One of only a handful of Mexican–family owned properties in this country, the Marquis takes their motherland seriously, acting as a showcase to Latin American art and, of course, Mexican tequila. After arriving in the Cabo Real section of Los Cabos, you pass through an entrance that is a tribute to the Sea of Cortez and Los Cabos, an architecturally nod to the Los Cabos rock arch. The open–air lobby merges with the infinity pool and the sea, before appearing to fall into the sea and then tumble dramatically down 36 feet to another pool. The stunning views and cascading waterfall serve as a backdrop to the hand–made turquoise imbedded marble floors, a carpet highlighted with hand–picked river stone.

From the handmade wood shutters to the funky cow–print chairs strategically placed in lobby corners, all interior design and décor are from Mexico. Public spaces are filled with an extensive art collection featuring 400 commissioned oil paintings and bronze sculptures featuring many notable Latin American artists. Even the suites feature an original oil painting by the Mexican painter, Agustin Castro Lopez.

The 15,000 square–foot Spa Marquis is also a tribute to Latin America offering a menu of specialty massages incorporating indigenous ingredients like cactus oils, agave, seasalt and seaweed from the Sea of Cortez. After your massage in one of ten treatment rooms, push open the wooden shutters off the reception and enjoy the open–air private sanctuary overlooking the shimmer sea.

The Marquis boasts 237 ocean view suites: 203 junior suites, 28 with five private pools, plus five club–level, 1,420 square–feet, deluxe double–height Marquis Suites with private pool, and one Marquesa del Mar Presidential Suite. Their signature breakfasts cater to each guest's privacy by delivering daily complimentary breakfast amenity via a small latticed alcove adjacent to the guestroom door.

The casitas are like having your own Mexican beach house, located steps from the beach. Basically, the design is one–bedroom apartments with floor–to–ceiling window walls with ocean views, large living area, and wet bar with subdued and elegant beige tones. The blue hue present in all the original paintings brings in the lively Mexican flavor and the Sea into the room. The private pools for the first floor casitas are located on the patio with roof–top pools for the second floor rooms.

The presidential suite spans 2,604 square feet, located over the dramatic central lobby arch with the property's best views of the beach and Sea of Cortez. Complimentary breakfast is served in the spacious living room or private terrace, and a 24/7 private butler completes the premier service of this suite.

Tequila is to Mexico like champagne is to France, and the Mexican government treats their tequila like a royal member of the family, regulating its production like a strict father. The Marquis Los Cabos, Beach, Golf, Spa & Casitas Resort's selections of fine–tasting tequilas (and their superbly mixed margaritas) are legendary. In March of 2007, a $1,700 tequila bottle launched worldwide at the Marquis Los Cabos, a distinctive hotel framing distinctive tequila.

The Marquis is the world's first hotel to offer Clase Azula Ultra, a new ultra premium tequila in a handcrafted decanter from importers Tequilas Premium, with only 100 bottles produced its first year. A Distinctive T certification was also bestowed on the Marquis, an honor extended to properties that promote the quality, culture and prestige of tequila. This honor has numerous requirements, including education of staff on tequila culture, and the Marquis is the only recipient of this honor in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Poolside dining at Dose Mares Restaurant and Bar is a treat, especially the lobster ceviche. This is the perfect spot to enjoy one of over 65 types of tequilas or a specialty margarita.

This is one of three restaurants directed by executive chef Theirry Dufour. Casual alfresco breakfast and dinner dining is available at Vista Ballenas featuring California and Mexican cuisine from the terrace overlooking the sea.

The restaurant not to miss is the five–diamond Canto del Mar. This 30–seat elegant restaurant with is an eight–course tasting room of French cuisine, personally prepared by Chef Dufour, who has worked in a Michelin two–star restaurant in France. No need to bring your reading glasses because there are no printed menus here! After dinner, step across the hall to the cigar lounge for an after–dinner drink.

Service here gets mixed reviews, with some guests saying it doesn't match up to the lofty rates for both the rooms and the restaurants. Others have better luck, depending on occupancy levels, their room class, and whether there's a wedding going on.

Through their Fabulous Cabo Package, the Marquis offers specialized designed packages to its elite guests: private jet service to hotel, exclusive golf at the Cabo Real or Cabo del Sol courses for the day, personal cars, private concert with Carlos Santana, or private yacht with full crew. Step up to this level and it's a whole different story.


Web Address: www.marquisloscabos.com
Total Number of Rooms: 237
Published rates: $380 to $4,145

Review and photos by Diana Rowe.