Esperanza, full relaxation and high-end luxury

Mexico - Esperanza is a dramatic cliffside retreat in Cabo San Lucas that’s been drawing the celebrity set for several years. Gone is the typical Cabo Wabo tequila-swilling party crew of the spring break era. Instead, guests find peace and tranquility among gorgeous pools with unmatched views of the Sea of Cortez.

The first thing I do after arriving at Esperanza is visit the largest of the pools on the property. As I dip my feet in the water I hear the crush of ice behind me as the bartender blends the raspberry margarita I’ll soon be sipping. This is the Esperanza experience at its purest – full relaxation and high-end luxury.

I’m not the only one who’s been spoiled here. Leonardo DiCaprio, Hilary Swank, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin have all called Esperanza home for a few days at one point or another. The spa, the tennis courts and even the art gallery have attracted a celebrity clientele to this 117-room resort since opening.

The beach is of course a draw at Esperanza, but it doesn’t offer the powdery sand found on the Riviera Maya. Here it’s all about the drama of surf smashing against cliffs all around. The lounge chairs along the beach are the ideal place to take in the rocky, wild environs.

Casitas are expansive and feel like private homes with oceanfront views. All feature a private terrace with outdoor seating, since no one comes to such a beautiful place to sit inside. After unpacking into my walk-in closets, I decide to take some more sun in my infinity hot tub. I’ve even got 24-hour butler service if I need it, though I feel plenty indulged as it is.

For dinner I head to the (helpfully named) El Restaurante, carved into the bluffs on three terraces overlooking the ocean. I’m seated closest to the water and feel the occasional salt spray from the surf below. Seafood is naturally king here, and I devour my tequila-glazed prawns and mango lobster salad.

After dinner I head back to my casita to take in the moonlight view of the ocean from my terrace. This is Mexican resort living at its best.

How to get there
Flights are available from major US cities to/from San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD) on a variety of airlines. Transfers to/from SJD are approximately $135/car each way plus 11% tax and gratuity (maximum 5 passengers per vehicle) and can be arranged through the property.