THE POOLS AT CAPELLA PEDREGAL, CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

Capella Pedregal in Cabo is like no other property we’ve visited. The location is stunning, overlooking “Lands End” where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, at what some consider to be the edge of the world. The coolest part is that the resort is accessible only via a thousand-foot-long tunnel, cut into the mountain in a massive feat of engineering. It’s long and dark, with actual chandeliers lighting the way. You emerge into the light and to the hotel entrance in such a dramatic, James Bond-like way, you can’t help but be delighted. Or at least intrigued.

And the intrigue continues throughout the resort. My room felt like an old-fashioned hacienda, with lots of wood, tile and textiles; a fireplace; a semi-open rainforest shower area; and an old-fashioned, clawfoot-style bathtub. I especially liked the smaller details like binoculars on the table for whale watching and the guest information presented in an old-fashioned briefcase.

There are two infinity pools for general guest use, plus many rooms feature private plunge pools on the balcony. It hot in Cabo and coming back to the room and being able to go for a quick dip at any hour and in complete privacy is true luxury. There’s even a villa available for rent with it’s own infinity pool.

The resort itself has a Mexico-meets-Mediterranean feel, highlighted by ocean-facing cliffside buildings and the blue-and-white domed roof of the Auriga spa. I loved the natural stone details, the prismatic tiles, whispering fountains, driftwood sculptures.

The pools are pretty much as they seem in the photos—relaxed, luxurious. The poolside service is extremely attentive. The views are stunning. Chilled towels are plentiful. There weren’t too many kids during my visit, though I’m sure they would be welcome and pampered.

The whole place drips with quiet, understated elegance. It’s sophistication in the desert and really does feel like taking a time-out from reality, at the edge of one beautiful world.

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