchanged – intentionally. Owner Ty Warner (yes, of Beanie Baby fame) insisted on the resort being re-built exactly as it had been. Guests return year in and year out (some coming multiple times each year) and can happily expect the same smiling faces — their years of service indicated by diamonds in a pin on their lapel — and even trees re-planted exactly where they had fallen.
It’s not surprising — guests at Las Ventanas are accustomed to their needs being met practically before they anticipate them. The dedication to guests comes from top down; Las Ventanas was also the only luxury resort to offer staff not only full salaries but the standard included gratuity for the full duration of the closing, taking the time to re-train the staff in areas like new spa treatments and even additional languages, like Portuguese, for the butler staff.
We had the pleasure of spending time at Las Ventanas this summer and can’t say enough good things about the property, but these five amenities and experiences topped our list:
Tequila, Tequila
There are more than 150 tequilas in the well-stocked “library” at Las Ventanas and we can only wish that we could boast having tried them all. (When in Mexico, after all…) But one of our most treasured experiences on a recent resort visit was a new program called the tequila sign, which consisted of a blind taste test of blanco, resposado, anejo and mezcal, paired with a series of small bites and questions. At the end, the tequilas are revealed, as well as a taste profile and custom certificate. Your “sign” is attached to your guest reservation, allowing staff throughout the resort to select the perfect beverage or pairing to your taste preferences.
Pampered Pets
Anyone who knows us understand that our four-legged companion is treated like royalty. And that’s definitely the case for all guests of Las Ventanas. Pups and other pets get the celeb treatment from a team of dedicated “Dog Butlers” who are responsible for on daily walks on the beach, creating tailor-made menus, special dog massages and one-on-one “doga” classes. But it’s not just dogs – we once heard tell of an African Parrot visiting the resort who also enjoyed a special massage!
Farm to Table Fare
The Restaurant, the signature dining outlet at Las Ventanas, takes an elegantly casual approach to dining, with many items inspired by those in the kitchens’ own family recipes and Chef’s many travels through Mexico. Farm-to-table fare is nothing new, but we appreciate in a resort setting the effort to patronize local farmers and obtain seasonal, native produce and meats wherever possible. The ceviche and sushi bar, located near the spa area, also makes a great and unique spot for a midday meal or snack.
Superlative Spa
It stands to reason that a resort patronized by names like Clooney and Oprah would boast top-notch amenities, but the spa at Las Ventanas stands out among our favorite worldwide. Set in a serene garden location, treatments begin in a shaded round palapa where you can relax with fresh fruit and tea. Opt for the new “Signature” massage, a mix of long flowing strokes and a blend of modalities ranging from Swedish to Hawaiian lomi lomi, that therapists trained for more than 100 hours to perfect. If you’re in need of an extra perk, opt for a cleansing with the in-house healer or the restorative twilight ceremony, an energy cleansing ritual inspired by the Mayans.
Poolside Paradise
Guests relaxing poolside can enjoy a selection of complimentary homemade icy treats from chocolate sorbet cups to lemon grass popsicles served up by the hotels roaming ice cream carts. From cool buckets of fresh water to Evian mists and attentive pool butlers, it’s easy to spend all day just lounging in the sun (raise the flag on your hammock to indicate when you’d like your butler to wake you), or listening to pre-stocked iPods with an eclectic mix of songs.
Presidential Luxury
Beachfront and oceanfront suites, most more than 5,000 square feet, offer a level of opulence rarely seen at resorts anywhere. Select one of these 12 villas and enjoy private butler service, complimentary breakfasts and extra privacy. View our video tour, here.
Golf in the Dunes:
Through an exclusive partnership with the renowned Diamante Cabo San Lucas, Las Ventanas al Paraiso’s Signature Villa guests have access to two of the best golf courses in the world: El Cardonal, the new championship golf course created by Tiger Woods, and the Dunes Course, a private world-class, links-inspired course designed by Davis Love III. Hosted by one of Diamante’s golf professionals, guests will enjoy one of the best golf rounds of their life with one-of-a-kind access and dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.
