"Give us the wide-angle view: what's this place like?Nevermind Cabo's reputation for attracting wild spring breakers: this hotel is closer to the less touristy San José del Cabo, not Cabo San Lucas, and it attracts a refined crowd that still spans ages. No matter the visitor—young couple, multi-gen family, groups of adults, parents traveling with little ones—this hotel is set up to cater to them. Designed by by IDEA Asociados and Olson Kunding Architects, it's all clean lines, sharp angles, stone, concrete—and views of the Sea of Cortez. It's got five pools, six restaurants, a top-notch spa, and a Greg Norman-designed golf course. This hotel is for visitors coming to Cabo to indulge, but not by partying the night away. Wow—this place has it all. And who's staying here?Guests range in age and size of party—families love the kids' club and other child-friendly amenities, couples love the adults-only pool area with swim-up bar, and retirees and larger groups love the hotel-within-a-hotel Griffin Club section—but they're all fairly well-traveled, well-heeled, and of the same mindset when it comes to their resort vacation. They come here because it ticks off all the boxes: great food and drink, ideal location, spa, proximity to quality vacation experiences, and plenty to keep them busy if they don't want to leave the hotel. It's luxury, but in an approachable, family-friendly way. What was your room like?I stayed in the Griffin Club, which commands higher rates, but I vote worth it. Taking up one corner of the property, it's got 39 rooms and suites, its own pool, patio, lounge, kitchen, screening room, and game room, and includes breakfast every morning, light snacks and free beverages (including wine and beer) all day and evening until 11 p.m. It also has two dedicated butlers to assist guests with reservations, transportation, and other needs. Rooms had smooth tile floors, king beds with crisp, cool linens, and balconies with views of the pool and ocean. Bathrooms were especially large, with discrete rain shower and toilets, as well as large soaking tubs. Plenty of storage and cabinets kept everything organized and out of site, so it always felt clean and open. Tell us about the little things, like the mini bar and toiletries—what were you desperate to sneak home with you?For being in a part of Baja famous for its touristy leanings, the hotel does a great job of featuring quality products by local artisans: colorful, hand-woven beaded necklaces were waiting in the room upon our arrival; daily news was delivered in hand-made woven bags that hung on the door; each room had stylish, locally made pool bags guests could borrow during their stay (or buy at the end), and the bathrooms had artisan bowls, also made nearby, that held bath salts (also available for purchase). The on-site boutique specialized in quality Mexican products, from clothing and beachwear to ceramics, jewelry, and chocolate. Wifi at the Griffin Club was included in rate, and very strong. Bathroom products were by Bulgari and Apothecary Associates. Room service: Worth it?Room service echoed the menus at the casual restaurants at the hotel, like the Nak Grill & Bar, and had its own set of classics, as well as a children's menu, which was especially nice when we had a night where we just didn't want to get dressed and leave the room. It came especially quickly (faster than I ever remember room service anywhere I've stayed), and eating on our balconies while listening to the ocean was as memorable as a meal out. How was the service? Did anything stand out, in a good—or bad—way?The staff at the Griffin Club, who were attentive, friendly, and fully committed to making sure guests had a good stay. Also, Carlos at the Jasha Spa sets a new standard for massage technique. How about the other features, like the decadent food, or the well-made cocktails? Anything you want to call out?The pools warrant some ink: the adults-only bar, which abuts one of the restaurants, features a swim-up tiled bar. The kids' pool has sprinklers and toys are on hand to borrow. Finally, the saltwater pool is made up of three tiered pools, and directly face the ocean. The Niparaya bar pours proper cocktails and serves creative sushi; the Nak Bar has a noteworthy range of tacos (the Baja fish or the shrimp are the ones to get). And the spa. Do not miss the spa, which has private pools, a temazcal (traditional sweat lodge), jacuzzis, saunas, and some of the loveliest treatment rooms I've ever seen. No one in our party had a bad massage or facial. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Here's how our group summarized the merits of this hotel: it's luxury, but affordable luxury, and family-friendly for all ages and group sizes. It's for people who indulge by relaxing, eating good meals, and who appreciate some nice surroundings. Note the sculpture in the terraced gardens by Jaume Plensa, note the meticulously landscaped plants and flowers everywhere, note that there's no bad view no matter where you are on the property. It's rare you feel so instantly in vacation mode when you arrive somewhere after a cross-country flight." - Corina Quinn
