TravelAge West spoke with Martein van Wagenberg, managing director of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, in Los Cabos, about the resort’s dedication to romance. Wagenberg discussed the philosophy and amenities that make Las Ventanas the perfect couples’ retreat.
In your opinion, what makes Las Ventanas an ideal choice for a romantic getaway? Is romance central to the resort’s philosophy?
Mexico has been a favorite travel destination for lovers for generations, and Las Ventanas al Paraiso (Windows to Paradise) offers the perfect environment for romantic getaways due to special amenities that include access to the Director of Romance, a romance menu and an aphrodisiac menu — all offering incredible and different options to surprise your significant other. Other examples include dinner for two with a specially created song, or a surprise marriage proposal during an intimate movie screening under the stars on the beach (“Cinema Paraiso”) or by message in a bottle — we orchestrate it so that as the couple walks along the beach they find a washed up bottle with a special message for them to read together. Our central philosophy is to provide incredibly personalized service, while adding a romantic touch to each activity.
Why did Las Ventanas hire a Director of Romance? What is the best way for travel agents to use the Director of Romance for their clients?
Since most of our guests are couples, there is a real need for this special service. The Director of Romance assists the guest in creating a truly magical moment that they will remember forever. We are also happy to execute ideas that are brought to us by our guests.
Travel agents can reach out directly to our Director of Romance (Romance Department) when they want to plan something special, like an anniversary dinner or a simple romantic moment such as returning from dinner to find the suite filled with flowers, champagne on ice and their favorite music playing. The romance director can arrange almost anything the guest’s heart desires.
What is the philosophy on property when it comes to customizing a guest’s stay?
The most important aspect for customizing a guest’s stay is to really care about them: listen to what they say, read between the lines and deliver more than they expect, every time. Every guest is different, so we ask the guest their preferences on food and beverage, etc., so we customize each menu. Our chef likes to talk to our guests to provide a culinary experience based on their likes. We also have an aromatherapy menu and bath menu so we can customize the in-room experience to their desires.
What is the most popular experience on the property?
According to guest feedback, one of the most popular experiences is returning from dinner and arranging the ultra-romantic “Sleeping With the Stars at Las Ventanas.” Couples sleep outside feeling like they are the only two people in the world, cocooned together in a private, intimate perch under the incredibly starry skies of Baja — without forgoing luxury, of course. A plush king-size bed — along with an array of amenities — is set up on any of the rooftop terrace suites or penthouse suites, which have private terraces wide open to the heavens. This lovers’ nest seemingly atop the world is a spectacular vantage point for enjoying, while in each other’s arms in bed, the stars above and the Sea of Cortez shimmering in the moonlight.
Among the amenities provided on the terrace to make the sleep out more comfortable and enjoyable are: a telescope with a guide to viewing the constellations, a fan, a phone, a wash basin and mirror, an alarm clock, a coffee machine, a night stand, candles and/or night lamp and, in some suites, a fireplace or natural heater and a Jacuzzi. We also create a bed of roses from the main door to the rooftop, and have a server waiting for them with two glasses of champagne or making fresh margaritas in front of them.
Las Ventanas’ Romance Menu
Here is a selection of some of the items on the Las Ventanas Romance Menu:
Romantic Dinner for Two…on the Beach, at The Plaza, in La Cava or your Suite
Las Ventanas can arrange a uniquely romantic, candlelit dinner in a private setting of your choice. All the details, from the menu to the music, are individually customized to fulfill your needs and desires — whether you want to create an unforgettable evening, celebrate a special occasion or propose to your beloved.
Cinema on the Beach for Two
Cinema al Paraiso, your private movie theater on the sand, awaits you. Chose from the large DVD movie collection, cuddle up with your special someone and enjoy a private screening under the stars. A flat-screen, 50-inch plasma TV with a home theater system is set up on the beach along with luxurious lounge chairs. You are welcomed with champagne and an assortment of Mexican appetizers, while a Cinema Butler sees to all your needs.
Moonlight Dinner at the Pool
There’s nothing as evocative as the exclusive and unique Moonlight Dinner at the Pool at Las Ventanas. Your table is actually in the infinity pool, your toes splashing in the refreshing water. With lit candles and colorful flowers floating around you and the moonlight glistening on the Sea of Cortez, your personal waiter serves a special menu that you arranged with the chef.
Dinner & Bath for Two
Order a luxurious after-dinner bath — for you and your love — at the same time you order a gourmet dinner. An after-dinner bath, lounging in the oversize tubs together sipping champagne, is an incredibly intimate and romantic experience. At The Restaurant, along with the dinner menu you are presented with the bath menu. While you dine, your bath is prepared and you return to a luxurious experience for two awaiting in your suite.
Sea & Stars Pure Wellness for Two
Allow us transform our treatment room into your own evening spa sanctuary with a relaxing couple’s massage followed by a romantic bath for two. Choose from our special selection of bath salts, and enjoy your time together while sipping champagne and indulging in chocolate-covered strawberries. In your suite to the soothing sound of the waves, or on your private terrace under the star-lit sky, enjoy an unforgettable, magical and romantic experience for the two of you. Experience a side-by-side, relaxing aromatherapy massage performed by two therapists.
Mounted Engagement Ring
While having dinner on the beach, intending to ask for her hand in marriage, we can have the ring delivered by caballero: a horseman in the full silver-studded regalia of a Mexican caballero will ride up on a magnificent steed and present the ring. When she says “I do,” he makes the horse “dance” for the two of you.
Message in a Bottle
We can print your love letter or poem on parchment or other fine paper, put it in a bottle and place it in the sand where it will be found either during your beach dinner or when you just go walking along the shore.
An Ultra-Dramatic Marriage Proposal
The “Cinema Proposal” takes a cue from Hollywood. We videotape your marriage proposal and create a movie-quality DVD. Your sweetheart is completely surprised when the movie you are going to watch together turns out to be your proposal. Imagine snuggling up together, a bottle of champagne in the ice bucket, and you’ve pressed play to start the movie in the DVD player. But instead you come on the screen … saying such beautiful, romantic words.
