Paradise Found in Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Just back from?

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas.

What brought you to Cabo?

My friend Meg and I needed a break after the year we've all had. She lives in Wyoming and I live in NYC, and we both work in hospitality. Cabo was a good mid-way location for the criteria that we had: ocean, pool, massage, good weather, good food, luxury, and two queen beds.

How did you pick the destination?

By reading Fathom. The Four Seasons' reputation for excellent service and luxury was a big reason we picked it as our hotel.

How did you get there?

I flew direct from JFK to Cabo on Delta (my fave American airline), which was amazing. It was also wonderful to have access in the early hours at JFK to Skyclub lounge (coffee, breakfast burrito, yogurt, muffin). Small Covid tip: I booked AM Plus, and the empty center seat was a huge relief. When I turned to look at the jam-packed, full economy cabin, I was very happy to have paid an extra $80 (which also got me my seat choice, priority boarding, carry-on bag, and a premium seat).

The return was trickier. I flew Aeromexico from Cabo to Mexico City, then Mexico City to JFK. Connecting was fine (I love CMDX and the airport with the dots), but it was a long day.

How did you get around?

We didn't! We did not leave the resort the entire time, nor did we feel compelled to. There is a lot to do in the East Cape area — the hotel can arrange horseback riding, sailing, visiting waterfalls, snorkeling, and off-roading through dunes — but that's not what we were here for. Four nights was perfect for totally relaxing.

How was the resort?

Let's start with our room. It was spacious, with an ocean view overlooking four pools, which we enjoyed from the generous balcony, a large sofa, coffee table, and an easy chair. It was all well-appointed and very tasteful. The design was particularly comforting because it was minimal with just the right mix of warm and inviting indigenous design elements (wall hangings, beautiful woven baskets, graphic thick cotton throws, subdued colors) and luxurious linens and fixtures, like the beautiful, wood mid-century hutch that was home to the coffee maker and margarita making station. Fresh fruit, champagne, and sweet chocolate treats at turndown were a lovely touch.

How did they know our names at every turn? At the restaurants, the pool, and the spa? Hospitality was in the DNA of the resort. Every single employee seemed overjoyed to be there, spreading sunshine in the sunshine. We developed big respect for the warm hospitality shown to us.

The spa was equally perfect in its design and execution. Every detail was calm, comfortable, and luxurious. My masseuse had magic hands. There was running water everywhere: The sound was exquisite. Not seeing another person anywhere made for an ideal experience, except for the person offering warm ginger tea. (It was also the most expensive massage I’d ever had.)

The resort has three excellent restaurants and a food truck. We enjoyed it all. Night one was a Taco Omakase tasting featuring a special chef from Oaxaca. We were in heaven. (I started drinking margaritas, which may have contributed to that heavenly feeling.) Our favorite restaurant was Limon, where everything is cooked over a wood grill. It was so delicious, we went twice, including the night we celebrated my birthday. Dining with a cotton candy sunset under an umbrella on grilled whole cauliflower or fresh house-made pasta with roasted cherry tomato pasta and grilled sea bass — heaven again. (Aperol spritz heaven this time.)

Ah, the pool. I think that this is the memory that will be cemented in my brain the longest. We went for R&R&L (rest, relaxation, luxury). And this is what you can’t get at just any hotel or resort. The views from the pool, the temperature of the water, the look of the U shape design, the choice of lounge beds, the food, the amenities (tuna crudo, small tacos, ice cream on a stick, spicy something on a corn chip). It was all beyond perfect. We saw someone order a glass of champagne, and decided when in Cabo…

We had not expected to be treated like long-lost friends or family.

What did you know by the last day that you wish you had known on the first?

How to really relax into the experience.

This was especially great:

The service, from check in to check out, was attentive, warm, and professional.

But this wasn’t:

We couldn’t find travel-sized moisturizers.

What’s the local speciality?

Taco’s, fresh papaya, huevos rancheros, margaritas, wood-grilled fish.

Speed round of favorites.

1. Meal:
Grilled whole cauliflower.

2. Thing you did:
The spa.

3. Casual hangout:
The food truck by the golf course for tacos and beer.

Any surprises?

The clean, minimal, warm design of the hotel and rooms. Spacious, high ceilings. Luxury but not sterile. Also, it's worth noting that the website does NOT do the hotel justice.

You can’t stop thinking about:

East Cape, the adults-only pool. Full stop. This will be the memory. Lounging in the water sipping Aperol — lots of laughing.

The Instagram moment:

This trip was a splurge , so we didn’t want to share it on Instagram. If I were to share any images, they would be the beach, palm trees, and ocean views. The architecture of the lobby area. The crafts, furnishings, details.

What's the #1 tip you'd give a friend who wanted to go?

If you want low-key luxury — and if you can afford it, because it's not cheap — this is the place.

Would you go back?

100 percent.

Keep Exploring Los Cabos and Baja California: Check out Fathom's guide.