A-List Getaway: The Luxury of Los Cabos

But what is it exactly that draws the gorgeous and the glamorous? And where do they flock to when they're in Cabo?

Of course the close proximity to Southern California is a plus, but Cabo offers so many superlatives worth the trip: a perfect sunny climate throughout the year; breathtaking beaches; natural rock formations -- especially the famous El Arco; world-class spas; seaside golf courses; dramatically situated restaurants; a yacht marina; and five extraordinary high-end resorts that are spread across a 20-mile stretch called "The Corridor" between the two "Cabos" from charming San José del Cabo to lively Cabo San Lucas at Land's End.

El Arco at Land's End

So how do you choose where to stay? Fortunately each luxury resort offers a completely unique atmosphere so you just have to figure out which one is right for you. The real secret of luxury hotels is impeccable service and attention to detail and all five of Los Cabos’ top hotels see to it that even guests’ smallest needs are met, privacy is respected, and the concierge can make just about anything happen.

For active families and beach lovers, One&Only Palmilla is the best bet situated on over 55 lush tropical acres on the Sea of Cortés and offering an endless array of outdoor activities for kids and adults. It’s the only luxury resort in Los Cabos with a swimmable beach -- a glittering crescent that stretches as far as the eye can see. Among other one-of-a-kind amenities only this resort offers include the second largest wine collection in Mexico; the best resort boutique in Mexico; perhaps the most beautiful spa in Mexico; a picturesque hilltop wedding chapel; and their own 27-hole golf course.

One&Only Palmilla is the closest luxury resort to San José del Cabo, located just 10 minutes away by car. It is a charming, laid-back and authentic Mexican town, featuring a historic mission from the 18th century, a variety of shops featuring local artisans’ handmade arts and crafts, silver and clothing, as well as numerous restaurants and art galleries.

Capella Pedregal Estrella Suite bedroom

Capella Pedregal, located on the opposite end of The Corridor’s 20-mile stretch in Cabo San Lucas, offers a romantic setting best for couples. Villa-style guest rooms and suites offer private mini-infinity pools overlooking the dramatic waves of the Pacific Ocean; or choose one of the resort’s private beachfront villas. Stroll down the beach to Land’s End and the famous ‘El Arco’. The resort is so private that the only way in is through a 1,000-foot entrance driveway blasted through a rocky hillside forming a dramatic tunnel straight into the open air lobby. Capella is unique in that it is secluded, yet it’s just a 10 minute walk into lively Cabo San Lucas with its marina, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Las Ventanas new beachfront villas just opened in December 2013

The ultra-exclusive Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, is a favorite of the A-List. We spotted Mary Kate Olsen and the Kardashians had just celebrated a birthday here the week before. Absolutely stunning new beachfront villas offer over-the-top luxury for $7,000/night. You’ll feel as though you’re living in a dream in this tranquil desert setting on the Sea of Cortés.

Grand Solmar offers this stunning wedding location at Land's End

Cabo’s best kept secret is the new Grand Solmar Land's End Resort set in the most spectacular spot in all of Los Cabos, just over the rocks from the iconic El Arco. Against a dramatic backdrop of towering rocks, the resort's serpentine infinity pools weave their way across the entire property from the tranquil sunrise pool at Land's End to the sunset pool overlooking Playa Grande beach with its impressive Pacific surf. Grand Solmar’s spectacular 4-bedroom Penthouse Suites are fit for a king (and in fact have recently hosted royalty from the Middle East).

A "must-do" activity in Los Cabos is to charter a luxury yacht for the day to explore the famous natural arch ‘El Arco’ as well as the coastlines of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortés. From December to March there's the added bonus of viewing the majestic humpback whales that migrate annually.

Cabo San Lucas yacht marina

Spa treatments don't come anymore heavenly than at Los Cabos’ top resorts. Capella Pedregal’s Auriga Spa pampers with treatments inspired by the phases of the moon. Ten private spa treatment rooms are fashioned into round pod-like dwellings opening right into the outdoor spa pool with waterfalls. One&Only Palmilla’s expansive spa is set among tropical flowers and palm trees and offers ultimate relaxation. The Spa at Las Ventanas offers an authentic indigenous atmosphere inspired by the ancient healers of Baja, and taps the powers of earth, air, fire and water.

