If a relaxing float down the longest lazy river in Los Cabos is your idea of paradise, then you’ll be in heaven at Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos, a new luxury hotel that expertly blends style, service and gourmet cuisine in a beachfront setting.
The pool area serves as the beautifully landscaped centerpiece for the entire property, which opened in February as the most upscale member of The Villa Group Beach Resorts & Spas’ portfolio. With multiple swimming pools (including a lovely beachfront infinity pool), four Jacuzzis and a 1,148-foot lazy river, Villa La Valencia’s grounds are perfect for enjoying Los Cabos’ warm climate — in my case, with a colorful, tropical cocktail in hand.
In fact, nearly all my most memorable moments here took place outdoors, whether it was bobbing in the pool, savoring gourmet cuisine on one of the restaurant terraces or simply relaxing on the giant balcony attached to my spacious, one-bedroom suite.
The pool area is the centerpiece for the entire property, which opened in February.
Credit: 2022 Mark ChesnutRestaurants at Villa La Valencia
Dining alfresco was one of my favorite activities at Villa La Valencia. Many Los Cabos resorts have outdoor dining options, of course, but few make such good use of the destination’s excellent climate and stunning waterfront views, not to mention the hotel’s own beautifully landscaped grounds. Every one of Villa La Valencia’s restaurants has ample outdoor and indoor seating, and guests may opt for an all-inclusive or European plan, giving them the flexibility to enjoy cuisine both on and off property. Clients who choose the all-inclusive plan wear a bracelet and simply sign a receipt at the end of each meal.
My favorite culinary experience was an indulgent dinner at Latitud 23.5 Steak House, where I dug into a generous platter of tender short ribs while witnessing a dramatic sunset from the restaurant terrace. I also enjoyed tasty crab quesadillas At El Patron — the Mexican dining venue that also serves sumptuous breakfast options — and casual daytime dining at Coralle, the poolside restaurant and bar where water views are especially photo-worthy.
Spaces to Relax and Rejuvenate
I won’t lie: I ate more than I should have during my stay because the food was so delicious. So, it was a good thing the resort’s large, well-equipped fitness center is open 24/7. I had no excuse for not sticking to my exercise routine, even as I bended and stretched my diet.
Those who are truly motivated to stay fit, meanwhile, might want to sign up for a rather unique activity: a power-walking program in the lazy river, which challenges guests to walk against the current for a thorough — and scenic — workout. And for sheer rejuvenation, the best destination on-site is Azul Wellness Spa Center, a lovely facility with a Zen relaxation area and a large hydrotherapy circuit room.
As grownups are partaking in healthful endeavors at the fitness center and spa, children ages 4 to 12 are welcome to join the array of daily activities offered for free at the kids’ club.
Clients can partake in a variety of other activities, too, including aqua fitness sessions, pingpong tournaments, salsa classes and movie nights. But one of the property’s big selling points is its peace and quiet. Unlike some large resorts that feature blaring activities day and night, Villa La Valencia offers a more tranquil environment, with no distractions that might invade a guest’s privacy or calm.
A suite at Villa La Valencia in Los Cabos
Credit: 2022 Mark ChesnutGuestrooms and Suites
Accommodations are another plus here: The 308 guestrooms are exceptionally attractive and range from studios to four-bedroom suites. All but the studios feature dining room tables; washers and dryers; and full kitchens with full-size refrigerators, dishwashers and other amenities — making the one-bedroom and larger suites ideal for both short and long stays.
While I loved being outside at Villa La Valencia, I also relished the time spent in my 1,237-square-foot suite, which featured two bathrooms, handsome decor and large-screen televisions in both the living room and the bedroom. The great outdoors was never far away, however, as my large terrace afforded views of the beach, swimming pool and that glorious lazy river. Gazing at the dramatically lit grounds was a perfect way to end each evening.
