On September 14, 2014, Hurricane Odile made landfall as one of the most violent storms to hit Baja California. The route of the hurricane was a worst-case scenario for California Baja Sur. It positioned itself head on for the peninsula’s coastline bringing with it cataclysmic waves, wind speeds up to 125 miles per hour, and widespread destruction to the popular vacation destination, Cabo San Lucas. Hurricane Odile was measured as a category four storm, which is extremely rare for this specific region. It stranded more than 30,000 vacationers and forced tourists, resort employees, and locals to seek shelter for several days as the devastating storm whipped through the scene annihilating most buildings and resorts, leaving havoc in its wake.
Hurricane Odile produced an estimated billion dollars worth of damage. It took nearly a year after the storm ravaged the coast for Cabo and its surrounding oceanfront resorts to reopen their doors. Now, more than three years later, Cabo San Lucas and the rest of beautiful Baja have rebuilt its resort-city and are opening up some of the most anticipated luxury retreats in Mexico. Although Hurricane Odile brought with it defoliation, in the aftermath it has opened an immense opportunity for resorts to remodel entirely and new enterprises to push extensive developments. Here is our list of the most luxurious renovated and most anticipated hotel openings.
Remodeled Resorts:
- The Resort at Pedregal
Located on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, The Resort at Pedregal went through four months of intense renovations before reopening to the public. Many new features were implemented such as the Champagne Terrace where guests can take in the Pacific Ocean views while tasting champagne and cheese. They also devised a fresh food and beverage program at their cliffside restaurant highlighting Baja’s local fare and are introducing a redesigned spa and fitness center which offers an array of treatments inspired by the ancient indigenous healing techniques. This five-star five-diamond resort in Cabo San Lucas boasts a new and improved version while preserving its historical legacy and elegance. Not to mention it has a gorgeous aesthetic, surrounded by rock walls in the cliffside, which Jared Leto climbed at one point.
- Esperanza
Voted one of the top resorts in Mexico, Esperanza reopened its doors seven months after Hurricane Odile, providing an experience unlike any other. There was no structural damage to the resort post-storm, which made the restoration a quick and successful transformation. As the only private beach resort, Esperanza is snuggled between two scenic bluffs. It includes a world-renowned luxury spa, championship golf courses, secluded beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. Your resort experience also comes with a personal concierge, beachfront infinity pool, complimentary yoga and fitness classes, tennis courts, and so much more. This elite hotel has accommodated the likes of President Barrack Obama and Barbra Streisand.
- Las Ventanas al Paraiso
Known as one of the most luxurious resorts in Cabo, Las Ventanas al Paraiso shut down for almost half a year for repairs. When it re-opened, it was even more beautiful and sumptuous than before. The resort highlights unique Mexican attributes such as authentic Oaxacan art and hand painted murals throughout the property. The oceanfront villas come with private infinity pools, spas, a host, and an extraordinary sand artist who writes personal messages on your very own private beach. Their most notable accommodation is the Ty Warner Mansion, which spans nearly 28,000 square feet directly on the waters edge with panoramic views over the Sea of Cortez. It’s no wonder this retreat is favored by the likes of celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston.
New Hotels:
- The Cape
Designed by Mexico City architect, Javier Sanchez, The Cape Hotel was the first new property to open after Hurricane Odile. This luxury boutique hotel seamlessly blends 1960s Southern California style with the Baja aesthetic. Providing a one-of-a-kind beachfront retreat, the hotel ensures every perspective reveals one of the best breaks in Cabo, the Sea of Cortez, and The Arch rock formation. It capitalizes on the natural beauty of its surroundings with 161 stunning suites, each with a private balcony and hanging daybed overlooking the scenery, and indulging amenities such as a personal cocktail bar and standing copper tub to soak in after spending your day sunbathing at the beach. The hotel also includes the prized and secluded two-story Surfer Villa. The villa has three bedrooms, a private swimming pool, state-of-the-art rain shower, laundry room, private al fresco dining, sauna, and full kitchen. Fun fact, David Arquette was one of the hotels first guests!
- Auberge Chileno Bay
Declared as the “Best of the Best” in 2017 by the RobbReport, The Chileno Bay Resort and Residences is an oasis set nine miles from the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas. Nestled in a cove and established on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches, the grounds extend over 22 acres and offer absolute solitude for a quiet and relaxing intermission. The resort is filled with local influences and an open indoor/outdoor design with one of the best pools in the area. The three-tiered salt-water design spans 450 feet and accommodates every resort guest from the kiddos to adults. But the resort doesn’t stop there when it comes to providing something for everyone. Secluded daybeds are scattered throughout the property so you can cuddle with a loved one overlooking the horizon, their top-rated restaurant offers the most elegant dining options, there’s plenty of water activities including The Schiller Bike, golf-chipping for the adults, and a kids area when the adults need some alone time.
- Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Coming in 2018, the Four Seasons is making its mark in Cabo creating a 1,000 acre Four Seasons Village. This will be the first property of the hotel chain to appear in Los Cabos. And it will establish itself as part of the exclusive Costa Palmas resort community. The retreat will offer 145 rooms, each with a stunning view of the Sea of Cortez and an array of five-star services and amenities. These amenities include multiple pools, an exquisite spa, a members-only beach, and a Robert Trent Jones II golf course. The resort will not only accommodate those who travel by air to reach this destination, but also those being transported by sea with a marina village, which can service yachts up to 250-feet long.
With each of these hotels, whether renovated or brand new, the gorgeous aquamarine sea that surrounds this beautiful landscape is a dream come true for any vacationer looking to bask in its beauty or partake in the many activities it influences. Although Hurricane Odile brought much devastation to the beautiful Baja Peninsula, Cabo has proven to be triumphant. The destination remains one of the best, and most traveled to vacation havens in the world.
