Ten Reasons to Never leave the New Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
One night my husband and I were relaxing on our warm star-lit balcony, sipping tea and reading magazines. We had been reflecting on how we got here, how lucky we felt to have this time, and how in the world we could replicate the exact room design at ryokan-inspired Nobu Los Cabos in a future home. “Honey, take pictures of everything! I want this closet, this teak bathtub, this mirrored lighting, this chaise lounge, this built-in seating area, this Zen calm no-clutter feeling.” A girl can dream and I always say Dream Big or don’t dream at all.
As I gazed up at the liquid black night sky with no light pollution, a gold dust sparkle zoomed directly in front of my eyes across the intertwining pools lasting longer than seemed reasonable, until it extinguished. Not like other comets or shooting stars I had seen before; could it have been a UFO, a drone, or were my eyes playing tricks on me?
But here we were at the new grand Nobu Los Cabos resort, where at this time of night it was eerily quiet at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula. The property, situated farther away from the main drag from most of the other major resorts, is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Days later I wondered if maybe aliens were real, if I really did see that burning spark, and perhaps it was a sign. The Nobu Los Cabos property not only left us in awe of its architectural design, laid back luxury, and breathtaking sunsets, but left me in complete wonder of what happened that night in Cabo. Today a more mature crowd shows up in Cabo where over 300 days of sun reign supreme. Launched in 2013, the Nobu Hotel concept is crafted and cultivated by world-famous Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Academy Award-winning actor, Robert De Niro. Here are ten reasons you should bunker down at the new Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – rain or shine or shimmering night time sky.
Zen Rooms
Blending contemporary Japanese minimalism with locally sourced natural Mexican materials and unique elements of Cabo San Lucas, the Deluxe Room, with its illuminating light, feels serene. The 200-room property with about half suites, are designed with views of the ocean, desert, pool, and gardens. Our spacious minimalist room with King bed had several areas to lounge – a slender built-in couch, a chaise lounge, and private balcony.
Feeling like a mini apartment, the bathroom – with its traditional Japanese-style Onsen teak soaking tub with a pebble backdrop and double stone vanities with Italian stone – is a haven in itself. Most rooms also come with a private butler who will fulfill any of your needs. Other little room perks that go a long way are exceptional tea options, a Nespresso coffee machine with in-room dairy and almond milk, garment steamers, in-room dining, and wet swimsuit bags. Rooms booked on the ground floor have walk-out pools that connect with one of the main pools.
Pools abound
Hop around to four pools or pick one all day – from infinity pools, private cabanas, and a swim up bar, to super-sized cabanas on the beach with their own full bathroom, TV, living area, and beachside pool. It can get windy on the Pacific, so stay warm in the pool-size jacuzzi by the beach and consider a sunset dip. Other hot tubs dot the property for privacy and lounging.
Nobu Restaurant and Bar
The world renowned Nobu Restaurant and Bar, located on the Pacific Ocean, showcases their extensive menu of signature dishes and omakase menus. Inspired by Chef Nobu’s classical training in Tokyo and Peru, guests can expect the latest Japanese-fusion trends and inventive dishes. Diners come from all over the world to experience Nobu Restaurants.
Here in Los Cabos you can expect Nobu’s signature dishes, like rock shrimp tempura, miso black cod, and yellowtail sashimi. Besides Japanese fish, Nobu Los Cabos sources local seafood like lobster, shrimp, oysters, chocolate clams, red snapper, marlin, and tuna. Trained in Malibu, Chef Marko heads up the kitchen. Some of our favorite dishes included miso glazed Japanese eggplant, king crab salad, salmon sashimi from New Zealand, tuna 4 ways, and grilled ribeye with Shiitake mushrooms and aioli, while the desserts are just as impressive – Japanese whiskey ice cream with yogurt mousse and the Paris-Brest, a French dessert made of a wheel-shaped choux pastry and praline-flavored cream, which is an homage to a famed bicycle race.
