When Hurricane Odile struck Los Cabos in 2014, there was a silver lining of sorts — many hotels made the decision to come back better than ever. One of these was Esperanza Resort, a property in the Auberge Resorts Collection. Esperanza already had a reputation for being one of the most luxurious resorts in Los Cabos, with its dramatic cliffside Cocina del Mar restaurant becoming almost as iconic as the area’s El Arco rock formation. When Esperanza decided a resort redesign was in order, it tapped landscape architect George Girvin and Mary Alice Palmer of HKS Hospitality Group to handle the interior design.
“Set on a backdrop of vivid sunsets and turquoise blue waters, Esperanza is truly a magical place,” Palmer said. “Our intention with the redesign was to take a contemporary approach and create sophisticated intimate spaces that complement the innate beauty of the surrounding landscape and captivating oceanfront setting.”
The color scheme in the guestrooms and suites utilizes warm shades of natural gray, faded blue, and white — tones that harmonize with the guestrooms’ woven linens, natural leather and driftwood-colored woodwork. Much of the decor and furnishings are handmade; rooms are outfitted with handcrafted Mexican furniture, hand-blown glass and ceramic lighting and hand-embroidered pillows. Bathrooms feature floating double vanities and showers with access to a private terrace, which has an outdoor plunge pool.
Michele Marino, a travel consultant at independent travel agency Altour, has sent clients to Esperanza and was also recently a guest at the resort.
“The hotel has a warm feeling to it,” Marino said. “I love the redesign’s new gray tones; they’re so inviting. Because the resort isn’t huge, I felt very comfortable. Sitting by the pool or ocean and listening to the waves was the best sound ever.”
Esperanza has an ambience of romance throughout the day, but this atmosphere is even stronger in the evening, when hundreds of candles glow throughout the resort. A new hand-sculpted ceramic ceviche bar is the focal point of Cocina del Mar, Esperanza’s main restaurant. The palapa-roofed, cliffside Cocina del Mar is illuminated with candle lanterns, creating the perfect setting for lovebirds. The Lounge Bar, which features 100 artisanal tequila selections, is lit by agave-shaped lanterns. A convivial feature is the fire pit, which is covered by leafy trellises that are supported by rustic carved columns.
The pool at Esperanza now has in-water chaise lounge chairs and private luxury cabanas. Down at the resort’s private beach, guests can relax in palapa-style cabanas with daybeds built for two.
The Spa at Esperanza has a new outdoor relaxation lounge, as well as a new retail boutique selling local art, housewares, textiles and accessories sourced from artisans from throughout Mexico. The spa has also launched an Integrated Wellness Program offering yoga and exercise classes, acupuncture therapy and healthful cooking classes.
Marino considers Esperanza a perfect match for the low-key sophisticated traveler.
“I was traveling alone as a single female and felt very relaxed,” she said. “I attribute this feeling at least partially to the engaging staff that made me feel like family.”
The Details
Esperanza Resortwww.esperanzaresort.com