If retail therapy is your way to relax, then head to The Shoppes at Palmilla, a sophisticated shopping haunt where you'll find unique designer items, precious jewels and fine art. Nicole Richie and Christina Aguilera have both been spotted browsing these boutiques. Have a ‘Pretty Woman’ moment at Luxury Avenue in Cabo San Lucas with a host of designer boutiques including Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace to name but a few.

Esperanza's dramatic outdoor dining

Where to dine? Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, offers a popular al fresco dining spot dramatically set on the rocks with waves crashing below. This luxury resort is where President Obama and secretary of state Clinton stayed during the G20 summit in 2012 and actress Gwyneth Paltrow married rocker Chris Martin on one of its beaches. A romantic destination, the resort has seen many marriage proposals including one while we were there featuring fireworks on the beach after she said “yes.” Don Manuel's, the Signature Restaurant at Capella Pedregal is another romantic spot. Its discreet crescent-shaped booths each come with a private entrance to protect celebs against prying eyes.

The A-List jets down to Cabo on a regular basis to celebrate birthdays, weddings, honeymoons and holidays. On any given day there may be more private jets at Cabo’s airport than in Aspen at Christmastime. So don’t be surprised if on your next visit to Los Cabos, you find yourself sunbathing next to a major Hollywood celebrity.

One&Only Palmilla at sunset

If you go...

GETTING THERE

Los Cabos is super easy to get to with non-stop flights from numerous cities in the U.S. and Canada.

WHERE TO STAY

Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa - Best for dramatic location, unsurpassed infinity pools and expansive 4-bedroom penthouse suites fit for royalty. All suites are oceanview and include kitchens.

Capella Pedregal - Romantic, exclusive, and an amazing spa experience.

One&Only Palmilla - Best for families (even pets), beaches and endless activities.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort - Best for romance, tranquility and over-the-top luxury in their new luxury beachfront villas. Pets permitted.

In addition to Los Cabos' top resorts, renting a private villa is also an option. Los Cabos offers exquisite villas as you can see here: https://www.preferredescapes.com/mexico/cabo-san-lucas/luxury-villas

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Pisces Luxury Yachts - Charter a luxury yacht for the day to explore the coastlines and famous El Arco. www.piscesyachts.com/

Capella Pedregal El Farallon terrace serves fresh seafood

WHERE TO DINE, BEST RESORT DINING

Cocina del Mar, cliffside dining at Esperanza, An Auberge Resort

Don Manuel’s at Capella Pedregal

El Farallón at Capella Pedregal

Agua by Larbi, 'Mexiterranean' Restaurant at One&Only Palmilla

La Roca at Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa

The Restaurant at Las Ventanas al Paraiso

Capella Pedregal's Auriga Spa, treatment rooms open onto pool with waterfalls

BEST SPAS

Auriga Spa at Capella Pedregal: https://www.capellahotels.com/cabosanlucas/spa/cabo-san-lucas-spas/

The One&Only Spa at Palmilla: https://palmilla.oneandonlyresorts.com/spa.aspx

The Spa at Las Ventanas: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos/wellness/spa

Luxury Avenue shopping in Cabo San Lucas

WHERE TO SHOP

Luxury Avenue - A sophisticated retail experience located on the waterfront in Cabo San Lucas, Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall is home to a wide variety of prestigious international brands.

The Shoppes at Palmilla - International shopping center and dining experience.

San José del Cabo - offers charming local shops. The town's Art District features high-end galleries showcasing original paintings, sculpture and jewelry by local folk artists and international contemporary artists. The Art District is also home to some of the area’s top restaurants.

The Shops at Las Ventanas al Paraiso - Unique high-end gifts, arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry.

One&Only Palmilla wedding chapel

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa - One of the most stunning wedding locations in the world at Land's End. Contact Weddings Coordinator, Alana Duran - alana.duran@solmar.com

One&Only Palmilla - The only Los Cabos resort with a wedding chapel right on property. More information: https://palmilla.oneandonlyresorts.com/celebrationsandevents/weddings.aspx

TRANSPORTATION & EVENT SERVICES

Cora Incentives - Airport Transportation - https://www.coraincentives.com/

Lead photo at top of article: Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa

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