Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What was your first impression?There's an unassuming overlook at the entrance of the hotel, and this is the first place you should go when you step out of the car. You'll see the hilly sand dunes that the hotel is built on, with all the buildings at various heights stretching down to the water—every single one with glorious beach-facing views. Take it all in before the friendly staff brings you to your room, with a quick tour of the property along the way. What's the backstory?Zadun is the fourth Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world, making it stand out in the massive Marriott portfolio (this is as top-tier as it gets), as well as among Los Cabos' many other stunning hotel properties. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?The rooms feel luxuriously spacious, with a living room, dining space, massive bed, walk-in closet, and a tub and a shower. You'll want to spend as much time as you can on the outdoor terrace, with its plunge pool (just about every room has one), seating area, and beautiful views. The rooms are set up in a bi-level structure—the ones upstairs have a bit more privacy and elevated views, while the downstairs ones have their own beach access. The lighting system is inspired, too—each light switch has a full-brightness mode, a dim mode, and a completely off mode. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wi-fi is free and strong. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?There are several different restaurants at Zadun, each with a different Latin American twist. The main restaurant, Humo, is an Argentinean-inspired grill, with steak and seafood cooked to perfection. The all-day restaurant has a Mexican street market feel, with huevos rancheros in the morning and tacos throughout the day. And the adults-only raw bar serves incredibly fresh ceviche and tiraditos based on the catch of the day. And the service? The service was seamless and impeccable, with staff at every turn happy with a golf cart ride, restaurant recommendation, or even just to talk about your day. Check in and check out are done at your room—there's no true front desk—and each room has its own tosoani, a staffer dedicated to making sure all your needs are met, from reservations to planning out your trip. What type of travelers will you find here?Cabo regulars are just about the most demanding of vacationers—they've stayed at the best of the best, and any new entrant is sure to be met with a high level of skepticism. But Zadun knocks every expectation out of the park and will provide some true competition to the area's top hotels. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The hotel is located in the Puertos Los Cabos area, near a JW Marriott and Secrets. But the truth is, you won't be spending much time outside the resort—unless you're on a whale-watching excursion or spending some time shopping and gallery-hopping in downtown San Jose del Cabo. Is there anything you'd change? Absolutely not. Any other hotel features worth noting?There's an Ambassadors of the Environment program here—also found in a few select Ritz-Carltons around the world—that can organize nature-oriented activities, like bird-watching or whale-watching. It's run by scientists, and any information they find on your excursion gets sent off to be recorded. The beach here isn't swimmable—but Zadun more than makes up for it with its numerous pools. Don't skip out of the Alkemia spa, a 30,000-square-foot space that feels like it could be its own standalone hotel, given its size and over-the-top wellness amenities, from a Vichy shower to a temazcal (a sweat lodge). Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Absolutely. It's a splurge, especially given that you can't redeem or earn Marriott points here. But there are only four of these properties in the world, and much like the way Aman junkies will travel the world for an Aman, every single Ritz-Carlton Reserve is worth experiencing for yourself." - Stephanie Wu
