Elite Traveler November-December 2017

elite traveler NOV/DEC 2017 127

Get out of town AESTHETIC EXPLORATION

Hop into an Escalade to tour the art hamlet of Todos Santos, an hour from Cabo, nestled into the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Artists’ ateliers, handicraft shops, upscale boutiques and restaurants are just some of the treasures to be found. A popular guide, Fabrizio Figueroa with All Ways Cabo, gets rave reviews from guests for his personable, six-hour tour which includes a glass-blowing factory, the iconic Hotel California, a meeting with artist Melissa Castaneda, lunch at a charming cafe and, of course, time to shop. allwayscabotransportation.com

TOP SUITES

DELECTABLE DINING

MANTA Have a sunset drink at The Cape’s rooftop bar before descending into the hotel’s sleek, contemporary digs for dinner. Drawing from other seaside cultures he admires, celebrity chef Enrique Olvera melds a bit of Peru and a smidgen of Japan to the wholly regional foundation of his elegant supper spot. The result is graceful food, fully born from regional flavors, belying the rustic reputation of classic, local, Mexican cuisine. At The Glass Box, the hotel’s pop-up bar, let head bartender Osvaldo Vazquez mix you a mezcal cocktail to end the night. mantarestaurant.com FLORA’S FIELD KITCHEN Mexico’s not just about tortillas and salsa. To fully understand the region, explore the bounty of the terroir at Flora Farm, a 10-acre organic plantation, which has dedicated the last decade to cultivating pesticide-free fields. Its restaurant, Flora’s Field Kitchen, picks from more than the 100 varieties of herbs and vegetables specially grown for their menus, which also embrace meats procured from its own ranch. Pizza from the wood-burning oven and craft cocktails are a must. flora-farms.com MI COCINA Long a pit-stop for gourmands in the Cabo area, this diminutive restaurant lies amid the gardens of Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José. Chef-owned by French expats, Mi Cocina reflects chef Loic’s diverse epicurean background. Creating organic, sustainable menus with a European flair, the chef and his wife treat guests as visiting family members. Chicken with mole poblano and stuffed chile poblanos hit the mark. casanatalia.com EL FARALLON Hewn into the cliffs above the Sea of Cortez, and wedged into a secluded part of the opulent Resort at Pedregal’s private beach, El Farallon reigns as the region’s most soul-touching, romantic restaurant experience. With the sea’s waves breaking at your feet, enter the cave-like harbor to be greeted by a mesmerizing champagne bar. After the sun sets, sit above the sea at a handful of charming tables bordered by the rocks. Above you, a twinkly Milky Way of hanging lights mimic the stars. Choose from freshly-caught fish and locally-procured meats displayed in a vitrine, with the chef on hand to receive your cooking instructions. A multi-coursed dinner ensues, with an array of daily sides and desserts. theresortatpedregal.com

VILLAONE One&Only Palmilla

TYWARNERMANSION Las Ventanas Al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort

You’ll swoon over this hotel’s signature greeting, a hand placed sweetly over the heart, and a smile that says “Your wish is my command.” This one-time hideaway for 1950s Hollywood elite — today a 173-room stucco haven complete with butlers who color code your clothing in the closet —has many lavish attributes. From the stellar spa to the inviting pool, a swimmable beach and a restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, One&Only drops jaws with Villa One, a four-bedroom, 14,000 sq ft glass house with floor-to-ceiling views of the Sea of Cortez. When you tire of that, a private screening room awaits. From$8,000 per night. Contact Marcela Nunez, reservations manager, marcela.nunez@oneandonlypalmilla.com, +52 624 146 7082, palmilla.oneandonlyresorts.com

At Las Ventanas, a conch shell’s whistle alerts guests to a whale’s presence on the shoreline, turndown service has aromatherapy options, guests are greeted upon arrival with a relaxing shoulder massage, and a tequila and sushi bar awakens the best of epicurean fancies. The TyWarner Mansion caps a sandy outcrop amid the resort. The 28,000 sq ft, three- bedroom sanctuary harbors a beachfront infinity pool, personal swim-up bar, palapa -covered dining patio and a personal spa. Throughout, you’ll find fine local art and handicrafts that instill a sense of local place. Butlers are on command, naturally. From$35,000 per night. Contact Lauren Carr Morado, director of sales andmarketing, tywarnermansion@ rosewoodhotels.com, +1 844 843 8962, rosewoodhotels.com

BEACHFRONT LUXURYSUITE Esperanza, anAuberge Resort

IMPERIAL SUITE GrandVelas

Sheltered in a pocket of dramatic beach capping the bluffs of Punta Ballena, this secluded sanctum, a favorite of celebrities such as Paul McCartney and Beyoncé, occupies the only private sandy crescent in Cabo. With a floating lounge that hovers over the waves, an exceptional spa and one of Cabo’s most dazzling restaurants, (alfresco Cocina del Mar, which spreads out over a rocky verge above the sea), Esperanza offers a 3,000 sq ft, three-bedroom Beachfront Luxury Suite, anchored by an expansive terrace overlooking the water. A pool, Jacuzzi and full kitchen, inclusive of butler and chef, ensure a relaxing stay. From$5,000 per night. Contact Marc Rodriguez, general manager, marc.rodriguez@aubergeresorts.com, +1 888 965 1309, esperanza.aubergeresorts.com

Daily massages and an all-inclusive mini bar stocked with your favorite champagne enhance the appeal of the eye-popping Imperial Suite at the newly-opened Grand Velas resort. A two-story residential-style retreat, the ample two-bedroom, 6,082 sq ft oasis features a huge terrace that showcases the sea. Panoramic windows bring the outdoors in, while local art and regionally-inspired and locally-made furnishings ensure a restorative mood. Other amenities, such as four hours of daily babysitting, golf at a variety of nearby courses, a sunset cruise and a romantic dinner on the beach complete the adventure. From$18,000 per night. Contact MarinaMoreno, senior sales manager, mmorenoc@velasresorts.com, +52 322 266 7923, loscabos.grandvelas.com

Photos Nickolas Sargent, Erhard Pfeiffer, Victor Elias