Paradisus Los Cabos — lostwithlina.com

There are places you go to relax, and there are places you go for adventure, then there are the escapes that manage to seamlessly marry the two...Paradisus Los Cabos is that kind of place.

Paradisus Los Cabos is a never-get-bored luxury all-inclusive resort at the sharp end of the Baja California peninsula, right where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Surrounded by an 18-hole, world-class golf course, this hotel is filled with activity. Its accommodations stretch down towards the sea on two sides; one family-focused and the other reserved for adults only. It’s the perfect fit for families, with all-day activities from kids' club to water pilates, and it’s an adults getaway too, with tequila tastings, sushi-making workshops and dance lessons.

Formerly known as Meliá Cabo Real, the newly minted Paradisus Los Cabos is set on 18.5 acres of land and remains an all-inclusive resort under the Mallorca based Meliá’s management. The resort sits on one of the only protected, swimmable beaches in the Los Cabos Corridor and is brimming with thoughtful details, cosy amenities and it seriously impresses with its elegantly warm desert-inspired design. Guests will enjoy a wildly beautiful landscape, a large pool, seven restaurants, seven bars which are all covered under the all-inclusive plans (except Gastrobar by Martin Martin Berasategui, a Basque chef who has been awarded eight Michelin stars).

LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE

Paradisus is just off the tourist corridor highway, so bus services to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are conveniently close and inexpensive. Bus services may also be arranged to popular day-trip destinations like Todos Santos and La Paz; and on-site car rental is available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

THE PARADISUS EXPERIENCE

Everyone seems to have one thing in common here: a wholehearted embrace of Mexico’s high-end, low-pressure attitude. Here, the only pressing matter is relaxation. We fall lazily into line almost immediately after our arrival. We’re handed delicious watermelon cocktails during check-in, and are immediately lured out onto the large terrace. The view: swaying palm trees and the crashing waves of the azure blue sea; now we’re on holiday. We are then whisked off to tour our rooms in The Reserve section of the resort (part of the Royal Service), and it becomes apparent that this place will be hard to leave.

Once we’re settled in, we head off to meet our friends at one of the resort’s seven restaurants, La Palapa, which is the only adult-only restaurant on the property, and quickly became our go-to dining option, as the food was absolutely phenomenal. We were served fresh fish tacos and the greatest guacamole we’ve ever had (so consider yourself warned - the guacamole bar is about to be raised) all the while admiring the view of the pools, swim-up bar and the ocean just beyond. Yes, we could get used to this – and we do, in less than half an hour.

A lagoon-style main pool has a swim-up bar and shaded bali beds, while the serenely beautiful YHI Spa has a ludic pool overlooking desert gardens, along with massages like the Signature treatment that combines their best therapies into one session. Some additional perks of Paradisus include a 24-hour fitness centre and plenty of activities for kids and adults. Paradisus Los Cabos also houses one of the largest convention centres in Los Cabos, boasting cutting edge technology and dazzling ballrooms.

SUITES, STYLE & THE RESERVE GUESTS

The style throughout Paradisus, along with its guest rooms, display a clean, desert-inspired palette of whites, creams, taupes, and hints of gold interrupted only by the pale blue pools, with wonderfully designed lighting adding visual warmth by night. Cactus gardens adorn the outdoor areas, while each restaurant’s design has a unique and contemporary take on its culinary theme. Paradisus features 350 oversized guest rooms, each with ultra-cosy beds, Wi-Fi, terraces, an included minibar, sofa, and ironing facilities; and the colourful bathrooms have double rain showers, plus bath amenities and hairdryers. Family Concierge Suites boast adorable amenities like a kid-friendly check-in lounge, a pillow menu, bedtime milk and cookie service, a minibar customised for kids, and video game consoles on request.

Adults at The Reserve can indulge in the Royal Service section, and enjoy privileged access to a wide range of services and facilities designed to make you feel like you are a VIP guest. In this adults-only haven you will have access to an exclusive pool and restaurant (La Palapa) for breakfast, lunch and dinner, priority reservations for activities and restaurants, turndown service, a discreet and efficient service from your very own personal concierge, and access to the lavish ocean view lounge and bar. This is the perfect accommodation option for couples wanting a romantic getaway, or for when you’re travelling with another couple, as we were. We loved our Royal Service Swim-Up Suite, which is Paradisus’ most luxurious accommodation option - it was truly divine.

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE LIFE

Paradisus’ restaurant and bars deliver both on sleek styling and dining options. We spent three nights here, which allowed us three dining opportunities to experience, and each one was better than the last. The buffet restaurant Naos serves a sumptuous international breakfast and is the least formal of the restaurants; the outdoor Capella restaurant serves a rustic Italian menu with homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, and Royal Service guests have access to an exclusive beachside restaurant, La Palapa. For à la carte dinners, Tokimeku serves a contemporary Asian fusion menu with teppanyaki tables and a sushi bar, and Mole (the highlight of the à la carte options) offers modern Mexican cuisine with authentic tacos and salsas. The opulent Gastro Bar by Chef Martin Berasategui serves Basque cuisine with seafood, steaks and Iberian sausages. This is the only restaurant not included in the all-inclusive plan. All-day dining can be brought to your room round the clock, and customised private dining experiences are also available on request.

WHAT TO KNOW

BEACHES: Paradisus enjoys a privileged setting on Playa Bledito, AKA Tequila Cove, a swimmable beach that also offers an array of family-friendly activities, from volleyball to horseback riding. The safe swimming area is conveniently roped off for guests, though when we were there, the water was pretty rough so we didn’t swim in the sea at all, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend letting children swim in the water.

DRINKING WATER: Do not drink water out of the tap in Mexico. There are water stations throughout the grounds at Paradisus Los Cabos and this is with filtered, clean water. When drinking water at the restaurants, they provide you with filtered, safe water. When in your room, drink water out of the provided water bottles. If you want to be extra careful, brush your teeth with the bottled water provided.

DINING: We also didn’t know going into this trip that you have to make dinner reservations at the beginning of your trip, for dinner every single night. Make sure you book promptly either at the concierge or with your butler to ensure you secure bookings for meals each evening.

PACKING TIPS: Bring tan-showcasing colourful kaftans and cover-ups. Swapping your sun hat for a sombrero is optional.

ALSO: Most areas of the resort are wheelchair-accessible, including pools and beach.

Visit https://www.melia.com/en/home.htm to check their availability or visit their Instagram page @paradisusloscabos.

I was hosted as a guest of Paradisus Los Cabos, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.