Signature touches abound, like a “Nobu” stamp on the lime in your drink, on the tamago (Japanese custard dessert), or on the chopsticks you use. It feels like a complete experience, where you are in Nobu’s world and it’s sublime.
The relaxed and spacious restaurant space, with glass interiors, also has several outdoor seating levels. You can easily make an evening here dining and drinking (with two bars) next to the waves. Once a month, Nobu Los Cabos hosts a grand party with a visiting chef. We happened to be there for a special omakase menu from Los Angeles Chef Jay, a dazzling firework show oceanside, and complementary Havana Club cocktail bar.
Malibu Farm
The farm to table restaurant, started on the pier in Malibu from Chef Helene Henderson’s garden, has expanded to numerous locations around the world. Now at laid back chic Malibu Farm in Los Cabos, the same local, healthy, sustainably-sourced produce can be found in the dishes to satisfy healthy-savvy travelers. Brunch and lunch offerings include tantalizing options like seared tuna salad, a grass-fed burger, vegan coconut veggie tofu, avocado pizza, breakfast burritos, cauliflower crust pizza, and broccoli mashed potatoes.
Our memorable dinner included crab cakes, a 2-pound lobster from La Paz, and Catch of the Day – a whole Lubina fish similar to seabass. The sensational cocktail menu offers options like papaya and strawberry-infused tequila with agave and mango dill infused Pisco.
On the weekend, set prices can be found for all-you-can-drink cocktails or rose´ and bubbly. Make sure to ask about the all-you-can-eat menu with a set price on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 5. Other restaurant options include Playabar near the pool and beach, Pacific Restaurant Bar for upscale Mexican, a lobby café, and the Cortez Swim-up Bar, all serving modern Mexican-inspired fare.
Spa Wellness
The almost 14,000 square foot spa boasts 13 treatment rooms, salon services, and indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy. Come early for a eucalyptus steam or a dry sauna with chilled scented towels before your treatment. Don’t be surprised if an attendant brings you cut aloe to soothe your body. Follow your massage or facial with time in the outdoor pool circuits and brave the cold-water bucket dump.
You can easily spend an afternoon sipping tea at their outdoor co-ed lounge area. Make sure to check out the activity schedule here to see what is offered hourly, like yoga, fitness training, bracelet making or cocktail classes. Spa treatments are fueled by Natura Bisse products (also found in-room), a 40-year-old Spanish skincare brand that works with spas in 36 countries to develop the world’s best beauty experiences. Products are also available for purchase.
Numerous private areas
It’s not hard to find solace at Nobu Los Cabos since the property is so massive. It often feels like you own the whole place, especially when privacy is easy to find – from a culinary garden, fully equipped cabanas, and intimate hot tubs dotted throughout.
Fitness Facility
For those who like to remain healthy while traveling, run outside on the oceanfront walkway and make some laps or get your booty to the new clean full-service gym offering classes like water exercise, spin, and indoor/outdoor yoga. Chlorophyll water at the door is a nice way to start your sweat.
For the Kids
The Kids Club for ages 4-12 is the best scene to leave a child with elegant décor, a mini climbing wall, arts and crafts projects, and interactive hands-on games. Ping pong is outside near the Kids Club too.
Golf Outing
As part of staying at Nobu Los Cabos, you gain access to golf courses on the Diamante Cabo San Lucas Resort complex next door designed by David Love III and Tiger Woods. The Dunes Course by Davis Love is ranked #36 in the world by Golf Magazine. El Cardonal is Tiger Woods’ first-ever golf course design with dramatic long-range views of the Pacific Ocean. A small 9-hole par 3 course is perfect for beginners.
Security and Ease
At no additional cost, a driver greets you at the airport to drive you to the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos. As you approach the resort, your ride treks you through the cardon cacti landscape where you enter through a heavily gated area with security. No one is allowed on the property without a reservation at the hotel or restaurants.