An escape at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula can be a luxury getaway if Starwood Hotels & Resorts' two classic area properties are clients' destinations. Both offer the sparkling Sea of Cortes and its pristine beaches as a backdrop, but there's still a tough choice for clients to make: cozy, seaside village or modern setting?
If it's a traditional, hacienda-style abode clients desire, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar is their spot. But if they prefer a sleek setting, check them into the Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos.
Both are nestled in "the corridor," the beachfront tourist destination between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
While the two properties are starkly different in appearance, both offer the full resort experience: access to the ocean, multiple pools, upscale dining and spa services.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos
"We pride ourselves on the ability to uphold the Westin brand, while creating a unique and one-of-a-kind experience," said Pablo Flores, general manager.
The Westin embodies modern Mexican architecture, with large structures, simple yet powerful lines and memorable color. The rooms, each with a private terrace with ocean view, are located in the "arch," a section of the property that is modeled after el Arco, the rock formation where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific.
Inside, the spacious rooms are done in serene desert colors and have stone floors. The rooms have a sitting area and desk, bathtub and walk-in shower and are equipped with high-speed Internet access.
As is typical of Mexico, there are great moments of color: Part of the giant lobby is painted bright pink, and there are splashes of blue throughout the resort to remind visitors of the cool sea.
The sea is a constant companion at the Westin. Guests can dip their toes in the water and walk along the beach, but swimming is not recommended in Cabo; the currents are strong and the coastline rocky.
The Westin has 243 guestrooms, including 14 suites, seven swimming pools and five restaurants, along with several bars (and the requisite swim-up bar) and lounge areas. A more raucous night out generally requires a trip to Cabo San Lucas.
The Westin's restaurants all have ocean views. The upscale Arrecifes has live jazz and dancing. La Playa, closest to the beach, serves more casual fare, such as fish tacos. La Cascada has an amazing breakfast buffet. The Ciruelo, nestled in the cliffs above the resort, offers a stunning view of the ocean and is a must for a sunset drink.
The resort's spa offers an array of services. Massages on the beach are available, a wonderful experience with the sound of the waves, as long as there is at least a little breeze at the time of the appointment.
Sheraton Hacienda del Mar
Sitting on 28 acres, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar offers a peaceful, more intimate setting for visitors. The lush, tropical gardens, cobblestone lanes, traditional courtyards and colonial architecture gives an "Old Mexico" feel to the place, but not at the expense of modern amenities.
The resort has grown to 270 rooms, including 31 suites. Some have beach views, others overlook the gardens and courtyards, but all have private terraces. The standard rooms are large and feature terra cotta tile floors, traditional Mexican-style furniture and the ever-comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds. The spacious bathrooms have Jacuzzi tubs and walk-in showers.
The rooms have high-speed Internet service, but in the main lobby area you'll find a bank of laptops with Internet service, making it a popular gathering spot. There are four restaurants, several bars and four pools, including one with a swim-up bar and an infinity pool with an ocean view.
As for dining options, the De Cortez Grill & Restaurant, which rests on the beach, offers an especially romantic setting for drinks and dinner. The hotel can also arrange a table right on the beach.
Pitahayas is the Sheraton's premier restaurant and features Pacific Rim-style food and a top wine selection. The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences has honored Pitahayas with its five star-diamond award for the ninth consecutive year.
Los Tomates has patio and indoor seating with pool and ocean views. It has a full buffet at breakfast (try the chilaquiles) and also serves lunch and dinner. Girasoles de la Hacienda features tamales, tacos and fajitas. La Suerte bar serves more than 100 varieties of tequila.
The Cactus Spa and Fitness Center offers a selection of massages, body treatments and facials and also has a full-service salon. There also is a coed relaxation room to enjoy before or after spa treatments.
The Sheraton is offering various packages that start at $229 per night, three-night minimum and two per room. The Westin has similar packages starting at $209 per night.
For more, visit www.westinloscabos.com, www.sheratonloscabos.com or www.starwoodhotels.com.
Editor's note: This report originally referred to the properties as being all-inclusive, with all amenities included in the price.