Las Ventanas, Mexico, Opens Its "Windows of Wonder"

Nestled along Highway 1 between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the unmarked white wall of Las Ventanas al Paraiso's perimeter gives little indication of the unparalleled experience that awaits guests. Once inside, however, the meaning of its name ("Windows to Paradise") becomes abundantly clear.

All 61 suites of this acclaimed Five-Diamond resort face the glistening Sea of Cortez, offering a breathtaking view from each terrace. Since opening in 1997, this Rosewood property has become a favorite of celebrities and business moguls alike, partly because of its attention to service and partly because of its commitment to detail - and privacy.

Guests enter an open-air lobby and, instead of the customary check-in desk, they receive a personal welcome and are escorted to their rooms. The first impression upon arrival is one of unpretentious elegance and universal calm. The open reception area offers a view of the elaborately manicured grounds, accented by infinity pools and waterfalls that lead to the Sea of Cortez. The outside world instantly melts away in the serenity that permeates the air.

Rooms with a view

Each guest experience begins with a unique tequila welcome in their room, featuring the resort's own private-label tequila blend. The rooms, which range from the 960-square-foot junior suites to the spacious 3,000-square-foot three-bedroom luxury suites, all feature the hand-crafted décor that adds to the resort's personal feel. From hand-carved doors and cabinets to the floors made of stone and inlaid pebbles, each room is a work of art in and of itself.

Raised platform beds look out through sliding glass doors onto private terraces that overlook the ocean. The sliding glass doors open up to allow the inside and outdoors to become as one; inside, a terracotta fireplace offers refuge from the elements on cooler evenings. Outside, a combination splash pool and Jacuzzi lets you enjoy the water while gazing out at the Sea of Cortez.

The luxurious accommodations are only the starting point for the Las Ventanas experience. As Christian Tavelli, room division manager says, "We share the same spectacular view as some of the other resorts. We share the same ocean, the same sunsets. What makes us stand out is service."

Service with style

That service is due to the exceptional ratio of employees to guests that allows for a unique pampering experience. For each visitor, there are six employees, including a butler who personally attends to all of the guests' needs. Even pets get pampered here, with luxury meals served in jewel-encrusted bowls and, after a hard day at the beach, Fido can get a pet massage to help him relax.

Earlier this year, Las Ventanas introduced its poolside iPods, giving guests pre-loaded music players to make poolside lounging more enjoyable. Location Free TVs, which combine the functions of a TV and PC, also are offered poolside. There's even a director of romance to ensure that the many proposals, weddings and anniversary celebrations go as planned.
Marissa Woods, who serves as director of PR in addition to her role as romance director, says a great deal of work goes into making such service appear effortless.

"People are here to relax. We want to make them as comfortable with their surroundings as we can. They don't want to see a bunch of staff members scurrying about doing their jobs."

So, instead, the staff travels the resort largely unseen, using underground tunnels to do the guests' bidding.
"The mood here is one of calm, quiet, relaxation," Woods says. "We don't want to disrupt that."

Hands-on relaxation

To enhance that mood, the resort's spa offers beauty treatments, massages, steam baths and saunas for both men and women. A world-class fitness facility provides for every conceivable form of indoor exercise, and those who prefer to take it outside can challenge themselves with the 18-hole golf course that twists and climbs through the hilly desert landscape.

With such well-appointed rooms, it's not uncommon for guests to hesitate to leave their suite, and massages can be done in the guest's suite. The upstairs suites feature a private rooftop patio, and guests can arrange for everything from a massage under the stars to a gourmet meal cooked in their room and delivered on the patio overlooking the resort.

More conventional dining options are found in the restaurants on site; the casual Sea Grill, which sits on the edge of the ocean, offers a contemporary Mexican menu with Baja accents. The Restaurant is Las Ventanas' more formal approach to dining, with Baja-Mediterranean cuisine created by Chef Michel Gehrig. The dishes rely upon some of the freshest and finest foods on the Baja Peninsula to create unique, elegant creations.

The Restaurant is an open-air facility that overlooks the ocean and offers astonishing views of the sunset. Pools of water and flickering torches add to the peaceful environment, and as the sun disappears, the sense of serenity in the air is almost tangible.

Enhancing that experience is the newly introduced Table on the Sand, a unique romantic dinner for two that heightens the mood with candlelit tables and blazing fire pits.

Tequila is something of a national beverage in Mexico, and visitors to Las Vetanas al Pariaso would be remiss if they failed to visit the Tequila & Ceviche Bar. Featuring six different ceviches, the bar also has some 60 brands of tequila and offers Tequila Lessons that combine education with tequila tastings.

For those who choose to leave the resort for adventure, there are plenty of activities in the Los Cabos area. The region offers everything from fishing, kayaking and horseback riding to shopping and dancing. Snorkeling, surfing and sailing also all are popular activities in the area and readily available to visitors. However, once you've entered the Window to Paradise, don't be surprised if you find yourself unwilling to walk out the door.